Equality, diversity and inclusion: beyond compliance

At a glance

This programme takes an in-depth look at equality, diversity and inclusion, and how governing boards can go beyond simple compliance to create a school or trust culture is inclusive for all and ensure the best outcomes for pupils.

You will cover:

what EDI is and why it's important

different types of bias and the impact on behaviour

how to carry out your EDI duties as a governor or trustee while remaining strategic

practical tools to take away

assessments throughout to monitor your progress

Study time 1 hour

This module was made in partnership with ASCL

Programme description

NGA is pleased to have partnered with ASCL to develop a programme of e-learning modules intended to focus on creating an inclusive culture through practice, and going beyond compliance by giving users the knowledge, understanding and tools to do so.

Some of these topics will challenge your implicit biases, associations and preconceptions, which may make you feel vulnerable or defensive, but the modules are designed to support you in having vital conversations about EDI in your schools. They will give you solid evidence to draw from and practical tools to make change happen, making sure every pupil, staff member, parent and other stakeholders feels included, valued and represented.

The programme consists of the following units:

Unit 1 - First steps

The purpose of this unit is two-fold:

To introduce you to Implicit Association Tests (IATs) and ask you to consider some of your unknown biases (via the Harvard IAT)
To enable you to make note of your, and your boards, current EDI considerations, activities and progress

The unit will ask you to consider how comfortable you are when moving diversity and inclusion work forward in your school or trust and will enable you to gage your current level of knowledge around certain topics beyond legislation.

This unit is available to all Learning Link subscribers now and freely available to those who sign up for a free trial of Learning Link.

Unit 2 - Beyond compliance

This unit will support you in gaining a baseline knowledge of the key concepts concerning EDI beyond compliance.

Moving beyond the legislation to a space where EDI is commonplace within schools/trusts will ensure that individuals can be their authentic selves and thrive.

Overall, this unit will focus on:

What EDI is and why it’s important
The different types of bias and the impact on behaviour
How and when brain function leads to bias
How bias manifests

This unit is will be available to all Learning Link subscribers and freely available to those who sign up for a free trial of Learning Link.

Unit 3 - Taking action

In this unit, you will explore what it means to carry out your duties as a governor/trustee through an EDI lens.

This unit is intended to support you to embed your learning and take action within your own contexts. Content for this unit will also include tasks for you to take away and explore with your board along with some practical exercises for you to complete ahead of starting the final unit.

Unit 4 - Measuring impact

Preview slides

"The module supported and extended my knowledge and provoked some thinking about organisations where I have worked."

User review

"This was a real eye opener about how many of us view the world, and it has been a positive experience and one that I will benefit from as a governor. I have really enjoyed this module and exploring different types of bias has been a welcome addition to my learning journey."

User review

"I feel I've benefitted in gaining a fair amount of knowledge in areas I never would have thought. The learning experience was perfect."

User review

Who developed this module?

Adelaide Chitanda, Senior Advice Officer

Adelaide provides advice to NGA GOLD members, alongside writing for the website, magazine and weekly newsletter. She is also an EDI lead. Previously she was a research assistant for an insight and intelligence agency specialising in higher education.

View Adelaide's full profile

Unit 1:

Unit 2:

Unit 3:

Unit 4

Next steps

Equality, diversity and inclusion: beyond compliance

At a glance

You will cover:

Study time 1 hour

This module was made in partnership with ASCL

Programme description

The programme consists of the following units:

Preview slides

"The module supported and extended my knowledge and provoked some thinking about organisations where I have worked."

"This was a real eye opener about how many of us view the world, and it has been a positive experience and one that I will benefit from as a governor. I have really enjoyed this module and exploring different types of bias has been a welcome addition to my learning journey."

"I feel I've benefitted in gaining a fair amount of knowledge in areas I never would have thought. The learning experience was perfect."

Who developed this module?

Adelaide Chitanda, Senior Advice Officer

Module Includes