The third episode of the British Education Research Association (BERA) Four Nations Presidential Seminar Series was proudly hosted collaboratively by BERA and DARPL, sponsored by Cabinet Secretary Lynne Neagle MS at the Senedd Pierhead Building in Cardiff. It brought together a large audience of 88 delegates, including senior leaders, policymakers, and academics from across Wales, the UK, and beyond.
The event was co-ordinated by Chantelle Haughton, Founder-Director of DARPL and Wales Representative for BERA, alongside Marlon Moncrieffe, President of BERA and supported by the Welsh Government. The location was poignant with the roots of DARPL seeded from Tiger Bay. The day opened in true Welsh spirit with heartfelt performances by local primary school choirs, including a moving rendition of Betty Campbell’s favourite song, setting a powerful tone for a day centred on anti-racism, equity and inclusion in education, childcare and play research, policy, practice and professional learning.
With a vibrant, impactful programme of 16 Lightning Bolt talks, thought-provoking leadership panel discussions, and critical keynotes, the event showcased Wales’ deep commitment to driving anti-racist practice and educational transformation supported by BERA.
Featured contributors included Cabinet Secretaries Lynne Neagle MS and Jane Hutt MS, Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna CBE, Children’s Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes, and Dr Marlon Lee Moncrieffe, President of BERA, who remarked:
“It’s been fantastic being here at The Senedd in Wales today. The journey to diversity and anti-racism — Wales and DARPL are leading in realising the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and Curriculum for Wales ambitions.”
Speakers from organisations such as Apex Educate, Amgueddfa Cymru, Adnodd, Show Racism the Red Card, University of Toronto, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Swansea University, Bangor University, CWLWM, filmmaker Gavin Porter, local authorities in Swansea and Newport, Jubilee Park Primary School, Ysgol Hamadryad, St Paul’s CiW Primary and more enriched the dialogue and emphasised the global relevance of the work.
The day concluded with an exceptional final panel and closed with a touching poetry performance by the winner of the Show Racism the Red Card poetry competition, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Reflecting on the day, Chantelle Haughton, Founder and Director of DARPL, shared:
“Together, we are making an impact through professional learning, leadership and research towards an anti-racist Wales as our legacy for now and future generations. Whilst we tackle ‘what now’? And as we plan for ‘what’s next’? – We need to continue to consider issues of salience and meaningful engagement; racism within education; anti-racist leadership confidence, competence and commitment; the cynefin principle and changing to sustained, ensuring systems.”
This landmark event cements BERA, DARPL and Wales as national and global beacons in anti-racist education, championing collective action, professional learning, research and enquiry, cultural shift, and courageous leadership.
Link to the Photo Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/101281004@N07/albums/72177720325910805/