Resource content
Context:
From the beginning of SQA’s anti-racist journey, training was identified as a key element of creating anti-racist qualifications. Understanding how discriminatory practices show up in everyday work is central to ensuring SQA becomes an inclusive organisation. Further internal research revealed that staff were keen on additional development to support more inclusive practice in their roles.
Approach:
SQA implemented a multi-layered set of learning opportunities on anti-racist education, designed to be co-ordinated and built upon. These range from online resources through to in-depth in-person training, with different levels targeted at different roles across the organisation.
Implementation:
• Created an intranet resource page including videos, reading, creative pieces, and background information on race and racism.
• Commissioned and hosted short online talks from a range of academics and experts in education.
• Delivered stage one in-person racial literacy workshops establishing foundational concepts integral to anti-racist education.
• Delivered stage two anti-racist education training, consisting of three sessions over a six-week period, targeted at leaders in Policy Analysis and Standards, Qualifications Development, and Communications Directorates as key influencers.
• Offered alternate substantial anti-racist training through Education Scotland’s Building Racial Literacy Programme.
• Refreshed Inclusive Recruitment training, now mandatory for all recruiting managers, to recognise and address bias in recruitment and selection processes.
• Embedded EDI throughout training across the organisation rather than treating it as a standalone item.
Impact:
• Colleagues across various directorates have taken part in anti-racist training to different levels, dependent on their role.
• Leaders in Policy Analysis and Standards, Qualifications Development, and Communications Directorates completed stage two anti-racist training cohorts.
• Feedback from participants has been widely positive, with many indicating the learning is valuable to the sector.
• Inclusive Recruitment training is now mandatory for all recruiting managers.