On Friday 10 October, I was walking to the Friends Meeting House in Manchester to attend a neurodiversity event. As I made my way there, a man ahead of me, focused on his phone, was walking slowly. I stepped slightly to the left to pass him, hoping to avoid being late. In that simple, ordinary […]
This true story appeared on Facebook this morning. As I read it, I found myself asking some uncomfortable but necessary questions. What type of upbringing did the mother have that made her believe it was acceptable to teach her daughter to be discriminatory and unkind?Why did the daughter not feel able to tell her mother
Everyday Racism: Is It Me? Read More »
A time to reflect and a time to act Two years have passed since the horrific events of 7 October, and the aftershocks are still being felt deeply across Jewish communities in Britain and beyond. What should have been unthinkable has become ordinary.Synagogues have been vandalised, homes defaced, Jewish students harassed, and families assaulted simply
Standing Together Against Antisemitism: Two Years On Read More »
This October marks the 15th anniversary of the Equality Act 2010, a milestone in advancing equality and human rights in Britain. The Act has been the foundation for fairness and progress, protecting people across nine protected characteristics and providing a framework for tackling discrimination. Over the past decade and a half, the Equality and Human
15 Years of the Equality Act: Celebrating Progress, Demanding Action Read More »
Introduction: A Personal Reflection As a mixed-race Caribbean and Chinese woman, my experience of racism has been both personal and systemic. I grew up in a community where my family was one of only two ethnically diverse families. At primary school, I was one of just three Black children. In my professional life, I was
The role of a school governor has never been more dynamic or more vital. Education is evolving rapidly, and the decisions governors make today shape the opportunities children will have tomorrow. From changes in inspection frameworks to the impact of smartphones, from reforms in post-16 pathways to the rise of AI in classrooms—staying informed is
Why Governors Need to Stay Updated Read More »
In today’s workplaces, many people still experience microaggressions subtle, often unintentional comments or behaviours that cause harm. While some may dismiss them as “just a joke” or “banter,” research shows that 83% of people have experienced microaggressions at work, and the cumulative effect can feel like “death by a thousand cuts.” Examples include: These may
Building Safe Workplaces: Speaking Up Against Microaggressions Read More »
Introduction Governors play a crucial role in setting the tone of a school’s culture. At a time when hostility toward ethnically diverse people is rising, the responsibility of governing boards to protect, include and champion every member of the school community is greater than ever. Inclusion is not a “nice to have”; it is a
Governing for Inclusion, Equity and Safeguarding: A guide for school governors Read More »
Welcome to our September update from Equality & Diversity UK. This month, we reflect on the challenges we see emerging across the UK – growing division, hostility, and systemic barriers that directly affect the communities we serve. The rise in racism, ableism, and exclusion is deeply concerning. Yet, even in difficult times, there are reasons
EDUK September Newsletter – Standing Together, Breaking Barriers Read More »
Foreword Silence is not neutral. Across every sector — from employers and schools to councils, charities, and the police — we must create spaces for courageous conversations about discrimination. Checking in with staff and volunteers is not a tick-box exercise but an act of accountability and leadership. This post explores what each sector must do,
Why Courageous Conversations on Discrimination Matter in Every Sector Read More »
