1. NGA will conduct research on the experience of governors and trustees from Black, Asian or minority ethnicities and those aged under 40, and on the views and perceptions of people from these groups that do not currently volunteer.
Our action: We are currently recruiting for participant to this research which will take place through focus groups. The research aims to better understand the experiences of current volunteers to identify how governing boards can achieve wider diversity in their composition and develop more inclusive practices, and how the sector can best enable those from underrepresented groups to govern. Visit the research page to find out more.
2. Support the creation of a BAMEed Network governance hub.
Our action: We have developed this group in partnership with the BAMEed network. The group is open to anyone who wants to take action on the ground to progress the issue of race diversity on governing boards. It met for the first time in December 2020 and will meet again in the spring term. If you are interested in joining please email: megan.tate@nga.org.uk
3. Improve our information, guidance and e-learning for governing boards on equalities and diversity and ensure it is threaded through our suite of information and guidance.
Our action:
4. Re-energise the Everyone on Board campaign.
Our action:
- We are conducting research into the experiences and perceptions of underrepresented groups that will further the work of the Everyone on Board campaign
- We arranged for three governors of Black and mixed heritage to take part in a the ‘conversations about race’ series on BBC Radio 4 World at One.
- We have developed partnerships with organisations including Operation Black Vote which include writing articles for their publication and presenting at events.
- Through our partnership with Inspiring Governance, work has continued to engage with employers and in particular their establish networks on race, and with organisations that focus on supporting people from Black, Asian or minority ethnicities.
5. Continue to work with other national representative organisations to ensure as an education sector we are making progress and coordinating activity to maximise impact.
Our action: We have meet and share insight and progress with other national representative education organisations. In particular, we have met with representatives of ASCL’s BAME, women and LGBT networks and of NAHT’s Leaders for Race Equality network to hear directly from senior leaders about their experiences, what support they would like for their boards and to develop solutions for these needs.
6. Summarise and promote to governing boards a range of race charters, frameworks and audit tools that have been created for schools/trusts.
Our action: We are currently collating these and will be publishing the collection in February 2021.
7. Continue to report on the diversity of our own board.
Our action: NGA’s trustees recognise that, while reflecting the school and trust governance community, the board does not reflect wider society and the community schools serve. The board will further consider how it can improve its diversity.