The most immediate need is for financial donations.

UNHCR is urgently upscaling relief operations across Ukraine and in neighbouring countries to support fleeing civilians. Urgent needs include shelter, relief items such as blankets, and specialist protection – all rely on voluntary donations.

A presentation by UNCHR is available here. For more information, contact Tom McKenzie, Strategic Lead on Partnerships.

The Ukrainian Embassy in the UK has established this page for those who may wish to donate to direct funds.

The Mayor of London has prepared a summary of ways to donate and to support a range of charities providing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

In response to the Ukraine crisis the UK has launched two bespoke visa schemes for Ukrainians and their qualifying family members: the Family Scheme and the Sponsorship Scheme (also know as Homes for Ukraine).

Both schemes give the opportunity for applicants to relocate to the UK with permission to work, study, and claim public benefits. Employers can register their ability to provide accommodation or signpost the scheme to interested staff.

For more information about the sponsorships scheme read this article by Shara Pledger, Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons.

HMRC has issued legislation to make it simpler to move humanitarian aid from Great Britain. The simplification of customs processes applies to goods intended to support those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Read the latest advice here.

Reset Communities and Refugees are launching a web tool to connect refugees with sponsors across the UK. Further information is available here.

Organisations like Breaking Barriers have experience of supporting businesses to hire refugees. This guide gives an overview of their activity

For any businesses who want to support the provision of free English lessons for Ukrainian refugees, see this appeal from the Invicta Academy.

London First is coordinating a business support for Ukraine with a pledge. The pledge asks businesses to make a commitment to offer jobs and wider support to Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, working in partnership with charities and other service providers to make sure refugees are fully supported, given the trauma they will have experienced. The business pledge is designed to demonstrate the strength of business commitment and help lobbying effort to with government to make employing all refugees more straightforward, recognising that many refugees currently in the UK are not in employment. If your business would like to support this pledges find out more here.

Guidance on French customs regarding the temporary regime for Ukraine and humanitarian is available here. The French Embassy in the UK can assist any businesses intending to send humanitarian aid to TUkraine. Please contact londres.dgddi(@)douane.finances.gouv.fr

The UK government provides guidance on how to offer work to people who have come to the UK from Ukraine.