Our commitment to equality and diversity
At BDSIP we are genuinely and passionately committed to equality and diversity. Both in our work with schools, and as an employer, we will actively consider and promote equality of opportunity in everything we do.
Race and social justice
The race and social justice programme was formally launched with all schools in Barking and Dagenham in September 2021. Prior to the launch, we invested around ten months in shaping the programme and building school support and engagement.
The focus and structure of the programme was informed by extensive research into leading practice elsewhere, including support from Paul Miller, Professor of Educational Leadership and Social Justice, who was engaged to advise on the development and shape of our programme across the first six months of the project.
We have also worked with the BAMEed Network, and have visited colleagues leading similar programmes in other London boroughs and across the country.
Programme focus
The programme is focused on three themes:
- Student experience and inclusion
- Staff recruitment, progression and experience
- Curriculum
Leadership
The programme is led by Paramjit Roopra, Executive Headteacher at Northbury Primary and Thomas Arnold Primary, and by Ben Spinks, Chief Executive at BDSIP. It is steered by a leadership team comprising primary and secondary headteachers.
Delivery
The programme is strongly school-led, with an emphasis on schools assessing their own starting point and priorities. This is supported by a self-evaluation tool, which provides a framework that schools can use to identify existing strengths and development areas.
As an employer
We recognise, value and celebrate the strength which comes from a diverse team, from having a range of views and perspectives, and from reflecting the communities and schools we serve. Our recruitment process is informed by best practice in schools and elsewhere, and has been developed to ensure we attract and appoint the most diverse range of candidates. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and the increasing diversity of our leadership team and we believe this makes us stronger as an organisation.
We want BDSIP to be a welcoming, supportive environment for everyone who works with and for us and we actively invest in staff development, seeking to ensure that all our people are aware of, and confident talking about, equality and diversity related issues. We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in our organisation. Further details can be found in our EDI policy.
Our work with schools – the Race and Social Justice programme
We are proud to have introduced, and to co-lead, the Race and Social Justice programme with schools across Barking and Dagenham. Launched in 2021, over 40 schools are actively involved in the programme, which considers issues relating to race and social justice across the three themes of:
- Student experience and inclusion
- Staff recruitment, progression and experience
- Curriculum
Further details, resources and case studies can be found below.
Resources
RSJ Overview
The race and social justice programme was formally launched with all schools in Barking and Dagenham in September 2021. Prior to the formal launch, we invested around ten months in shaping the programme and building school support and engagement.
Barking and Dagenham Race and Social Justice Charter
RSJ Self Evaluation Sample
Download a sample of our Race and Social Justice self-evaluation pack.
Case Studies
A Case Study in Race and Social Justice: Barking Abbey School
Download to see Barking Abbey School’s progress as part of the Race and Social Justice programme. Read more
A Case Study in Race and Social Justice: Eastbury Primary School
Download to see Eastbury Primary School’s progress as part of the Race and Social Justice programme. Read more
A Case Study in Race and Social Justice: Marsh Green Primary School
Download to see Marsh Green Primary School's progress as part of the Race and Social Justice programme. Read more
GET IN TOUCH
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Alternatively, feel free to give us a call on 020 8227 2636.