Resources
STORM’s Diversity Policy
At STORM we are very keen to create a new profile in schools – one where the diversity of teachers reflects that of the pupils they are teaching. In this respect STORM has a commitment to diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and across all sections of society. We have specific programmes that support this including:
Representing minority communities
We at STORM realise that the profile of teachers in the majority of schools in our local authority areas is a long way from matching the profile of the pupils in those schools. In other words 11% of the population of Greater Manchester is from a minority ethnic community. There is a difference across the local authorities but this tends to widen the gap as the local authority areas with higher minority ethnic representation have no more minority ethnic teachers than do the others.
The government, the TDA and STORM are all committed to increasing the numbers of minority ethnic teachers in our schools to provide a better cultural balance between teachers and students. We want all cultures to see teaching as the high status profession that it is and we actively encourage people from all backgrounds and cultures to join the profession.
STORM is a member of Race for Opportunity, which enables us to adapt best practice in recruitment from the leading businesses in the country. We also take an active part in Race for Higher Education. During the 2010-2011 academic year we are providing workshops for prospective trainees who feel that they have additional barriers to overcome before they can consider teaching. We are also reaching out to different cultural communities by taking our promotional events to them. We are working with schools to help them better understand how they can attract more minority ethnic trainees and teachers. We may also be able to help some students to find a partner school through our networks in order to apply for the graduate teacher programme.
What can you do if I have a disability?
We are similarly committed to supporting anyone with a disability to overcome any barriers that might exist to them becoming a qualified teacher. Not only because there are only a small number of teachers who are identified as having a disability but also because we are committed to encouraging schools to recruit a diverse pool of individuals into the profession as part of our overall drive to help schools to improve.
STORM is a member of the national Employers Forum on Disability and we take models of good practice in recruitment, selection and employment practice from its comprehensive membership. We count as a disability, any impairment that hinders your ability to carry out your training or your employment to your full potential. We have helped students with mild and severe dyslexia and those with mental health problems. We welcome students with any form of mental or physical disability. We will go beyond the essential requirements to make reasonable adjustments to help in your training and will provide such support as we are able; seeking additional funding and further support wherever possible.
