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Why Equality And Diversity Is Central To Early Years Leadership

Equalities is a journey, and people make mistakes as their awareness develops, but it's important to keep challenging entrenched views and beliefs

James Hempsall OBE
by James Hempsall OBE
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We’ve come a long way since the Sex Discrimination Act, the Race Relations Act and the Equal Pay Act were introduced in the 70s. More-nuanced legislation has been introduced since then, keeping pace with social attitudes, which have also changed considerably. However, where conflict, uncertainty, fear and tension remains, equalities issues, discrimination and prejudice will never be far behind.

Equality and diversity is an essential part of every leader’s toolkit today. Recently, I’ve noticed how a bank has published its approach to diversity and inclusion; how a gay CEO of a national airline has spoken about the importance of being yourself at work; and how an advertising agency chair expressing views on gender bias in their industry and an MP quoted as suggesting male childcarers ‘may be paedophiles’, have both been criticised.

These examples demonstrate the benefits of being an aware and equalities-focused leader – and the pitfalls of getting the message wrong…

Making gains

In modern times, what has exposed many is social media, where people are able to directly share their own unaware views or conscious and unconscious prejudices.

Equalities is a journey, and people can make mistakes as their awareness develops and challenges the views and beliefs society and the media make such a powerful job of entrenching in all of us.

Mistakes are fine, as long as we learn from them. For early years, that means confident anti-discriminatory practice (uniquely still a requirement of the Children Act on all our delivery), promoting British Values throughout all our work, and meeting the Prevent Duty (to identify individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation).

Gains here can lead to children feeling safe and confident, and reaching their full potential; a diverse and happy workforce, with open and honest communications and thinking; and becoming closer to parents, customers or service users and better understanding their needs.

And in doing so, climates are created that achieve trust and safety. Mistakes here can lead to lack of opportunities, sackings or suspensions, a public message that you’re out of touch, and greater distance from the customer or service user.

Never has equality and diversity awareness and training mattered more, especially as we’re in an era where tolerance ensures everyone is respected and included, yet held to account for prejudice, hate crimes and extremism.

Regular training is key, as is reflecting on ourselves, and the views of others. What’s also important is that teams and organisations create cultures where equalities can thrive. That’s the role of a good equalities leader.

James Hempsall OBE is director of Hempsall’s training, research and consultancy. Visit hempsalls.com or follow on Twitter: @jhempsall.

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