Power, Place, Participation
About this Event
As the UK enters a new era of devolved decision-making, this year's Traveller Movement Annual Conference will explore what local power means for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Traveller communities. Devolution presents a significant opportunity to reshape how decisions are made and how public services are delivered. However, if communities who have historically experienced exclusion are not actively involved, there is a risk that inequalities are simply transferred from Westminster to local government.
This year's conference will bring together community leaders, policymakers, elected representatives, academics, practitioners and allies to explore how inclusive devolution can deliver meaningful change.
Together, we will ask:
How can Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Traveller communities shape the decisions that affect their lives?
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 09:45 AM - 09:55 AM
Speakers to gather at main reception desk for photographs
Info: Gather at main reception
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Welcome from the Conference Co-Chairs
Host: Pauline Melvin-Anderson OBE
Info: Pauline, an Irish Traveller and long-time chair of the Traveller Movement, has expertly chaired our conference for many years. She brings extensive expertise in education and was recently appointed chair of the Department for Education’s Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Advisory Group.
Charmaine Abdul-Karim is a 25th-generation British Romanichal and founder of Pride of Romany, an organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the British Romany people. Through her advocacy and creative work, Charmaine inspires communities to value Romanichal heritage, foster understanding and cultural pride for future generations.
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Address
Info: Penny Hobman - Deputy Chief Executive, Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:40 AM
Panel 1
Host: Liam Shrivastava-Lewisham Mayor/Shaun Mongan - TM
Info: From Westminster to the Town Hall. Devolution, Democracy and what this means for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller Communities
🕑: 11:40 AM - 11:50 AM
Refreshments Break
Info: Teas and Coffees
🕑: 11:50 AM - 01:00 PM
Panel 2
Host: Roseann Black
Info: Around the Campfire: Identity, Belonging and Representation
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch and Networking
Info: Variety of food available including sandwiches, crisps, fruit, juice and water. Dietary requirements must be made at booking
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Workshops
Info: WORKSHOP 1: Pathways to Opportunity: Skills, Employment and Economic Inclusion for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller Young People WORKSHOP 2: Our Mothers, Our Stories: Improving Maternity Care Through Lived Experience, Advocacy and Community Leadership WORKSHOP 3: Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence, Building Support WORKSHOP 4: Building Inclusive Councils: Stronger Partnerships, Better Services and Thriving Communities
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Pauline Melvin-Anderson OBE
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Conference Ends
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 25.00 to GBP 189.00
