Emma Sheppard’s Post

I just finished reading "Embracing Generational Diversity: Redefining Educational Norms for Wellbeing" by Tosca Killoran EdD, and it really got me thinking. As a Gen Xer, I’ve seen firsthand the cultural shift in education—from the “culture of sacrifice” many of us grew up with to the younger generation’s emphasis on work-life balance and wellbeing. This article does a great job of exploring these generational differences and the tensions (and opportunities) they create in schools. So, here’s my question for school leaders: Are we doing enough to bridge these gaps? Are we fostering real dialogue between generations? Are we making changes to ensure sustainability for all educators, whether they’re just starting out or have decades of experience? If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read, I recommend this article. Let’s keep the conversation going—how can we evolve together to build better, more inclusive schools? #GenerationalDiversity #EducationLeadership #WellbeingInSchools

My worlds coming together- youth development principles and effective leadership in the workplace. What a perfect match! I have a workshop called "Treat Your Staff Like Children" designed for youth development professionals based around the idea that the principles we use to support our students are the same as the ones we should use to support staff. I'm so excited to see this article that validates this, especially from such a reputable source. https://lnkd.in/eBNpfg9z

We recently came across an insightful article highlighting the critical role of mentorship in empowering young people in today’s workforce. As we witness a significant demographic shift—with baby boomers retiring and diverse generations like Gen Z and Alpha entering the job market—the need for strong mentorship programs has never been more apparent. At SOS Outreach, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to thrive through meaningful mentorship. Our #CareerDevelopment Program aligns, in many ways, with the article’s emphasis on building positive relationships, skill development, and community connections. By fostering mentorship, we not only help young people navigate workplace challenges but also equip them with the tools they need to succeed in their careers. This approach not only benefits individuals but also enriches the entire organization. Let’s continue to champion mentorship and support the next generation in reaching their full potential! Check out the article for more insights: https://lnkd.in/enp6cTPv #SOSOutreach #Mentorship #YouthDevelopment #Workforce #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion

I had the pleasure of attending the "When Females Lead" first women-in-the-boardroom first cohort graduation. It was a lovely and enlightening gathering where I learned from the brilliant minds present. Here are my key takeaways: 1. Seek inclusion with a purpose. It’s not enough to just be included; you must ensure that you have a voice. 2. Wellness is a crucial aspect of your career. 3. Embrace continuous learning.

America’s young men are falling behind…mentoring can help – The Chronicle of Evidence Based Mentoring by Jean Rhodes UMass Boston https://lnkd.in/dpVCPdd3 Reflections on Today's Challenges for Young Men In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal titled "America’s Young Men Are Falling Even Further Behind." It sheds light on a pressing issue: young men in their 20s and early 30s are increasingly living with their parents and feeling aimless and isolated compared to their female peers. As professionals and community leaders, we have the opportunity to foster environments that encourage all young adults to thrive. Creating pathways for success, mentorship programs, and resources that can help them navigate the complexities of modern adulthood.

As the school year wraps up, it's a perfect time for reflection and planning. We wanted to share some key resources we've developed recently to help trusts and schools thrive. 🚀 7 National report launches with unparalleled insights, which can inform your strategic decisions. Our datasets are the largest of their kind in England, and we use this data to produce national analysis and insights to drive important discussions in education. Download the latest research https://hubs.ly/Q02Hd7JS0 🌟 Webinars with practical strategies:  Industry experts and trust leaders joined us to equip education leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and actionable strategies. Access expert-led webinar recordings https://hubs.ly/Q02Hd6v00 🌟 Best practices from thriving trusts: Our research team also spoke with a number of successful leaders and created a spotlight to help others replicate their success.  The power of visionary leadership in transforming education, Big Education Leadership Programme From Feedback to Action: A School Improvement Success Story, Windsor Academy Trust Transforming behaviour culture leads to improved school culture, Nova Education Trust A strong school culture for positive behaviour, Q3 Academy Langley Improving pupil outcomes with peer coaching, Watergrove Trust 3 Insights On Nurturing Great Leaders, Ted Wragg Trust Check out all the good practice spotlights https://hubs.ly/Q02HdxGw0 🌟What our customers value most:  As we value feedback so much, our recent customer survey highlighted what schools and trusts value most working with Edurio. ✅Access to national benchmarks (91%)  ✅The results platform with features such as filters, matrix view and word clouds (71%) ✅Access to internal school and trust benchmarks (53%) These insights emphasise the importance of us providing robust tools for data analysis and comparison, particularly as we start to see data and AI become more prevalent within the sector. We are committed to enhancing these features further in the coming months. Read more in our blog by our Customer Success Manager, Molly Henson. https://hubs.ly/Q02Hd4Zx0 💡 What’s coming in September 2024? We’re excited to announce key improvements rolling out in September with Edurio Unlimited: 👉Automatic question benchmarks 👉Intuitive survey builder and template library 👉Custom filters 👉The ability for trusts and schools to launch their own surveys Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the above; we'd be delighted to share more.  Wishing you a wonderful summer holiday! 🏖️

As educators we are uniquely placed to lead the way in educational workplace equity. Leaders of Multi Academy Trusts even more so, with responsibility for a wide and often diverse cohort of schools. Education can and should be an example of best practice when it comes to equity, serving as a model for future generations. Leaders—both CEOs and Headteachers—can be agents of change, leaving a lasting legacy by fostering inclusive environments that impact entire generations. If, like me, you are in the education space and want to lead the way in workplace equity I would love to talk to you about EquityIQ Lead5050's unique workplace equity audit and certification. I've shared my views on the challenges and opportunities in my latest blog below. #workplaceequity #MultiAcademyTrusts #MATs #genderpaygap #education

Q: Do we even need a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy? We already have a school development and improvement plans, so why introduce yet another plan?   A: Well, when you don't commit to creating a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy you stand to obscure crucial priorities. Priorities that really should be articulated distinctly, avoiding vague language that misses the point.   I've encountered schools where there is no DEI strategy but instead there are a series of priorities expressed in the language of well-being or belonging.   Wellbeing is obviously a good thing but investigating wellbeing doesn't get to the heart of whether individuals are experiencing equity in your organisation, particularly those holding protected characteristics, and as a direct result of your actions.   The reluctance to develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy often stems from a lack of tools needed for its creation. Crafting a strategy without a coherent approach to, for example, data collection is challenging.   At Being Luminary, we firmly believe that any endeavour should begin with the insights of those affected by our work. This means consulting individuals with protected characteristics before planning any changes in our school for those very individuals.   𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. This is where our Equity Assessment becomes invaluable.   We've distilled years of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy work into a potent, 30-minute Equity Assessment. These sessions are completely free, offering you, as a senior leader or DEI lead, the chance to engage in strategic partnership with an experienced equity strategist.   We believe that a leadership commitment, such as a DEI strategy, can become the very manifestation of your values. For leaders, the ability to demonstrate such commitment with absolute coherence brings immense relief.   🌟 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: • Limited Availability: The Equity Assessment Sessions are in high demand and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for clients who have not taken advantage of this opportunity before. • One call per school. • Calls will take place between November 1st and November 15th 2024. • Book your call HERE: https://lnkd.in/dRnTzj7T

From playground to boardrooms: How childhood and adolescence shape future leaders Where are our future leaders coming from? Ever wonder why some people seem naturally primed for leadership? New research suggests it has less to do with inherent talent and more to do with something fundamental: your socioeconomic background. That's right, the postcode you grew up in can significantly impact your chances of becoming a leader. This isn't just about privilege; it's about access to resources that nurture the skills needed to thrive in leadership roles. The latest article below explores this topic in detail, highlighting the importance of investing in early childhood development initiatives, especially in underprivileged communities. These initiatives can equip children with the self-control and psychological well-being that pave the way for future leadership potential. Organizations have a responsibility to create a more equitable playing field for leadership. Here are some key takeaways from the article: 1) Support early childhood development: Invest in programs that nurture self-control and well-being in children from all backgrounds. 2) Prioritize family support: Offer benefits like childcare and parental leave to alleviate pressure on working parents. 3) Rethink leadership criteria: Recognize and value experiences that demonstrate resilience and community involvement. By fostering leadership potential across the socioeconomic spectrum, organizations can build a more diverse and qualified talent pool. Let's move away from a system that perpetuates privilege and towards one where every child has the chance to lead. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ecH3b8dQ #Leadership #Development #Equality #Opportunity

Parenting gives our leadership skills a boost. Check out this brilliant RMIT University FORWARD whitepaper, showcasing the leadership skills mothers build that are directly transferable to the workplace. Mum brain is a leadership advantage and it is absolutely time for us to flip the narrative around this. The paper finishes with some suggestions for workplace change. Two of my personal favourites are: ✅ Reframe flexibility as a normal part of the career journey for everyone, rather than as being 'a mother's issue'. ✅ Encourage parents to view their experience through a lens of learning and development. It even shares these three brilliant questions - which as a coach I absolutely love ☺️ 1. What is a transferable skill you've built through becoming a parent / caring for children? 2. How did you build / practice this skill? 3. How does your paid work now benefit from this skill growth? #INSIDELeadership #MumsInConstruction #Talent