Capacitybuilders, 'Working for Equality' in partnership with HEAR

31/10/2007

Capacitybuilders and HEAR (formerly known as the Equalities and Human Rights Sub-group, which is part of the ChangeUp London Regional Consortium) are proud to have joined forces to organise a major conference on equality in London.

Over 100 delegates in attendance

The event, was held on 29 October and attracted over 100 public and third sector participants, working across equality strands as well as mainstream organisations.

Informing and consulting on range of key issues

The aim of the event was to inform and consult on a number of significant developments set to impact on London's equality third sectors.

"A time for change"

The event was chaired by Dina Cox, Chair of HEAR and CEO or Race on the Agenda who opened proceedings by declaring a “time for change for agencies supporting equality voluntary and community organisations” and a “need to hear peoples’ voices” to ensure services meet peoples’ need.

Guest speakers

Joining the panel of guest speakers was Paul Mrazek: Head of Operations (South of England) of the new Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), who discussed their developing voluntary sector strategy.

EHRC interim funding arrangements

Mrazek also reported on the EHRC’s interim funding arrangements, which he stated will focus on “cohesion / integration, inter and intra- community conflict prevention and tension, promotion and understanding of the importance of equality and human rights and the provision of complainant aid services.”

Announcing the launch of new Capacitybuilders' programme

Capacitybuilders’ Chief Executive, Simon Hebditch, also joined the panel, announcing details of Capacitybuilders’ Improving Reach grant scheme.

Speaking about the new, three year funding programme, he reported that the 2008-11 programme “will be extended to strong cases from other socially excluded groups”, with a maximum of 25% of the entire fund being allocated to these new groups.

Other topics discussed

Other key note speeches and workshop topics included, the role and need for specialist equalities infrastructure and the support needs of frontline equality organisations and how they might be met.