Feedback from the SW online BHM 2021 conference - 11 October

As Black History Month draws to a close, I want to share some of the feedback from our partnership event this year.

Here are some of the headlines from the feedback:

• The average rating for the event (on a scale of 1-5) was 4.77. 80% rated it 5 (excellent)
• The most popular reason for attendance was the choice of speakers and/or topics as cited by 82% of respondents
• 62% said the event met their expectations and 32% said it exceeded their expectations
• 69% said they believed that the event will have a positive impact on their organisation

Here are the headline free text answers to the open questions:

Q. Tell us what you most enjoyed about the event and what your key takeaway(s) were

"The best webinar I have ever listened to, thank you."

• "This year (and last year) the speakers have been fantastic, so authentic and interesting and approach the subject as a conversation and less a lecture.?Real insightful lived experiences shared and also liked David's argument around statues and teaching of history.?Also the fact that both years I have needed to pause to deal with urgent work matters and then press play later really works well."
• "The choice of speakers was excellent, each giving a considered and highly interesting perspective on Black History Month. I also liked the fact that local people interviewed the speakers.?Sometimes a webinar of this length can run out of steam but I found each speaker to be informative and entertaining."
• "I thought that the quality of speakers was really high and there was a breadth of experience and knowledge. I thought that there were some really lovely positive messages - how we can move forward from this point."
• "I found all the speakers to be incredibly passionate and inspirational, and their personal stories made me stop and think about both myself as a person and also what I need to consider and influence in my leadership role within the organisation."
• "It was a very good event with great speakers, thank you for hosting it. I came away feeling more informed and with a better understanding of lived experiences and what I can/should be doing as an ally."

Q. How could we have improved the event and your experience / what could we do better next time?

"How can you improve on perfection?"

• "In my opinion the event was very well organised and I really enjoyed both the speakers and the way the event was put together. I hope that there will be another event next year.
• "I thought it was excellent, cant praise it enough."
• "It was just brilliant.?Felt very proud that the South West organised such a phenomenal event."
• "I don’t know how/if the event could be improved. I thought it was excellent."

Q. Tell us one (or more) actions you will take to champion race equality as a result of this event

"I want to continue to engage with learning to better understand the experience of others so that I will be a better ally in future. I feel like there is definitely more for me to listen to and read."

• "Continue to have open and honest discussions about race relations in the UK and the wider world, at any opportunity I get.?By breaking down the barriers of ignorance, we can begin to make inroads and create more familial relationships, allies around us - I hope!"
• "Continue showing things from a black perspective."
• "Keep getting the anti-racist message out."
• "Read more about black history and have more conversations with colleagues, friends and family."
• "Talk about race more and black history in particular with my children."

In case anyone missed the post-event press release: Thousands join virtual local Black History Month conference - Wiltshire Council

Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone involved for making this a memorable event and a memorable Black History Month. Let’s build on the momentum to continue to promote inclusion for all our staff and communities.?

Finally if you missed the event, you can still watch it via the livestream link.