Secondary Equity and Inclusion

A Roundtable Discussion on Equalities Duties: How do Governors and Leaders implement the Equalities Duties?

Setting the context:

Hackney is one of the most richly diverse boroughs in London. It is a melting pot of religious and cultural beliefs, with individuals representing each of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act. Nevertheless, from wide ranging evidence, we know that people in our community, including children in our schools, experience inequality. 

In hosting this round table debate, we wish to bring together the experiences of a diverse group of governors, leaders and other colleagues. We are seeking to draw together participants’ perspectives as we aim to explore:

1. What are the key issues and tensions that surround how effectively governing boards implement the equalities duties?

2. How do we know ~ what does the evidence tell us about those who are experiencing inequality? 

3. Where are the apparent weaknesses within our system practices and why might this be so?

4. What actions might we take forward to better support governing boards in implementing the Equalities Duties that bring about sustained systemic change?

In advance of joining this session, we ask participants to consider:

1. What Equality Objectives have your governing board identified, how are they measured, and how clearly is this information published on your school website?

2. Examples of comparative data showing disproportionate overrepresentation:

1.  Pupils - eg. Attainment, Attendance Behaviour & Exclusion;SEND Effective engagement with parents, reports of discrimination / racism;  outcome of survey with pupils and families

2. Staff: eg. recruitment; development; benefits & support; performance management; reports of discrimination / racism;Workforce data - leadership, teacher, ancillary staff and governing board outcome of survey with staffand and governors

3. Best practice and ideas - models that already are or have potential to impact in bringing about change 

• Included in package:
• Governance
• Primary

• Target audience:
• Primary
• Secondary

How do we safeguard our children including those from Black and Global Majority communities?

Introduction

This session helps Safeguarding Governors support their school’s SLT and Designated Safeguarding Lead in safeguarding all children, including those from Black and Global Majority communities. It covers legal requirements, Hackney Education's support, and preparation for safeguarding inspections.

Course Overview

This course will focus on how governing boards can ensure their schools:

• Identify and comprehend statutory guidance relevant to safeguarding requirements for School Governors.
• Understand the duty of School Governors in safeguarding children, including associated roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure governing bodies' compliance with legislation, implementing effective policies, procedures, and training for safeguarding in schools.
• Cover a spectrum of safeguarding policies and procedures, encompassing child protection, staff behaviour, and responses to missing children.
• Explore best practices, including staff training, regular updates, and incorporating safeguarding education into the curriculum for children.

Facilitator: James Sykes

Additional e-Learning training on more detailed case studies are to follow. 

 Free for Hackney schools. Non Hackney schools £108.00 incl. VAT

• Target audience:
• Primary
• Secondary

• Included in package:
• Governance
• Primary