Equality, diversity and inclusion is the most commonly used term (at least in the education sector) to describe the work that schools and organisations do to ensure they comply with equality legislation and regulation, make everyone feel included and feel a sense of belonging, and to celebrate diversity.
Importantly, EDI is three distinct things and requires very different work or interventions in order to progress and develop them in a school or group of schools:
- Equality - All-in Education works with schools to ensure equality related policies are in place, that effective procedures and mechanisms are in place for reporting and tackling discrimination when it occurs.
- Diversity – We support schools to collect diversity data among staff and pupils and use this data to inform initiatives to achieve a more equitable learning and work environment. We also work with schools to attract the best teaching, leader and support staff from a diverse range of backgrounds.
- Inclusion – All-in Education works with schools to create a truly inclusive learning and work environment where everyone feel a strong sense of belonging. We do this by reviewing and advising on key areas of the school, such as organisational culture, manager/staff relationships, professional development & progression opportunities, staff recruitment and admission processes, teaching & learning, curriculum & co-curriculum and communication and marketing.
The moral and social justice case for actively and purposefully taking steps to progress equality, diversity and inclusion is usually well understood by schools and groups of schools. However, it could be argued that these reasons have not been sufficient arguments for investing in EDI and as a consequence many schools haven’t seen much impact of what they’ve attempting to achieve in this space.
What is perhaps less explored are the benefits that an evidence based approach and thorough vision, strategy and plan for EDI can bring to a school, including performance of staff and pupils, well-being and economic outcomes among others.
All-in Education has worked with schools and groups of schools in the independent and maintained sectors for over six years. Our impact on staff, pupils and organisations as a whole is clear from what our clients report to us - the change they experience in their recruitment outcomes, sense of belong among staff and pupils, and perhaps most importantly in the quality of their teaching and learning.
If you would like to have a conversation about EDI in your organistion please email us at info@allineducation.co.uk.