The Importance of Diversity
Disadvantage is complex and takes many forms - as an organisation we believe that barriers to opportunity, whether they are economic, social, ethnic or cultural, should not be tolerated. We work actively to ensure that our recruitment policy reflects this mission. For this reason, we want to ensure that access to the Teach First Leadership Development programme is on merit, capturing the best future leaders from across society.
The schools and communities whom we work with are rich in their cultural diversity and we believe that we have the greatest impact when we harness the combined talents, skills and backgrounds of a rich mix of people. As an organisation we want to ensure that we work in an environment that is fully inclusive, respectful of individuals and celebrates diversity.
Our selection process
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants to the Teach First Leadership Development Programme are treated fairly and with respect, irrespective of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, race, religion/belief or disability. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you any reasonable adjustments required in relation to our application process. If you would like to talk to a member of our recruitment team please contact 0121 210 5319.
During our selection process all sensitive data (name, DOB, gender, ethnic group, disability, school) is removed before an application form is screened. The information provided on the form is used solely for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of our equal opportunities policy and will not form part of the selection process. Responses will be treated in the strictest confidence and assessors in the Teach First selection process will not see responses to these questions. All applications are screened independently twice to ensure consistency.
Teach First Affinity Networks
A variety of networks have been set up by participants on the Leadership Development Programme. Teach First Affinity Networks or TFANs are networks open to Teach First participants and ambassadors who have an affiliation to a particularly identity. They help us to celebrate and promote internal diversity by allowing the various groups within Teach First to meet, network and offer mutual support where necessary. Secondly, they help inform organisation wide practices on issues of respect, empathy and diversity.
The networks, driven by our participants and ambassadors, are open to all that are interested and have been set up according to existing demand. More information on these will be available at the Summer Institute.