The UK is entering a new era of local and regional decision-making. In England, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 represents a significant shift of power away from Westminster, giving mayors, local leaders and communities greater influence over the places where they live. The Government’s ambition is for decisions about jobs, skills, housing, transport, economic development and public services to be made closer to the people and communities they affect.

For Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller communities, this creates both an opportunity and a challenge.

Devolution only works if everyone has a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.

For communities who have experienced generations of exclusion, discrimination and under-investment, moving power from Westminster to local government does not automatically mean better outcomes. There is a real risk that longstanding inequalities are simply reproduced at a different level, particularly where local decision-makers lack knowledge of our communities or where participation is tokenistic.

With an increased devolution, local decisions will have a profound impact on everyday life. But who gets to shape those decisions?

This year's Traveller Movement Annual Conference, Power, Place and Participation, will bring together Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller community leaders, together with activists, policymakers, elected representatives, academics, practitioners and allies to explore what the changing landscape of local power means for our communities.

Together, we will examine how we can move beyond consultation towards genuine participation, influence and accountability. We will ask what it means to ensure that our communities are not simply consulted after decisions have been made, but are involved in setting priorities, shaping policy, allocating resources and holding decision-makers to account.

We will explore:

• Power: Where is power moving, who holds it, and how can Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller communities access and influence it?
• Place: How can local and regional policy address the realities of our communities, from accommodation and transport to education, employment, health and community safety?
• Participation: What does meaningful participation look like, and how can communities build the capacity, representation and relationships needed to have lasting influence?

The conference is an opportunity to look beyond the structures of devolution and focus on what they mean in people's everyday lives. It is a chance for decision-makers to hear directly from communities, for community organisations to share expertise and solutions, and for everyone involved to consider how local power can be used to tackle, not reproduce, the inequalities that have held our communities back.

The Government has described devolution as a way to give communities greater control over the decisions that shape their lives. Our challenge is to make sure that Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irisjh, Scottish and Welsh Traveller communities are at the table when those decisions are made.

Join us for Power, Place and Participation as we explore how we can turn the promise of local power into meaningful change, stronger communities and greater equality.

Is there parking available?

There is no parking at Lambeth Town Hall, but instead, there is a drop-off zone next to the Registrar Office on Buckner Road. If you need to use the drop-off zone, please inform the Registrar Officer beforehand. Transport links to Brixton are second to none with an Overground and Underground nearby.

Will there be food available at the event?

Yes, there will be a dedicated lunchtime and food is provided. Legal Disclaimer: The Traveller Movement are not liable for any adverse reactions or health issues resulting from the consumption of the food provided at this Annual Conference 26.11.26

Do you have a variety of dietary options?

Yes. When purchasing your tickets, please answer the questions about dietary requirements. This will all be sent in advance to the caterers. If you order your tickets after the 12th November, please contact us directly about your dietary requirement.

Are there local hotels nearby?

Yes, there are a number of hotels nearby, including a Premier Inn just a couple of minutes walk from the Town Hall.

Is there a refund policy?

All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations made more than 2 weeks before the event will receive a full refund minus a charge of 10% per ticket price per delegate. If cancellations are made after this time payment must be made in full. Substitutions can be made at any time without charge.

How do we manage your personal details?

TM will use the information you provide on your booking form, and additional information you may provide in the future, for administrating our conference. We will not disclose this information to any other person or organisation, except in connection with the above purpose.

Who is the Conference aimed at?

Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller community members; Elected members; Local Authority employees, planners etc; Prisons and Probation staff; Youth Workers; Police; Civil Servants; Teachers; Funders; Health & Community Workers; Voluntary Sector Professionals; Legal Professionals; Statutory service providers