Find out more
On 25 May 2020, the shocking video of George Floyd’s death in the US sparked protests all over the UK and a national debate over Britain’s colonial history. The emotions precipitated by these tragic events reverberated across the world, prompting many people in the UK to reflect and take action, in order to confront systemic racism within Britain.
The Black Lives Matter movement was one of the key drivers for Wellington College, in commissioning an audit and review of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the College. So, over the last six months, we have been working with Professor Paul Miller from Educational Equity Services, a London based consultancy, providing research, capacity and institutional support to clients in the education, industry and charity sectors, so as to address some of the issues raised by the BLM movement, and issues of diversity more widely. Wellington College alumni had asked College leaders to “raise awareness, and take action”, and current students have been very involved in the planning and implementation of this review.
The College believes its educational remit is to ensure we equip our students for a modern, diverse Britain and the wider world. The project also embodies our College values, kindness, courage, respect, integrity, and responsibility, with particular focus this year on Respectful Relationships.
Working with a team of Wellington staff and students, Educational Equity Services is in the process of a thorough review of College policies, processes, and practice. Staff, students, Governor Mark Milliken-Smith and alumni have created a ‘Project Delivery Group’ to lead and drive the project forward: 5 different work-streams encompass a curriculum review, an evaluation of all public face and iconography assets, an analysis of HR and Admissions data, staff and pupil training, and the development of a new Diversity strategy for the College. The College is excited that there is tremendous enthusiasm for this project, and we are making good progress towards launching the findings in September.
Staff, students, Governor Mark Milliken-Smith and alumni have created a ‘Project Delivery Group’
When speaking to the EDI Project Steering Group last month Professor Paul commented on his recent visit to the College: “During my visit, I met and directly engaged with no fewer than 28 stakeholders occupying a range of roles from students, security, driver, professional services staff, pastoral and academic teaching staff. I also spent time in a sixth form English lesson, and visited Hardinge and Stanley houses. Through these several interactions, I have come away with a very good impression of the College and its commitment to inclusion and diversity.
There is a real enthusiasm across the College for becoming an actively anti-racist institution and generally inclusive, where every member of the College (staff and students) can thrive and become their best selves. The College is taking such a deep and comprehensive look at equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of its operations and this sets it apart from many other organisations whose approach has tended to be more piecemeal.”
Over the next week there will be a series of events to mark the anniversary of the death of George Floyd and to recognise the need for the conversations around Black Lives Matter to continue. Key events at Wellington include:
- All staff will be taking part in a training event “Let’s Talk about Race”.
- A number of “Facilitated Conversations” will be hosted by Professor Paul Miller and his team where they will listen to participants’personal and professional experiences within College relating to aspects of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
- The pupil-led event arts showcase, Hidden Figures, will be live streamed on 26 May. Various student groups, from Academic Scholars to those involved in the Global Citizenship Programme, have devised celebrations of individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds whose contribution to the advancement of humanity have been suppressed or marginalised. Find out more HERE.
If you would like any further information on the EDI Project or the issues raised in this article, please contact Sarah Miller, strategic lead for the current EDI work-stream, and Head of the Prince Albert Foundation SMiller@wellingtoncollege.org.uk or Monica Bassan, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager MBassan@wellingtoncollege.org.uk
To find out more about Professor Paul Miller’s work please visit educationalequityservices.com
