Leadership progression in education is not a level playing field. Whether deliberately or unwittingly, women, and particularly women from ethnic minorities are frequently disadvantaged.
We need the best leaders for our young people and we can’t afford to limit the potential of women in the workforce.
We can change the narrative. Commit to four steps to support equal opportunities in your school.
4 steps to support equality and diversity in your school
1. Fair recruitment practices
- Commit to blind shortlisting. Remove names and ages.
- Ensure that interview panels are representative.
- Review the make-up of your governing body and ensure they receive appropriate training.
2. No gender pay gap
- Analyse your gender pay gap. Is any discrepancy justified?
- Remove the requirement to state current salary on application forms. Determine salary on the basis of the role, not previous pay.
- Ensure there are transparent and consistent processes for pay review and awarding salary increases.
3. Flexible working
- Ensure that there are opportunities for job sharing at all levels, including senior leadership and headship.
- In larger schools consider how part-time working could incorporate different start/finish times.
- Consider how you can limit the requirement for all staff to work outside the school day.
4. Access to professional development and coaching
- Review current access to CPD and professional qualifications.
- Regularly review all staff to identify those with leadership potential who may not be putting themselves forward.
- Provide targeted coaching for emerging female leaders and colleagues from ethnic minorities.
Women in Leadership and Education
Leadership progression in education is not a level playing field. Whether deliberately or unwittingly, women, and particularly women from ethnic minorities are frequently disadvantaged.
Join us on 18 June 2024 and get ready to be inspired.
