NGA continues its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in sector-led statement of action
In order to tackle issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in education, a range of organisations working in the education sector have today (29 September) outlined new commitments for action to improve the diversity and representation within the education sector. The National Governance Association is proud to contribute and underline its commitment to tackle EDI issues in school and trust governance.
The ‘statement of action’ is signed by 15 key sector bodies and National Associations and outlines the collective and individual commitments to help improve diversity.
The statement of action states that:“by being clear and transparent about our actions, we can give confidence to pupils, families, staff, governors and leaders that we are learning, listening and acting on their concerns and ambitions for equality, diversity and inclusion.”
NGA commitments include over the course of 2022/2023.
- Continue to publish the remainder of the EDI e-learning modules in partnership with ASCL which will focus on EDI beyond compliance, taking action and measuring impact.
- Continue to thread EDI through our suite of guidance and e-learning for governing boards and to support governors, trustees and governance professionals in understanding EDI and its effects, through our full range of our resources.
- Update the annual data from our survey on the demographic of governance volunteers and put into place appropriate actions
- continue to promote the governance role to underrepresented groups, including through our Visible Governance campaign.
- Further consider the governing board’s role in relation to protected characteristics beyond race and age.
- Continue work on NGA’s internal practices around EDI, including staff policies, event speakers and the composition of our own board of trustees.
Signatories will hold each other to account for delivering on the aims set out and invite their respective members and stakeholders to hold them to account. The statement intends to give confidence to pupils and families, staff and leaders and those governing that the organisations involved are learning, listening and acting on their concerns and that together ambitions for equality, diversity and inclusion can be achieved.
Emma Knights, chief executive of the National Governance Association said:“It is important that this level of co-operation and sharing of knowledge and expertise is happening at national level, and that those leading schools and trust across the country are aware that we continue to work together and are committed to making a difference. Governing boards have an important role in ensuring a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion in their schools and trusts. Through the decisions they make and the scrutiny and support they give, boards can drive significant progress and impact for leaders, staff and pupils. NGA will continue to act in creating the expectation and resources for boards to develop in their composition and culture and in their role of encouraging diversity and ensuring equality throughout their organisation. For example, I would commend the free e-learning modules together with ASCL we are providing to the governance and leadership community."
Reads the statement of intent
The organisations co-signatory to this statement to date are:
- All-in Education
- Ambition Institute
- Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)
- Chartered College of Teaching
- Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
- Diverse Educators
- Independent Schools Council (ISC)
- Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL)
- LGBTed
- Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project
- NAHT, school leadership union
- National Governance Association (NGA)
- Oasis Community Learning
- Teach First
- WomenEd
Visit our EDI page to find out more about NGA’s work
Read our increasing participation report