A few weeks ago I was in Leeds for the GEM Conference 2025 on the theme of Sustaining Our Practice – Sustaining Our World. I led a workshop with Ashley Almeida from the British Museum which focused on Working with Young People: Sustainability, Progression Routes and Responsibility, as a time to discuss and voice any concerns in a safe and confidential space. We asked five questions - you can see one of the questions with the responses below.

We then looked at some of the responses together, and ended the session by asking everyone to write an action on a postcard to take away. This could be an individual or a group action, thinking about breaking it into small achievable steps if it was a big goal, with a timescale. Some people shared their action with the person next to them, and others chose to keep their action to themselves.

The rest of the GEM Conference was a good mix of speakers, practical sessions, visits and networking. I am still reflecting on the theme and my experiences but I particularly enjoyed a practical session exploring the new SEND Generic Learning Outcomes and a visit to the Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Art Gallery, where I met Angie Thompson who works with care experienced young people. Thanks to Louise McAward-White from Fair Museum Jobs who gave me a CV surgery too!