With the increasing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in education and leadership, the Inspiring Leadership team is delighted to announce that this year’s conference will include keynotes from two of the most respected voices on this topic: Dr Leroy Logan MBE, a former superintendent in the Metropolitan police and a founding member of the Black Police Association, and Francesca Martinez, an award winning comedian, author, actress and playwright.

One of the UK's most highly decorated black police officers, Dr Leroy Logan is an esteemed commentator on policing and wider social justice issues who believes that there is still much work to do in creating a more equitable and fair criminal justice system.  

Since his retirement, Leroy has published his autobiography, Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop, and continues to draw from his decades of policing experience to give insightful, critical analysis on the UK justice system via media including Channel 4, Newsnight, The Guardian, Sky and BBC Radio 4.  His early career was also depicted in Red, White and Blue, the BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning episode of the acclaimed television series Small Axe, and he is currently Chair of Transition to Adulthood (T2A), the justice arm of the Barrow Cadbury Trust. Leroy plans to discuss ‘Leading Change in the Face of Adversity’ at this year’s event.

Francesca Martinez has cerebral palsy “but much prefers the word wobbly”. The only female stand-up to win the prestigious Open Mic Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, she is also an accomplished actress, National Theatre playwright and the best-selling author of WHAT THE **** IS NORMAL?!. Nominated for Hero of the Year in the European Diversity Awards and the Motivator of the Year Award, Francesca featured in BBC Radio 4’s WOMAN'S HOUR Power List 2014. She has Honorary Doctorates from the Open University “for making Britain a more compassionate society” and Bradford University “for her contributions to equality, inclusive thought and social commentary”, and delivers motivational speeches around the globe An accomplished actress and stand-up comedian who won the Edinburgh Fringe Media Network Award for her solo show ‘What The *** Is Normal?!’, Francesca is also an award winning author who delivers motivational speeches across the globe.                                                                                                                             

She also has an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University “for making Britain a more compassionate society” and a second Honorary Doctorate from Bradford University “for her contributions to equality, inclusive thought and social commentary”. Francesca will be presenting an inspiring and light-hearted keynote named 'The Beauty of Diversity' followed by a panel discussion on how we incorporate DEI in our schools.

Georgie Butler, Director of Inspiring Leadership Events, comments: “DEI is a central topic which touches every area of education from the development of a more inclusive curriculum through to the creation of leadership teams which are diverse in their structure and thought processes.  Against this background we are delighted to have secured keynotes from Dr Leroy Logan and Francesca Martinez and are confident they will provide our conference delegates with invaluable insights around this topic.”

Attended by around 1,000 headteachers, senior leaders and educational professionals from the UK and overseas, the Inspiring Leadership Conference is the UK’s longest running leadership-in-education event. 

Entering its twelfth year next June (4 & 5 June, ICC, Birmingham), the CPD accredited event will include keynotes, workshops and roundtable discussions, the Schools Week ‘Meet the Leader Theatre’, a conference exhibition and the Inspiring Leadership Gala Dinner and drinks reception.

For more information and to take advantage of early bird discounts on individual and group bookings, visit here and book your ticket before 31 March.