Equality, diversity and inclusion
We have been working hard to develop an equality, diversity and inclusion strategy that is fit for purpose.
In 2020, our anti-racism action plan was developed. A key driver for this was the growing body of research confirming the importance of effective role models in improving student outcomes (e.g. Gershenson et al.,2021). Considering this context, tackling racism and historic under-representation of staff from diverse backgrounds, especially at senior levels in our schools, has been a top priority. We also created an anti-racism cross cutting team (CCT) as part of our strategy, recognising that it was important to listen to the reality and narrative of those who have experienced racism.
Over the last academic year, in addition to the work on anti-racism, there has been significant progress in creating a wider understanding across the organisation of our broader equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) agenda. Some of the key highlights include:
The anti-racism CCT has led the way in the sector with one of its members, Funmilola Stewart, invited to speak at the Confederation for Schools Trusts conference on her joint thought paper with our school and college trust leader, Jenny Thompson, around de-colonisation of the school curriculum.
Executive, principals and central functional leads have participated in an equality, diversity and inclusion development programme delivered by external specialists. This included:
a senior leaders’ inclusion diversity and equality awareness workshop
1-1 mentoring sessions for our trust executive
group coaching sessions for all principals and functional leads
A ‘Truthsayers Survey’ was conducted with middle leaders designed to gather both explicit and implicit affirmations in relation to ED&I. Unlike a traditional survey, it has a mechanism around implicit reaction time to judge if what a respondent explicitly states is what they believe. The findings have been used to inform our strategy.