Report: Integration programmes increase cooperation but need more targets

NordenBladet — Municipal integration programmes increase cooperation and commit decision-makers to promotion of integration. However, the programmes would benefit from performance targets and increased monitoring of such targets, according to a report by Innolink Group and the Migration Institute of Finland. The preparation of integration programmes strengthens regional cooperation between municipalities, different sectors and different authorities. The content and purpose of municipal programmes differ, especially as regards the type of programme, i.e. whether it is a target programme, a description of services or a cross between them, the report says. If objectives are included at all, their setting and monitoring focus on measures rather than on monitoring the promotion of integration. In many municipalities, measuring the progress of integration is not sufficiently concrete, or in the worst case, there is not even an attempt to monitor integration and assess the effectiveness of measures. Municipalities need clearer guidance in preparation of programmesThe report on the integration programmes of municipalities was commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and produced by Innolink Group and the Migration Institute of Finland. Its results will be used in the reform of the Integration Act, following the release of the report on integration. According to the report, municipalities do not always have the competence or resources to carry out demanding target-oriented programmes. If the future legislation requires municipal integration programmes, municipalities will need more support and more detailed instructions for such programmes. Some municipalities have also expressed the wish for common integration indicators. On the other hand, the differences between municipalities make the drafting of uniform guidelines difficult.  Integration programmes should be integrated into municipal strategiesMost municipalities find integration programmes useful, because they facilitate the exchange of information, stir discussion and increase cooperation. In order to increase the usefulness and impact of the programmes, they should, however, be more closely linked to the strategic activities of municipalities, according to the report.Municipalities should also increase the monitoring of targets and involve immigrants and other residents in the preparation of the programmes. Central government, on the other hand, should clarify the guidelines for integration programmes, organise training for municipalities and provide support for monitoring integration.