Escalate: The Emerging Professorial Programme

The research consultancy led by Professor Paul Miller and his team at the University of Greenwich provided valuable insights into our current policies and practices, and made practical recommendations for how we can address under-representation and barriers to progression for colleagues from a minority ethnic background in our organisation, and build a more inclusive culture. We are grateful for their support.

Fiona Bartels Ellis, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, British Council

“…Thanks to Paul Miller. His work has shaped some policy development we are still undertaking and hope to be able to share more widely soon”.

Mark Stephens CMG, Director Cultural Engagement, British Council

“Thought provoking and challenging throughout, using both theory and practical information to support discussion not only in the workplace but more widely too. Highly recommended.”

Helen Ruddle, FInstLM, Director of HR, Delta Academies Trust

“The Leading EDI course delivered by Educational Equity Services (now Institute for Equity, University Centre) was highly informative and rooted in academic research. I found the content thought provoking not only in relation to EDI areas but overall leadership theory and practice. I would highly recommend the Fellowship to leaders and aspiring leaders across all sectors.”

Fabian De Fabiani, FInstLM, Assistant Headteacher, Townley Grammar/Odyssey Trust

“I whole-heartedly recommend this programme. The taught modules are very well sequenced and research based. Plenty of time is allowed time to explore and reflect on key EDI issues & important factors to consider when leading multicultural teams, improving diversity and ensuring sustained momentum in driving organisational change for equitable practice. Facilitators provide a safe space to discuss and navigate the course materials with further reading and resources to support you in acquiring further depth. The assignments help to secure knowledge and the action research case study has left me feeling prepared and inspired to undertake further action research.”

Shelly Geeson, FInstLM, Deputy Director SCITT/ECF, NOVA Education Trust

“I have always been interested in developing wider diversity within schools and was delighted to take part in this course. It was thought-provoking and certainly challenged your mindset towards Equality, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI). There were many healthy discussions about the fundamentals of EDI but also academic background reading that developed your understanding of things such as bias. The sessions were virtual and took place over a number of weeks whilst assessment was through a small number of essays and online tests. I would thoroughly recommend taking part as it has had a resounding impact on my thoughts and, subsequently, the systems and processes we are now developing in school.”

Kate Coates, AInstLM, Headteacher, Kingsfield Primary School

“I recently had the privilege of completing the programme in Equity, Inclusion & Organisational Diversity. I am proud to call myself a long standing anti-racist activist, trustee and anti-racist educator and this course has definitely supported my work in these areas. The course prompted an open and honest debate on EDI and how important it is for us all to disrupt organisational mindsets, policies, and practice especially from a leadership perspective. The journey was academic, contextualised, and practical. It required group participation as well as independent study to complete a small number of modules. These modules have proven invaluable in practice. Facilitators are experienced and empathetic. The course was invaluable for developing my role as a trustee. Thought provoking? Yes, but more importantly it gives you the resources and tools to extend thoughts into action which is what is needed, and I hope to implement within the trust and my wider work. In short, I am a richer person for attending the course and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.”

Catherina Quinn, AInstLM, Trustee, Active Learning Trust

“I came to the programme with little knowledge of matters to do with race and ethnicity having lived and worked in a predominantly white British part of the country all my life. The approach Professor Paul Miller took was engaging, non-threatening yet challenging. The material and resources used were very good and the discussion among participants so helpful in thinking through a personal response to matters of race and racism. The programme was also very practical with the assessed element really focused on what you could do back in your own organisation. Therefore the training made a real difference!”

Paul Dunning, Director of Education, Diocese of Norwich