| Lisa Smith (Co-chair) | Apologies |
| Candace Thomas (Co-chair) | Present |
| Esther Stubbs (Vice-chair) | Apologies |
| Maria Bowers (Vice-chair) | Present |
| Anne Walker (Treasurer) | Apologies |
| Hazel Marsh | Apologies |
| Sue Mutter | Apologies |
| Colin Clark | Present |
| Hilary Heath | Present |
| Brian Foster | Present |
| Margaret Wood | Present |
| Aluna Lepadatu | Present |
| Thomas Acton | Present |
Agenda
- Apologies
- Minutes of previous Meeting
- Matters Arising
- Finance Update
- Correspondence
- Research
- Priorities for 2o25
- AOB
Minutes of previous meeting
Agreed/Amended
Finance
Discussion
- CAF bank £7115.57
- PayPal £ 754.64
- TOTAL £7870.21
Action
ACERT Correspondence summary from March 10 to April 14 2025
Discussion
- Various newsletters.
- Letter from Sue Mutter resigning as a trustee. Reply?
- Charlie Hayes BBC re: Children Missing Education. Thomas responded.
- Wendy Price University of Sunderland requesting ACERT help publicise a GRTHM Storytelling and Song online masterclass available to schools on June 14 9.30 to 10.30 with Richard O’Neill and George Hoyle. Website?
- Brian shared Roma Day information from Central European University . CEU event: https://events.ceu.edu/2025-04-08/job-market-opportunities-and-challenges-romani-graduates-launch-mentoring-program
- Roma Support Group: Please share. #InternationalRomaDay
- We are thrilled to share this BBC 1 Sunday Morning Live programme marking the International Roma Day 2025. The full show is available on BBC iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0029sl8/sunday-morning-live-series-16-06042025
Actions
- Candace agreed to draft a letter thanking Sue Mutter for her contribution and circulate it to the EC.
- EC to review position on Modern Slavery
Conference Cambridge Fair
Discussion
EC discussed the possibility of setting up a stall at an upcoming event, with Thomas expressing his willingness to manage it. We also considered the idea of hosting a conference, possibly at the end of the year, with a focus on inclusivity for young people. This links to our need for a social media policy and the importance of having a strong brand for their organisation.
Marie suggested regrouping for next year’s Cambridge Fair and developing a cohesive voice for the organisation.
Action
Decision not to organise an ACERT day this year due to lack of preparation time and some personal concerns.
Higher Education Forum
Discussion
Candace suggested the inclusion of students and the development of guiding principles for research involving the community. Chelsea McDonagh, has expressed interest in joining their efforts.
Action
Reach out to Chelsea.
Social Media
Discussion
The group discusses plans for their social media presence. They agree to reinstate a previous arrangement with Federica, a social media expert, to manage their online content.
Action
Candace suggested meeting weekly to create content with Federica
Ofsted report card consultation
Discussion
Brian has drafted a response to the consultation but would like another meeting to discuss the final submission before the deadline 28th April.
He reported the consultation is very complex and he has drafted a position paper to clarify his thinking. This might serve as one of the position papers clarifying “Where we stand”.
Action
Meeting scheduled for Monday 21st April
Education Support Network
Date and time
Wednesday, 7th May 2025 1:30 – 3:00pm
Agenda:
- Emma Nuttall – Plans for GRT History Month 2025
- A short film by Rosa Cisneros and Dee Cooper introduced by Esther Stubbs
- A new film to encourage Roma to consider the opportunities of Higher Education, from Roma Voice introduced by Aluna Lepadatu
- Updates from Network participants
- Future meetings
Action
Next meeting
