Hosted by Iriss to mark Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, this free one-hour session challenges the idea that the goal in working with communities is to become "culturally competent" — and argues that the confidence that comes with that framing can itself cause harm. Drawing on lived experience and current practice, the session makes the case for cultural humility instead: an approach that stays curious, questions where our knowledge comes from, and keeps the actual family — not the assumed one — at the centre. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of Gypsy/Traveller cultures, alongside a practical challenge to apply to their own recording, assessments and relationships.

Who this is for:

• Community safety practitioners
• Social work and social care practitioners and managers
• Third sector workers whose roles bring them into contact with Gypsy/Traveller communities
• CSP staff with an interest in culturally grounded, relational practice