Leadership in Colour, launched in 2021, is a key part of ALDCS' workforce programme. It aims to address racial disproportionality in leadership roles within children's services.
Developed in collaboration with a reference group of global majority senior managers and The Staff College, Leadership In Colour has evolved over the past two years, extending its mandate to function as a critical advisor to ALDCS on child policy, and aiding regional efforts to address racism and disproportionality experienced by children and families. The key aims of the programme are to:
Increase Diversity in Senior Leadership: Boost racial diversity in senior leadership across London's children's services.
Combat Racism and Disproportionality: Identify and address racism and disproportionality within the children's workforce.
Regional Response to Inequities: Develop and implement ALDCS's regional strategy to address racism and disproportionality faced by children and families.
The Leadership in Colour Summit convened London's 175 members of children's services workforce to address racism and disproportionality. Discussions explored workforce challenges, youth justice, and early years, fostering collaboration and connection among professionals.
The day was also an opportunity for the London Children's workforce to come together as colleagues and friends. The warmth and joy this brought were evident; for many this was a chance to connect again after the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The day looked to tackle the 'so what' question and we will use the work of delegates to inform proposals for the 23/24 Leadership in Colour work programme. There are plans to grow the programme in the year ahead, with the findings of the summit shaping this growth.
The resounding success of the 2023 Leadership in Colour Summit serves as a testament to the programme's impact. Looking forward, Leadership in Colour will look to play a key role in creating meaningful inclusivity, equity, and transformative leadership across London.
Read the full report of the Leadership in Colour Summit, and the next steps for the programme.