Our Agency Network Emergency Fund Policy

The Our Agency Network administers an emergency fund, the purpose of which is to help relieve material poverty for individuals whilst maintaining the highest levels of dignity possible. Wherever possible, the Our Agency network aims for people to receive their own income which they can spend how they wish. There are cases where receiving income may cause harm or legal complications for individuals, for example if they are in receipt of state benefits or where they have no recourse to public funds. The emergency fund can only be used for specific items which can be evidenced via receipts rather than time.

Rather than limiting ourselves to a traditional expenses policy which sets out how to reclaim expenses which are incurred as a result of ‘work’ which has been carried out, such as travel costs, room hire or art materials, we want to set out the ways in which we can stand in solidarity with you and make it as simple, easy and dignified as possible to access the fund. So in addition to the things we have spoken about already (room hire etc), we want you to be able to use this fund to pay for things such as energy bills, clothing, visa fees or most other expenses which are making the cost of living too high for you.

Principles and values

The following principles underpin the work of the Our Agency network:

Anti-exploitation - ie material poverty is not permitted, freedom and agency is prioritised, and oppression is opposed.
Collective decision making and mutual accountability, and;
The valuing of the contribution of all, whatever their aspirations, needs and abilities – i.e. whether people’s activities are conventionally productive (work/income generation) or focused, for example, on artistic endeavour, or on care, recovery and/or healing.

The way the Our Agency network administers expenses will be in keeping with these principles. There will be an initial shared emergency pot where claims will be approved by John, Cathy and Matt. In the longer term each group will produce its own guidance for members on how they can access the funds.

To draw down from the initial emergency pot please contact Matt or John and discuss your situation and what would be most helpful at this moment in time. Remember, this is money which belongs to the groups, and we do not want you to feel like you are having to come to us cap in hand to justify why exactly you need it for.

Contribution to Our Agency Network

Emergency Fund

Collective balance