Last week, Duke of Kent School had the privilege of hosting Floyd Steadman OBE for a transformative staff INSET session looking at unconscious bias.

Floyd, a remarkable individual with an incredible life story, engaged staff with his powerful and insightful life story. He shared the challenges he faced during his upbringing, the hurdles encountered in his rugby career, and the uphill battle to become a Headmaster, all because of the colour of his skin. He became captain of Saracens and Head of four different Prep Schools. Additionally, he opened up about the profound loss of his beloved wife, Denise, and discussed his book, ‘A Week One Summer’, which is dedicated to her memory.

His story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of the human spirit. Amidst the awe-inspiring personal narrative, Floyd imparted invaluable insights:

1?? Unconscious Bias Awareness: Floyd reminded us all of the importance of self-reflection. He encouraged us to examine and confront any unconscious biases that may shape our actions and decisions. Recognising these biases is the first step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive community.

2?? Grace in Adversity: Floyd's response to the injustices he faced was a masterclass in resilience and dignity. His ability to maintain composure in challenging situations offers a powerful lesson for us all.

3?? A Brighter Future: Floyd's story also highlighted the remarkable progress our society has made since the 1970s and 1980s. He explained that deeply ingrained social norms and values take time and intergenerational change to truly improve. He pointed to the many young people today who are passionate advocates for equality, diversity, and inclusion. While we must remain vigilant, we can look to the future with optimism, knowing that they will be the leaders guiding us toward a brighter, fairer, and more compassionate world.

His visit was a profound experience that reinforced the importance of embracing diversity, learning from the past, and working collectively to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Mr Seeley