NGA publishes new resource to support diversity and participation on governing boards
Following the publication of last year's state of the nation report on increasing participation in school and trust governance, NGA has worked in collaboration with its members to produce a diversity indicators form, which can be adapted and used by boards in all types of school structure to gather diversity data on their membership and identify actions, such as:
- targeted recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
- developing and adapting board practices to ensure full participation
- prioritising training and awareness-raising in identified areas
- addressing potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks
The form can be adapted easily to fit the specific circumstances of the school or trust. It is designed in such a way that maintains the confidentiality of individuals and lends itself to a high level evaluation and conversations that are solution focused. A short guide is also available to support boards to navigate the process stage-by-stage.
In this blog, NGA’s Director of Advice and Guidance Steve Edmonds explains the importance of making conversations about board diversity and participation part of the governance routine.
Increasing the diversity of governing boards is part of NGA’s long standing commitment to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in schools and trusts. This commitment has seen us partner with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) develop a programme of e-learning modules intended to help those leading and governing in our schools to focus on creating an inclusive culture. Today (7July), Emma Knights, NGA’s Chief Executive will be joining representatives from ASCL and the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) as part of a panel discussing a whole school approach to EDI at the Wellington College Festival of Education.
Commenting on the diversity indicators form Emma Knights said:“I’m delighted that NGA is adding to our practical resources to support the work of governing boards on EDI in full. Working with school and trust leaders to embed EDI through a whole school approach is essential, and it’s great to be continuing this discussion with ASCL and NAHT at the Education Festival.”