Bringing the Refugee Council's powerful new brand to life
Building digital pathways for those who need it most
The Refugee Council had a challenge that we love: how do we bring their powerful new brand to life online? Their website wasn't just showing its age – it was becoming a challenge to fully support their incredible work. With multiple systems that had evolved over time and a digital presence that needed alignment with their bold new identity, it was time for a transformation that would match the strength and compassion at the heart of their mission.
Human-centred design
Working alongside the Refugee Council team, we set out to create something that would work for everyone – from someone who just arrived in the UK seeking safety to long-time supporters wanting to make a difference. We weren't just building a website; we were creating digital pathways to real-world impact.
What makes this project meaningful is who helped shape it. We worked directly with people with lived experience, listening to their needs and testing our ideas. The navigation makes sense because people who've navigated complex systems in crisis situations helped us get it right. The platform centres refugee voices and experiences, avoiding a "we help them" narrative to something more empowering.
Co-designing with The Developer Society team helped us focus on what really matters. We've built something together that not only looks like us but actually works for the people we support. That made all the difference.
Justin Morris, Head of Digital Refugee Council
A powerful new brand brought to life
The new brand flows naturally throughout the digital experience. Clean, readable typography that makes the content accessible while still feeling distinctive. The colours work together across the site—warming up certain sections, creating focus in others—all while maintaining that emotional thread we wanted.
The images show real refugee experiences with care and respect, positioned thoughtfully on each page to complement the content. All the digital elements—from how the menu works to the subtle hover states on buttons—embody what the organisation stands for.
The old site got the job done, but this new experience guides you through a journey that feels connected. When you land on the homepage, there's an immediate sense of purpose before you've read a single word. That's what happens when we bring a brand to life digitally rather than just dropping it into templates.
Making technology work for people
We created a unified Wagtail CMS that actually makes sense. This means:
✏️ Content creators can focus on storytelling
With the new CMS, the team can concentrate on crafting impactful narratives with a range of dynamic blocks and templates. The streamlined content management workflow removes technical barriers and puts the focus back on communicating their mission.
🌐 People can access information in their own languages
The multilingual capabilities make vital information accessible to those who need it most. By breaking down language barriers, the site ensures that people seeking asylum can find resources and support regardless of their primary language. Clear tagging and intuitive categorisation systems make services easier to discover and navigate, allowing users to quickly locate relevant assistance. Additionally, the use of universally recognisable icons alongside text further reduces barriers to understanding, making essential information accessible even for those with limited literacy or language proficiency.
🤝 The donation process became simpler and more intuitive
By integrating Fundraise Up with the Wagtail CMS, we created a seamless giving experience that removes unnecessary friction. This enhancement expands on how supporters can engage with the Refugee Council through diverse contribution options tailored to individual preferences, including one-off donations, monthly giving programs, targeted campaign support, and legacy planning through gifts in wills.
These flexible pathways not only make it easier for people to support the cause in ways that align with their personal circumstances but also help ensure the organisation's long-term sustainability. The intuitive system was designed to create meaningful connections while maintaining financial stability for continued impact.
🔄 The whole system can adapt to changing needs without requiring a rebuild
Wagtail's flexible framework gives the Refugee Council team the ability to evolve their content and features as needs change. The component-based architecture allows them to modify sections, add new content types, and reshape user journeys without technical bottlenecks or complete redesigns.
Looking forward
This freshly launched site isn't just a refresh – it's a foundation for the future. As the refugee landscape continues to change, this platform is designed to grow and adapt while maintaining the powerful brand presence that now defines their digital identity.
The project demonstrates what can happen when technical expertise meets genuine purpose. By bringing a bold brand vision to life across every interaction while addressing real human needs, we've created something that doesn't just serve a function – it aims to advance a cause.
In a sector where being seen and heard directly impacts lives, the Refugee Council now has a platform built to ensure their voice cuts through with the strength, clarity and compassion that defines everything they do across the UK. We're excited to see how this new digital presence supports their important work in the months and years ahead.
