Estyn encourages more diverse leadership with new programme

The programme aims to diversify the inspection pool, boost the experiences and careers of those involved and so contribute to an increase in diversity in leadership in education at all levels.

Owen Evans, Chief Inspector, says,

In March 2019, just 15 individuals from non-white ethnic backgrounds were registered as headteachers or senior leaders in Wales – less than 1% of the workforce. Yet Wales has many potential inspiring and motivating leaders from all backgrounds throughout education who face barriers to progression in their careers.
Everyone in Wales has a part to play in remedying this situation and I’m proud that Estyn can play a role. This pilot programme is an important part of the work we are doing to increase representation across all levels of leadership and the pool of inspectors that we work with so that the education workforce reflects the diversity of Wales.

Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, says,

I am committed to increasing representation in all areas of our education workforce. Our young people need to recognise themselves and their own experiences within their leadership role models, which is why this development programme Estyn is launching today is so important.
We know that organisations that attract and develop individuals from the widest pool of talent consistently perform better.

The National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales says it

is proud to support the implementation of this programme through our innovation funding stream. As an organisation we recognise the importance of increasing the representation of global majority leaders, across all education settings in the inspection process.

Applications for the programme are open until Monday 29 June. Candidates must currently be working in a school in Wales, have at least five years’ teaching experience, and be responsible for developing teaching, learning or well-being.