| Lisa Smith (Co-chair) | Apologies |
| Candace Thomas (Co-chair) | Present |
| Esther Stubbs (Vice-chair) | Apologies |
| Marie Bowers (Vice-chair) | Present |
| Anne Walker (Treasurer) | Present |
| Hazel Marsh | Apologies |
| Colin Clark | Present |
| Brian Foster | Present |
| Margaret Wood | Present |
| Aluna Lepadatu | Present |
| Thomas Acton | Apologies |
Agenda
- Apologies
- Treasurer’s Report
- DfE Stakeholder group: ACERT representation – Esther
- National strategy for GRT in education: Lobby for re-engagement? –
Marie - Film for Roma Voice: ‘Hey, Rolmale, ashunen! Higher Education.’
Screening at Lord Mayor’s GRTHM event. – Aluna - Any other business. – All
Minutes of previous meeting
Matters arising
Candace, Margaret, and Anne discussed Lisa’s absence
Margaret reminded the EC that Hilary Heath has decided not to continue as a trustee due to work and domestic pressures.
Brian had overlooked the email drafted by Marie thanking Sue Mutter for her service as a trustee and EC member of ACERT.
We agreed to not take a stance on modern slavery, as it’s not an educational issue. We need to take clear positions on issues like relationships education, and to engage with communities to spread their views.
Brian explained that he had responded to the consultation on the Ofsted report card on behalf of ACERT.
Agreed/Amended
Actions
Brian to send out Sue Mutter letter.
Candace to contact Chelsea regarding involvement with ACERT. Colin is also in touch with her.
Finance
Discussion
- PayPal £747.86
- CafBank £6793.51
- TOTAL £7541.37
Action
DfE Stakeholder group: ACERT representation
Discussion
Emma Nuttall of FFT had contacted ACERT to ask if we had been invited to DfE Stakeholder Group meetings. It may be that invitations had gone directly to Lisa (as the Stakeholders were individuals selected by the chair rather than representatives of organisations.)
In view of our difficulties keeping in touch with Lisa and the fact that Candace will be going on maternity leave at some point, it was suggested that the vice-chairs became co-chairs in order that they have the status to step up as required. There was also a suggestion that, if we can contact Lisa, we should offer her a sabbatical or to keep her on the EC mailing list while working without her active involvement. We acknowledge Lisa’s past contributions and her importance as a public speaker for the organisation. They express a desire to maintain a positive relationship with her and would welcome her participation as and when she is available, but we need an arrangement that will allow ACERT to move forward.
Action
Candace: Contact DfE stakeholder group to update chair contact information and request meeting notifications, copying-in other chairs and including credentials.
Candace to try to contact Lisa to clarify her situation and discuss the best arrangement for both her and ACERT.
Higher education forum
Discussion
Marie shared her experience of giving a keynote speech at an event in Dublin, highlighting the willingness to encourage these groups into higher education. Ireland’s approach to the UK’s could be beneficial, potentially leading to a push for change in the UK. They also discussed the importance of a multi-level approach to education, rather than relying solely on top-down or grassroots efforts.
Owen Ward from the University of Galway who attended the Manchester Conference could be invited to contribute. Also someone from Dublin to provide a countrywide perspective.
Marie mentioned the issue of Romany students not identifying openly in universities. The forum should be a safe space for community members to share their thoughts. We could reach out to past contacts and institutions that have signed the GTRSB pledge.
Colin shared news about Shirley Barratt has completed her PhD and the passing of Judith Oakley.
Action
Candace and Marie to discuss organising initial higher education forum meeting with focus on community member participation.
Margaret: Reach out to Michael Barber and Owen Ward to explore their potential involvement in higher education initiatives.
Marie: Contact potential speakers from Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland or University College Dublin.
Social Media presence
Discussion
The media and marketing group plans to meet weekly and have Federica create content for ACERT social media pages. Candace also proposed that everyone in the group record voice notes for a project, and she suggested that each member of the group create a self-recorded video introducing themselves and their projects.
Action
EC Members: Record self-introduction videos for social media content when requested by Federica
GRTHM
Discussion
Aluna has offered to screen her film about Higher Education at the GLA’s History Month event. She initially received approval to screen the film in a separate room, but is pushing to have it shown in the main room for better visibility. Aluna is waiting for a response from the organizers and plans to follow up if she doesn’t hear back soon. The group discusses alternative strategies, including reaching out to Sue Mutter, who has been involved with GLA events in the past.
Action
Aluna: Contact Sue regarding GLA event organisation.
Education Support Network
Action
Margaret to check whether Michael Barber and Owen Ward (University of Galway) might be available to update us on their international work.
Next meeting
9th June 17:30 on Zoom
