I've been rather quiet on my website over the last 31 days, due to a project I undertook for Black History Month called 'Beyond Martin, Rosa and Mary : 31 Voices of Black Excellence'. This was a series of daily videos championing Black British figures on note whose stories are not as widely known as some others and can be found here
Doing this poject was not only a labour of love for me, but it also became a real avenue for honest conversation with school leaders about inclusion, as I began to receive messages from supporters from a wide range of backgrounds and school settings. The one voice which came through loud and clear though, was that of the school leaders who fully supported a diverse workplace and school community, but simply did not know where to start.
To those leaders, this letter I have written and share below, is for you.
Dear School Leaders,
As we reflect on our roles in education, I want to address a concern that many of you share: the desire to create truly inclusive environments for every member of your school community. You place great importance on celebrating Black History Month, LGBTQIA+ History Month, International Women’s Day, and cross-faith festivals. These initiatives are commendable and show your commitment to honouring diverse histories and experiences. However, you may still feel that despite your best efforts, real and lasting change is elusive.
You look around and see that your leadership and governance teams do not reflect the rich diversity of your student body and community, or you look around your community and worry about where and how your students are getting their experiences of living in diverse society from. You know you are missing out on invaluable perspectives, insights, and talents that could enrich your school culture. You may even feel a sense of frustration and confusion about how to effect meaningful change, especially when it comes to fostering inclusivity.
I want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. Many leaders grapple with the same challenges, and it’s essential to recognise that inclusion is not just about celebrating specific months or events. While these recognitions are vital, true inclusivity requires a deeper commitment to changing the very structures that influence who gets to lead and who feels represented.
As you reflect on your school’s practices and policies, consider the following steps to move beyond surface-level inclusivity:
Engage in Honest Reflection: Take a hard look at the leadership and governance structures in your school. Who makes the decisions? Who is missing from the conversation? Engaging in this self-reflection can help you identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Prioritise Diverse Recruitment: Make intentional efforts to attract and retain diverse talent in your leadership roles. This could involve partnering with organisations such as Diverse Educators, or Aspiring Heads that focus on supporting marginalised leaders and creating pathways for their advancement.
Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Establish platforms where all voices can be heard, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. Foster an environment where open and honest conversations about diversity and inclusion can take place without fear of repercussion.
Invest in Professional Development: Encourage ongoing training and coaching for your leadership team focused on inclusive practices, cultural competency, and recognising implicit biases. This investment not only benefits your leaders but also creates a ripple effect throughout your entire school community.
Hold Yourself Accountable: Set measurable goals for inclusivity within your school and hold yourself and your team accountable for progress. Celebrate successes, but also be willing to address shortcomings and make necessary adjustments.
Creating a truly inclusive environment is a journey, and it starts with recognising the areas where change is needed. Your commitment to leading with inclusivity can create a school culture that reflects and honours the diversity of your community. As you take these steps, remember that it’s not just about representation; it’s about empowering every individual to feel valued, respected, and included.
This open letter is an invitation for you to be a leading light in this change and to let you know that I am here to support you every step of the way. I want to help you explore your current reality and see how we can work towards building a future school community where all voices are heard and valued at every level.
Let's take the journey together
With warm regards,
Maureen
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