A new network will help black African and Caribbean governors in an attempt to increase the diversity of school governing boards.
The National Black Governors Network will pair black professionals interested in becoming governors with schools who are looking to diversify their governing boards via the network’s website.
The NBGN was set up by Sharon Warmington (pictured), who noticed a distinct lack of diversity among the school governing community.
“I’ve been around governance all of my working life but no matter where I’ve been I’m usually the only black in the room,” she said.
“Governing boards are not reflective of the student body that they’re serving, and if young black children are not seeing themselves reflected at that level, how can they aspire to be at that level.”
Successes of the network so far include a 23-year-old graduate being placed at a primary academy trust, as well as an entrepreneur in his 30s becoming a governor for an alternative provision free school.
You can find out more about the network and how to get involved by clicking here.
Thanks for this article Sam, the response has been brilliant with more black professionals AND schools coming on board to break down those perceived/actual barriers. We can make a change, one Governor/School at a time.