Race equity and anti-racism: Herts Voices
Herts Voices is an inspirational volunteer speakers programme which connects schools in Herts with speakers from racially diverse backgrounds. Our speakers - with Hertfordshire connections - deliver talks in primary and secondary schools, and the programme is provided courtesy of HFL Education.
On 29th November 2023 HFL held its second Herts Voices Big Talk with author, journalist, broadcaster and professor Gary Younge at Peartree Spring Primary School. Lead Adviser for the Underserved, Rachel Macfarlane led the talk with Toks Olusamokun (Race Equality Adviser).
Over 240 pupils across 6 different schools (and a few online) in Year 5 and 6 heard Gary talk about his upbringing in Stevenage, his experiences as a journalist and about all the famous people he’d interviewed such as Maya Angelou and Stormzy. Several pupils in the hall got the opportunity to ask Gary their own questions which he answered with patience and respect.
Herts Voices was originally launched on 5th October 2022 at Marriott’s Secondary School, Stevenage by Tim Armoo who was extremely popular when he spoke to a Year 9 – 13 audience. Tim is the founder of Fanbytes and Forbes 2021 “30 under 30” and Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 at the Tech Achievement Awards and his talk about tapping into his superpower and remaining committed despite not always succeeding the first time, inspired many.
Herts Voices has now worked with 30 schools, reaching over 1500 young people and continues to recruit speakers from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Our programme
- suitable for pupils in Year 1 to Year 13
- talks will be delivered by a speaker who meets the school’s interests, needs and requirements
- talks will be between 30 – 60 minutes and will be delivered at a suitable time for pupils
Our speakers
Are:
- from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups. They will be
- achievers, great speakers and able to motivate, educate and inspire
- committed to the HFL Education programme and participate fully in our selection and safeguarding process
Our schools
Are:
- expected to complete a registration form process
- expected to build a relationship with their speaker and coordinate arrangements for the talk
- expected to liaise with Herts Voices
For further details and booking terms and conditions, please contact: hertsvoices@hfleducation.org
To find out more about our antiracism training, contact: wellbeing@hfleducation.org
Disclaimer: HFL Education is the largest school company in the UK and operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise. We are a leading provider of school improvement and business support products and services that enable schools, trusts, and educational settings inside and outside of Hertfordshire to deliver a great education. Our work includes providing support for school leaders on sensitive and complex matters relating to meeting the needs of individuals and groups with protected characteristics. All advice and recommendations provided by HFL Education advisers are informed by DfE guidance and statutory regulations, including those regarding political neutrality, bias and curriculum content, whilst also recognising the school’s legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. School leaders will ultimately make the decisions that are appropriate for their school communities.