​Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Our overall aims

​Every school has access to the people and professional knowledge to enable them to reach the best outcomes for all stakeholders to ensure higher levels of belonging and psychological safety for pupils, parents and staff who have been historically under-represented in the profession.

Through our DEI work, all members of our community can feel psychological safety and be their authentic selves in all settings. As a result, the children in our schools are led, taught, supported and governed by people who can embody the values and model the behaviours of a modern inclusive society.

DEI Policy

We are committed to ensuring that every member of the SWIFT community has a strong sense of belonging. It is important to us that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, feel valued and fulfil their unique potential as part of our community. 

DEI Commitment Statement

Review the DEI statement and commitments on an annual basis 
SWIFT Teacher Training commitments have been reviewed and updated by the SWIFT DEI Group and SWIFT Director as part of the annual review. 

Appoint a person who is responsible for DEI within SWIFT Teacher Training 
The Director of SWIFT Teacher Training is responsible for DEI. 

Ensure that the principles of this policy are embedded in HR strategy and all policies and procedures are regularly monitored and reviewed
We ensure that the principles of this policy are embedded in our recruitment and application procedures, as well as other relevant documentation. 

Offer all trainees the opportunity to create a Trainee Support Plan to be aware of individual needs and make necessary reasonable adjustments 
All trainees are offered the opportunity to create a Trainee Support Plan so we are aware of individual needs and requirements and can make the necessary reasonable adjustments. TSPs are created together by the trainee and their campus lead. 

Communicate our DEI approach and measures to foster a sense of belonging to schools and trusts
We provide DEI training and support to mentors through our mentor curriculum training. 
All core team members receive DEI training. 
NEW | We communicate SWIFT’s DEI practices to all schools hosting trainees, not just those where trainees require adjustments. 

Monitor and measure diversity at every stage of employment to remove any direct, indirect, associative, and perceptive discrimination 
SWIFT Teacher Training utilises data from various sources, including Manage and the MIS system, to monitor and measure diversity. We take action, when necessary, based on our findings. 

Be aware of trainees who have a protected characteristic or belong to a minority group 
We are aware of trainees who have a protected characteristic or belong to a minority group through the interview process, communications with the Campus teams, and individual Trainee Support Plans. 

Make reasonable adaptations where required, providing for all without discrimination 
This support may include providing documents in advance of training, access to a laptop, enlarging text, or adjusting for a trainee with mobility difficulties. Additional time for preparing tasks may also be allowed. 
Details are kept on the Trainee Support Plan Register with restricted access on a need-to-know basis. 

Challenge and investigate discriminatory behaviour and enforce the disciplinary procedure when necessary
We will always do this when considered necessary. Please refer to our complaint’s procedures. 

Communicate and regularly review positive initiatives to ensure ever-wider access
DEI is included as a regular agenda item for various leadership meetings, including the Partnership Group and Strategic Board. 

Support the communities in which we live and work to ensure involvement, accessibility, and social responsibility 
SWIFT Teacher Training supports communities through our Campus Structure, enabling us to be aware of and responsive to the different needs of children and workforce needs of schools across the South West. 

Work with external groups and advisory bodies to stay updated with market practices and issue management. 
We work closely with organisations like the SWIFT DEI Group, NASBTT and Diverse Educators to stay updated. 

Communicate our commitment to DEI to prospective applicants
We use inclusive imagery on our website and identify pronouns in our emails. Our commitment to DEI is evident in our interview approach and next steps. 

Allocate trainees into schools where they will be safe and supported 
Our five-campus structure allows us to place trainees in schools tailored to their individual needs. 
Regular professional conversations with campus teams on wellbeing help ensure trainees feel safe and supported. 

Provide safe spaces for teachers from minority groups to attend
This is an area we aim to develop. We will use trainee feedback to identify these spaces and work with trainees and partners to provide them. We direct trainees to national DEI Networks. 

Diversity training
All our trainees receive DEI-specific training sessions during their program. 
Our curriculum includes and celebrates a broad range of diverse voices, with specific sessions on SEND, EAL, and DEI delivered throughout the year. 

Provide next steps guidance as trainees move from SWIFT Teacher Training into their first jobs
We provide trainees with: 
  • An understanding of key legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010. 
  • A signpost to organisations that can provide support if needed. 
  • A space on transition documents for trainees to communicate specific needs and suggested reasonable adjustments for their new schools. 
  • Information about their Early Career Framework entitlements and how this is adjusted if they are part-time. 

Include other characteristics. 
We aim to know which of our trainees have been:  

  • looked after children  
  • the first to achieve a degree in their family 

​Their insights, experiences, and journeys will be invaluable in benefiting the children at the schools where they work in the future.  
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