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The 10th Annual Conference: Delivering Services for Gypsies and Travellers #gypsies12
22 Mar 2012
This conference was held in Westminster, Central London

Headline Speakers

 

The planned introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework, the loosening and localising of planning controls and heightened media interest provided the sector with the opportunity - despite funding challenges - to look to new and better ways to deliver services for and with the Gypsy and Traveller community.

Important issues such as health, education, access to employment and race equality remain key to realising the unlocked potential within Gypsy and Traveller communities. Figures by the Equality and Human Rights Commission indicate a life expectancy 10 years lower than the national average, with similar inequality found among health and education outcomes.

Understanding the barriers, external and internal, faced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, is key to improving life outcomes and tackling ongoing inequality. As well as looking at the impact of the Localism Act, other legislation and new policies, viewers have the opportunity to hear best-practice examples on tackling stereotypes, dealing with conflict and engaging with Gypsy and Traveller communities to deliver vital services. This was the 10th year of this national conference for all those working in Gypsy and Traveller services, which explored emerging trends, heard the latest policy and shared best practice.

Programme
09:00
Registration, refreshments and exhibition
09:50
Bill Forrester, Head of Gypsy and Traveller Unit, Kent County Council and Chair, National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers (NAGTO)
Welcome and introduction from conference Chair

10:00
Stuart Hoggan, Deputy Director, Integration, Department for Communities and Local Government
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Promoting equality for Traveller communities

10:25
Caroline Cormack, Head of Affordable Housing Delivery, Homes and Communities Agency
An update on the traveller pitch funding

10:40
Panel discussion 1: Should we link together the various planning and localism issues
Session speakers to be joined by: Sian Sankey, Policy Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing

11:10
Refreshments, networking and exhibition
11:40
Penny Dane, Community Development Worker (Gypsies and Travellers), Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council
Readdressing the recent media image of Gypsies and Travellers locally

12:00
ACC Janette McCormick, National Lead for Gypsies and Travellers, ACPO; Assistant Chief Constable, Cheshire Police
Ensuring a fair and consistent approach in the criminal justice system: feedback from the officer education programme

12:20
Panel discussion 2: How can agencies develop a methodology for Traveller-needs assessments in light of the Governmental removal of guidance on pitch targets?
Session speakers to be joined by: Siobhan Spencer MBE, Co-ordinator, Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group and Co-Director, The National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups;

12:50
Buffet lunch, networking and exhibition
13:50
Working in partnership with local councils, the health service and the voluntary sector to address inequalities and ensure effective delivery of services for the Gypsy and Traveller community
Shaynie Larwood, Lead Nurse Gypsy and Traveller Health, NHS Cambridgeshire; Rose Wilson, Team for Traveller Education, Cambridgeshire County Council.

14:15
Michael Hargraves Head of Planning and Accommodation Policy, Irish Traveller Movement in Britain
Alternatives to costly evictions

14:30
Ryalla Duffy, Romany Gypsy, Lincolnshire Gypsy Liaison Group
The community perspective

14:45
Panel debate 3: What lessons can be learned from events at Dale Farm in terms of the effectiveness of enforcement, the allocation of sites in local planning and minimising the risk of legal action?
With session speakers

15:15
Refreshments, networking and exhibition
15:45
Introducing G.A.T.E: accessing and utilising government funding to implement a successful equality and conflict resolution project Gypsy and Travellers' Liaison Office, Leicestershire County Council
Pauline Burton, Gypsy and Travellers' Liaison Office, Leicestershire County Council; Kealey Sly, English Roma Gypsy

15:45
Breaking down the barriers between practitioners and site residents
Gary Fagg, Manager, Futures at Knightstone; Jo McKean, Welfare Liaison Officer, South Gloucestershire Council; Christina Craviato, Support and Housing Worker, Knightstone Housing

15:45
Site management enforcement under the Mobile Homes Act
Gary Brewer, Service Manager, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Gypsy and Traveller Service (OBGTS), Oxfordshire County Council

16:30
Close of conference