Supporting excellence in equity, diversity and inclusion.

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Supporting excellence in equity, diversity and inclusion.

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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Small UK businesses are being encouraged to steer away from one‑off rainbow logos and Pride-themed marketing (“rainbow-washing”) and instead commit to genuine, year-round LGBTQIA+ inclusion—both in workplace policies and public actions. This includes adopting inclusive HR practices, launching training on LGBTQ+ issues (especially for trans and non-binary staff), creating employee resource groups, and engaging consistently with LGBTQ+ communities—not just during June. The call aligns with initiatives like Pride in London’s...

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Posted: 25 Jun 2025

‘One kid at a time’: How children’s books on male friendship could combat…

Children’s literature is increasingly spotlighting male friendship to challenge toxic masculinity, a shift highlighted by the 2025 Carnegie Medal shortlist. Winners like Margaret McDonald’s Glasgow Boys and Nathanael Lessore’s King of Nothing depict nuanced male bonds—ranging from trauma responses to peer support—offering boys relatable and empathetic role models. These stories serve as “empathy machines,” countering the misogynistic narratives of the manosphere and gaming culture while reigniting reading interest among boys,...

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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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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.

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