Race & Justice Conference in the South West
Access to Justice
On Thursday the 14th of September we hosted our first ever Race & Justice Conference in the South West! The aim of this conference was to highlight and collectively tackle common issues in the racial justice sector (specifically, access to justice) by bringing together people in the South West – from community organisers, community leaders, activists, to legal professionals, and policy influencers. The event was sponsored by Burges Salmon LLP, who provided us with a space to host as well as a delicious lunch spread and refreshments throughout the day.
Image taken of an almost full-house at BSWN’s first ever Race & Justice Conference.
After attendees took their seats and read through the programme, the event was powerfully opened by Host, Miranda Grell, who shared a few words on the need for the conference, the work of SWREAG (South West Race Equality Action Group), and steps that can be taken from the day to make change.
“You are leaders in what is now groundbreaking..What we want today…is also some concrete ideas and action…”
Shortly afterwards, Miranda introduced Keynote Speaker, Jeremy Crook OBE, Director of Action for Race Equality, who shared the work of his organisation and the importance of tackling issues of racial discrimination in the legal system.
“We want to change the justice system to make it more equitable and fair.
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This set the tone for a day filled with thought-provoking discussions and invaluable insights before the first panel discussion a View from Policy & Influence Advocacy.
Image of panel (left to right) Sado Jirde (BSWN), Nani Jansen Reventlow (Systemic Justice), Graham Campbell (Glasgow Councillor), and Chloe Pugh (EHRC).
The View from Policy & Influence Advocacy Panel underscored the significance of empowering Black and Minoritised communities while holding institutions accountable. This discussion placed a special emphasis on the multifaceted roles individuals can play in influencing and supporting these communities in the South West. It highlighted the need for advocating better access to justice through means beyond direct law-making, fostering a comprehensive approach to addressing inequities. Sado Jirde, our Director shared her perspective from across the region.
“We need to have different approaches. The new approach is shifting the power to Black and Minoritised communities. I think it’s about how do we build our own knowledge, and how do we hold institutions to account.”
In the subsequent panel discussion, View from the Profession, the challenges related to providing accessible legal services were thoroughly examined, with a focus on their impact on Black and Minoritised communities in the South West. This discussion also delved into the broader difficulties encountered within the legal profession, providing valuable insights into the complexities and barriers present in both spheres. Dr. Connie Sozi explained how her firm represents racially minoritised people in claims against public authorities.
“It’s been the case that you can deprive people of their citizenship for a number of years. It’s come to the position that one can be deprived of their British citizenship without notice.”
Image of panel (left to right) Dr. Connie Sozi (Deighton Pierce Glynn), Maya Mate-Kole (Mwanzo Project), Rob Beckley (Police Assistant Commissioner), and Carol Francis (Gloucester local Magistrate and Gloucester FM).
The View from Law Centres Panel underscored the pivotal role Law Centres play in championing racial equality. The discussion encompassed the extensive efforts of Law Centres, both in the South West and on a national scale, within the context of the pressing challenges surrounding legal aid.
Image of panel (left to right) Karen Bowers (Bristol Law Centre), Julie Bishop (Law Centres Network), and Brzoom Kadirgolam (Ethnic Minority Law Centre).
Karen Bowers, discussed the impact of Law Centres.
“Outcomes go beyond legal results, people show increased understanding of the legal system and rights, they tell us they have been heard, feel better about themselves and how society sees them.”
Continuing from this, we hosted three workshops during the conference, each dedicated to addressing pressing issues head-on and offering practical strategies for driving change. These workshops included 'Holding the Police to Account' by Liberty, a session focused on identifying and challenging racially discriminatory criminal justice policies using the Equality Act by Criminal Justice Alliance, and a Civil Legal Aid workshop presented by Public Law Project. Together, these workshops confronted critical issues with a resolute commitment to finding solutions.
Image taken at the end of the action plan discussion.
In the action plan discussion, attendees shared visionary ideas for progress, from dedicated agencies for Windrush claims to enhancing racial literacy. The first-ever Race & Justice Conference, was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and enlightened. It would not have been possible without the contributions of our dedicated host, keynote speaker, generous hosts at Burges Salmon, esteemed panellists, invaluable partners, engaged attendees, workshop facilitators, and our hardworking team!
Image of BSWN team with Dr. Connie Sozi (left), and Miranda Grell (middle).
The full report summary will be released soon.