EC meeting 11th July 2024

Current Balances

CAF Bank £7149.92

PayPal     £590.80

Total £7740.72

The reserves are running low. If we want to hold another conference we should either fundraise or charge an economic rate.

Action

Discussion

1. Laura Way Roehampton University building a bid for the Nuffield Foundation predominantly concerned around career/education advice and guidance for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers (with the view to co-develop resources which could be used, for example, by schools and by home educators). Would ACERT like to be involved? The bid would include funding for consultancy and to train and pay community members to help with the research.
2. Kanndoo a non-profit Community Interest Company that has’ve built a platform that will show people living in poverty ALL the support services in their local area. Would ACERT like to be listed?

Action

1. Candace expressed interest. Supported by EC. She will follow up. Colin would also like to be included. We have our experience and contact lists.
2. Agreed we should list ourselves.

Discussion

1. T code – new guidance refers to mobile families, not Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. No-one knows why; it was not discussed at the Stakeholder Group (due to purdah restrictions.) Law remains the same.
2. Monitoring the pledge – schools are asking “What do we get back?” ACERT offered Education Network Meetings, or possibly their own Pledge schools meetings. Others suggested online trading such as that provided by Juice Vamoos, annual questionnaire and feedback, CPD and help with Ofsted preparation.
3. Issues to do with Showmen who don’t want to be under the umbrella GRTSB.

Action

1. We could raise the T-code at the next Network meeting and include the change in a mailing to seek feedback from members and supporters.
2. Brian has sent dates of Education Network meetings to be shared with Pledge schools.
3. Candace will keep us updated on decisions about Showmen continuing to be included within the pledge umbrella group.

Discussion

1. Promising letter to teachers
2. Emma Nuttall drafting joint letter raising T code, stakeholder group and Women and Equalities committee report.

Action

1. Lisa and Candace to write congratulating her
2. Brian to share draft letter with EC

Discussion

• Between 11th July and 3rd October, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is conducting a public consultation on their three-year Strategic Plan 2025-8. Three focal areas: work; participation and good relations; justice and the balance of rights.
• Responses collected in the survey will be anonymised and analysed before being published in a report alongside the final plan in March 2025.
• Thomas suggested we should respond individually to add weight but it was agreed we should have a working group to offer guidelines of responding.

Action

• Lisa, Thomas and Siobhan might form the core of the working group and should liaise with Anne when they want to set up a Zoom meeting.

Discussion

How can we engage new people? people need to get to know us before they are invited to contribute. AGM to be on the 14th November. Theme before AGM to be interesting and engaging for new members.

We need someone or an something to attract attendance, such as: Richard O’Neil, Cabaret, Writing to Culture, Helen Snelson, Poetry (Kathleen Cunningham, Raine Geoghan), Roma Orchestra. No clear decision taken.

Action

• Message put in the newsletter to encourage new people to join so we can have a more participative AGM
• Lisa and Candace will follow up on interest Muzelly Parker, Joleen Chisholm, Esther Stubbs, Aluna Lepordatu, Marie Bowers

Discussion

Congratulations shared at our meeting but no-one delegated to convey them to the man himself!

Action

Discussion

Lisa updated us on the excellent progress being made by Patrin Films. Three projects.

Action