Voice4Change England at the Northern Race Equality Conference 2025: Building Resilience, Influencing Policy, and Harnessing Stories in Bradford

On April 9, Voice4Change England (V4CE) proudly took part in the Northern Race Equality Conference 2025 (NREC25), hosted in the vibrant city of Bradford. NREC25 which was organised by Race Equality Network (REN), Ella Baker School of Organising and Inclusive North, brought together a passionate community of activists, advocates, organisations, lawyers, researchers, and academics, all dedicated to building a society where racial justice is the norm.

Our team included Deputy Director Dr. Sharmin Shajahan, Policy Officer Christabelle Quaynor, Infrastructure and Development Officer Jana Kovariova and trustee Karl Oxford-a Bradford resident. V4CE hosted an information stall, connecting with attendees and sharing our mission to empower Black and Minoritised VCSEs. We also led a well-attended workshop, “Race Equality Through Building Resilience and Influencing Policy,” which encouraged discussion and learning. 

Workshop Highlights: Empowering Communities Through Capacity and Policy 

How V4CE Builds Capacity and Resilience 

Voice4Change England supports organisations through tailored one-to-one advice, capacity building, and leadership development via the Catalyst Programme. We facilitate access to funding, peer networks, and strategic partnerships to encourage collaboration and shared learning. Additionally, we empower members to engage effectively in local, regional, and national decision-making forums to amplify their voices. 

Developing and Advancing Community-Driven Policies 

The workshop covered key policy fundamentals for BME organisations, explaining what policy is and how the policy ecosystem operates. Participants learned to assess the current political climate to identify advocacy opportunities. Practical strategies were shared for small organisations to influence policy. Additionally, our partnership with ACEVO and the Home Truths 2 initiative helps embed anti-racism into organisational policies and practice. 

Harnessing Stories for Policy Influence 

The workshop highlighted storytelling's crucial role in policy influence, showing how personal narratives bring data to life and challenge dominant perspectives. Participants reflected on how race equity stories have empowered them and explored ways to harness these narratives for advocacy. We emphasized the importance of authenticity and ensuring community voices are amplified. 

Key Questions and Insights from the Conference 

The workshop and table discussions addressed critical questions: 

• What are your current engagement and influence in policy and decision-making forums? 

• What barriers do you face in influencing local and central government? 

• How can we harness stories to empower our communities and advance race equity? 

• What themes of race equity in stories have empowered you in civil society?

Key themes and findings included: 

1. Accountability and Timely Investigations 

Racial inequalities require prompt, transparent investigations to hold institutions accountable and restore community trust. Without timely action, systemic issues persist, and harm continues. 

2. Addressing Health Inequalities and Data Misuse 

Health disparities often go unaddressed due to low statistics being used as an excuse for inaction. Combining data with lived experience is essential to reveal the true scale and impact of inequalities. 

3. Cultural Competency and Valuing Lived Experience 

Cultural competency training helps organisations better serve diverse communities. Valuing lived experience alongside data deepens understanding and leads to more effective, inclusive policies. 

4. Representation and Community Investment 

Increasing diversity in leadership ensures decision-making reflects community needs. Investing in grassroots initiatives empowers those with direct knowledge and trust to drive meaningful change. 

5. Moving Beyond Top-Down Approaches 

Breaking down organisational silos and adopting inclusive, collaborative methods ensures policies are responsive and grounded in community voices rather than imposed from above. 

6. Personal Costs and Challenges for Black-Led Organisations 

DEI work can be emotionally taxing, especially for Black-led groups facing systemic barriers and underfunding. Recognising these challenges is key to providing support and sustaining progress. 

7. Understanding Funders and Harnessing Lived Experience 

Knowing funders’ perspectives helps organisations align strategies without compromising values. The passion from lived experience fuels authentic, powerful advocacy that drives real change. 

Our Commitment and the Road Ahead 

The energy and solidarity in Bradford reaffirmed the urgent need for continued partnership, learning, and advocacy. As REN, Ella Baker School of Organising and Inclusive North look to the future with racial justice initiatives such as the development of REN’s National Racial Justice Policy Forum and an Anti-Racist Strategy for Bradford, V4CE remains steadfast in supporting BME organisations to build resilience, influence policy, and drive systemic change. 

We thank all who joined us at NREC25 for a day of inspiration and collective action. 

Interested in learning more or accessing support for your organisation? Explore the V4CE Catalyst Programme for free workshops, tailored advice, and resources to help your organisation thrive and influence change.