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IELA

Welcome to IELA, The Inclusion and Equity Leadership Association. We champion equity, diversity and inclusion and highlight the benefits of inclusive organisations.

We offer advice and guidance, the latest information and news and support with policies and compliance. IELA supports excellence in equity and inclusion work and actively advocates for change through training, resources, networking, consultancy work and much more.

Membership

IELA represents all educational settings, including schools, colleges and universities, charities, organisations, corporate companies and businesses in the UK and world-wide. We invite all to access our services and show their commitment to EDI by becoming a member.
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CPD & Events

IELA provides regular opportunities for members to develop their knowledge and understanding and to support commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion with forums, seminars, webinars, accredited training courses, conferences and more. We cover a range of necessary and relevant topics to enable progression within EDI.
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Advice & Guidance

IELA provides advice and guidance services to all of our members on their EDI journey. We deliver support on key issues surrounding Equity, Diversity and inclusion. From looking at government legislation with an EDI lens to supporting you on an individual basis with queries and questions. We support you with tools and strategies to make the best choices with EDI at heart.
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03
Jul
Online
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

SEND for non-SEND specialists

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04
Sep
Online
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Inclusive leadership: unlocking diversity, inclusion and connection

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18
Sep
Online
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Cultural competence

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26
Sep
Online
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Fostering psychological safety for all

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06
Oct
Online
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Understanding intersectionality and race

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25
Nov
Conference
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

IELA/BSA – Mental health and Identity conference

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09
Dec
Online
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Mitigating unconscious bias

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08
Oct
Forum
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Inclusion in international schools forum

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Latest Jobs

Posted on: 13-06-2025

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resource Base Teacher – LB Wandsworth Schools

Deadline: 27-06-2025
Apply now
Posted on: 13-06-2025

Assistant Headteacher – SEND and Inclusive Practice – The Kingston Academy

Deadline: 30-06-2025
Apply now
Posted on: 13-05-2025

Bank Lecturer – Care, Health and Sport (West Lothian College)

Deadline: 19-04-2026
Apply now
Posted: 19 Jun 2025

“How I unlearned the internalised prejudice I had as a Black woman –…

In this article, the author reflects on her journey as a Black British woman unlearning internalized prejudice around her natural hair. For years, she wore “safe” hairstyles to avoid negative stereotypes and microaggressions in white-dominated spaces. A trip to Jamaica inspired her to explore a wider variety of afro-centric styles, helping her reconnect with her identity and challenge ingrained notions of professionalism and beauty rooted in Eurocentric standards. Through this...

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Posted: 18 Jun 2025

IELA Blog: Refugee Week

Refugee Week is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the experiences of refugees and on the profound ways immigration continues to shape and strengthen our communities. This week is a chance to celebrate, value, and shine a light on the great contributions immigration brings to our society.   Refugee Week reminds us that we need to continue to learn about the experiences of the Refugee community and honour the strength...

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Posted: 13 Jun 2025

Childline delivers thousands of counselling sessions to young people about sexuality and gender…

Childline—a free, confidential NSPCC service—provided over 2,400 counselling sessions in the last year on sexuality and gender identity. The majority involved trans and non-binary young people, reflecting significant demand for support on issues like coming out, identity questions, bullying, and discrimination. Resources for both young people and adults, coupled with active engagement during Pride Month, aim to foster understanding, inclusion, and acceptance. Source: NSPCC Read the full article

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Posted: 5 Jun 2025

Number of people with ADHD ‘probably isn’t increasing that much’ – study reports

A recent study indicates that the actual prevalence of ADHD in England hasn’t significantly increased, despite a notable rise in individuals seeking assessments. This surge is attributed to heightened public awareness, reduced stigma, and potential pandemic-related disruptions. Researchers also highlight the ambiguous relationship between social media usage and ADHD symptoms, noting it’s unclear whether online activity exacerbates symptoms or if individuals with ADHD are more inclined towards such platforms. While...

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Posted: 30 May 2025

IELA Podcast: Episode 4 Meaningful ways to diversify and decolonise your curriculum

Welcome to the very first mini podcast series by the Inclusion, Equity and Leadership Association, also known as (IELA). This series is called The IELA Exchange: Conversations about Inclusion. In episode 4 we explore meaningful ways to diversify and decolonise your curriculum. Host: Gaelle Sullivan, Director of Research, Inclusion and IELA Guest speaker: Dr Robert Power  

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Posted: 28 May 2025

IELA blog: Roma and Traveller History Month: The importance of language

June marks Roma and Traveller History Month. It was first officially recognised in the UK in 2008, building on grassroots campaigns and advocacy by Roma and Traveller community organisations and allies. It aligns with similar awareness efforts in Europe and globally to highlight the systemic challenges and human rights issues Roma and Traveller people face while also celebrating their longstanding contributions to British society.  Roma and Traveller History Month aims...

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Posted: 21 May 2025

Redefining leadership: From competence to inclusion

The article “Redefining Leadership: From Competence to Inclusion” by Professor Binna Kandola, in Personnel Today, argues that traditional leadership models often reinforce outdated ideals, inadvertently embedding bias and undermining inclusion efforts.  Kandola critiques conventional leadership competency frameworks, noting that they frequently emphasize traits like decisiveness and execution—qualities traditionally associated with male stereotypes. This narrow focus can marginalize diverse leadership styles and overlook the value of inclusive behaviours. The article highlights...

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Posted: 14 May 2025

Infant school to offer part-time ‘flexi schooling’

St Michael’s in Mickleham near Dorking is to experiment with a ‘flexi-schooling’ approach which could see pupils attending school on a part-time basis with the addition of home schooling. Headteacher, Nicola Cleather, said the option will put individual needs of the children first and take into account different learning styles. Source: BBC News Read the full article here.

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Posted: 8 May 2025

DfE to investigate why SEND numbers have ballooned

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to investigate the significant rise in the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England. This initiative responds to the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) concerns about the DfE’s limited data and lack of a comprehensive, costed reform plan. The DfE aims to develop a detailed reform strategy by the end of 2025, focusing on improving data collection...

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Posted: 7 May 2025

How to build a culture that empowers neurodivergent leaders

The article from Personnel Today, titled “How to Build a Culture That Empowers Neurodivergent Leaders,” emphasizes the importance of supporting neurodivergent individuals in leadership roles. While much attention has been given to accommodating neurodivergent employees, the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent leaders often go unaddressed. Key Points: Underdiagnosis and Support Gaps: With increasing wait times for ADHD assessments and some NHS trusts closing their waiting lists, many neurodivergent individuals remain...

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Membership

IELA represents all educational settings, including independent and state schools, colleges and universities, charities, organisations, corporate companies and businesses in the UK and world-wide.

Find out more about Membership here.

Memberships