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Equality, diversity & inclusion

NGA outlines new commitments for action on equality, diversity and inclusion in education for 2024 2025

News
19/12/2024
Pupils-learning secondary school pupils in a group

NGA, along with 12 other education bodies and national associations, have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion within the education sector by outlining new commitments for action for 2024/25.

As part of the statements of action:

Signatories will hold each other to account for delivering on these aims and will be held to account by our respective members and stakeholders. By being transparent about our actions, we want to give confidence to pupils and families, staff and leaders and those governing that we are learning, listening and acting on their concerns and ambitions for equality, diversity and inclusion. The progress and impact of these commitments will be reviewed every 12 months and an updated statement published.

 Over the course of 2024-2025 NGA is committed to:

  • Advocacy for Stronger Policies: NGA will use insights from the 2024 Annual Governance Survey and other research conducted to advocate for stronger diversity policies with the Department for Education, highlighting the positive impact of diverse boards on decision-making and pupil outcomes.
  • Collaboration and Resource Development: NGA will continue to collaborate with organisations like BAMEed, School’s Out, and the Global Equality Collective to extend the reach of its EDI resources, ensuring boards have access to inclusive practices and tools.
  • Diversity in Recruitment: NGA will maintain our own commitment to a diverse board of trustees by implementing an inclusive and proactive recruitment process, partnering with community networks to attract a wider pool of candidates from underrepresented groups. Role modelling good governance practice.
  • Internal Policy Reviews: To ensure NGA’s internal practices are aligned with our EDI goals, we will regularly review our policies through an EDI lens.
  • Focus on Special Educational Needs: As a priority focus highlighted by members in our Annual Governance Survey this year, NGA will further develop resources to support inclusive education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), partnering with SEND organisations to address specific sector challenges.
  • Exploring support for new governors from the LGBTQ+ community: NGA has begun discussions with NEU to support their LGBTQ+ members to become governors and trustees.

NGA’s 2024 annual governance survey found that the lack of diversity among governing boards stubbornly remains prevalent. The annual governance survey found that 95% of respondents identified as White, compared to 1% of respondents who identified as Black/African/Caribbean/Black British, 2% of respondents identified as Asian/Asian British, and 2% identified as being from a mixed or multiple ethnic background, highlighting the continued need for change to make sure boards both reflect school and trust communities.

Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, NGA said:

"Governing boards play a critical role, working with whole school communities to create a culture of inclusion in schools and trusts. Through the decisions they make and the scrutiny and support they provide, governing boards can drive equality of opportunity for staff and children and ensure diverse views are considered and represented.

NGA and 12 other education organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion by setting out clear statements of action for 2024/25. These commitments will hold us accountable as we listen, learn, and act on the ambitions and concerns of pupils, families, staff, and those governing.

Our 2024 Annual Governance Survey results highlight that only 5% of governing board members identify as being from ethnic minority backgrounds, which doesn't reflect the population as a whole. NGA is campaigning for boards to reflect the diversity of our school communities while supporting schools and trusts in creating inclusive environments.

Together, with our fellow signatories, we are determined to take meaningful action and deliver lasting impact for the education sector.”

To create inclusive environments, schools and trusts need additional support and funding from the government. As such, the organisations have called for increased government support.

The organisations that are signatories to this statement are:

The statement of action can be read in full here