Anti-racism at Guildhall School: February update

Anti-racism at Guildhall School: February update

Read our latest update on our anti-racism work.

We gave updates to our external community in July and October 2020 about our plans to address and dismantle racism in our School. In our last update, we mentioned that an Anti-Racist Task Force would be formed within the School to develop the findings from our ‘Listen & Learn’ groups into a series of recommendations, and that these would be shared with the whole School at the start of the spring term. The Anti Racist Task Force included representatives of the staff, the student body, and the Board of Governors, prioritising those who have experienced racism.

Working with an external specialist in equality, diversity and inclusion, we have now shared a report with staff and students that summarises the work of the Anti-Racist Task Force and outlines the next steps to advance Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the School. This includes the formation of five key Equality Objectives for Guildhall School:

 

  1. Demonstrate equality, diversity and inclusion commitment
  2. Create an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive
  3. Contextualise the library, curriculum/repertoire, and pedagogy
  4. To attract under-represented student groups
  5. To attract, select and retain a diverse workforce

 

The Task Force has developed specific actions to support the delivery of each of these objectives, acknowledging that work is already underway in many areas. These actions will be driven forward by a reconstituted Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, to be formed in March. The Committee will be made up of a cross representation of staff and students, and will also invite key stakeholders and external specialists to inform the School’s priorities.

The action plan delivered by the Task Force sets out recommendations for the EDI Committee’s approval and prioritisation, recognising that some recommendations will require further consultation to assess their viability and effectiveness in achieving the five objectives. The EDI Committee will integrate the action plan into a School-wide action plan spanning all of our departments and faculties, and covering our broader School audience and equality groups.

The School is also planning to appoint a staff lead on EDI. This role will be responsible for managing the EDI programme and the delivery of the equality objectives, and will chair the EDI Committee.

We recognise this is only the start of the School’s journey in this area. Departments are continuing their own development of actions specific to their areas of teaching, and we’ll be ensuring that their work aligns and feeds into the work of the new Committee.

Our thanks to everyone who has committed their time and energy to this process so far. We hope that our next update will be the first in an ongoing series from the EDI Committee itself.

Lynne Williams, Principal
Sean Gregory, Vice Principal & Director of Innovation and Engagement