Learning to Lead Differently: How Anti-Racism Training is Shaping Brighter Futures at UK Youth 

Standing Firm in Power and Pride 

At UK Youth, we believe that building brighter futures starts from within. As we mark Black History Month 2025 and reflect on this year’s theme: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” we’re proud to share how our partnership with EDP Training is helping us strengthen our collective understanding of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. 

Over the past month, UK Youth staff have taken part in EDP’s Race Aware: Anti-Racism in the Workplace training, facilitated by Bianca Jones, Managing Director, and Anila Arshad-Mehmood, Race Ahead Associate. Race Aware is part of EDP’s wider Race Ahead programme — a tiered series of courses designed to help organisations move from awareness to meaningful, strategic action. 

This partnership marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to learning, reflection, and creating an inclusive workplace where every voice is valued, and everyone feels they belong. 

Why We Took the Training 

As an organisation that works with and for young people across the UK, we know the power of diversity and the importance of representation. Many of our teams wanted to take part in this training to deepen their understanding of how racism and bias can show up. Not only in society, but also in our systems, language, and everyday practice. 

Our goal was simple: to become better allies, colleagues, and advocates for the young people and partners we serve. 

As one colleague reflected, 

“As an organisation, we wanted to recognise where the gaps are and as an individual, to recognise what actions to take forward personally in our day-to-day. One being – do I understand how I engage with my team, do I know the policies and procedures, etc.” 

Our Goals and What We Learned 

Our goal wasn’t simply to attend training, but to begin a sustained journey of learning and reflection. Through open and sometimes challenging conversations, we explored how power and privilege operate in everyday settings; and how we can use our roles to make a positive difference. 

The training encouraged us to think critically about the systems we work within and how to embed anti-racist practices across everything we do, from programme design to partnership building. 

As one participant noted, 

“This course has helped us in understanding how to put things in place, such as embedding into research processes, analysis, and reporting, in particular, language use. Also, ensuring research funders, partners, and respondents are aware of our anti-racist approach and have their own policies in place. And lastly, sharing the training learnings with line reports and embedding practice with them.” 

Why It Matters to Our Work 

Anti-racism work is essential to our mission of building brighter futures. We cannot fully empower young people if we don’t address inequality within our own structures. The training gave us tools and shared language to continue these conversations confidently, with compassion and courage. 

As one participant noted, 

“This course is so necessary- it’s disappointing that this is my first job that offers interactive training on this incredibly important subject. With that said, it’s amazing to have the opportunity to do it now. Bianca was amazing, the course was powerful and insightful, and most importantly, thought and action-provoking.”  

Reflections and Next Steps 

In honour of this year’s theme – Standing Firm in Power and Pride – we approached the training not just as a learning exercise, but as an act of organisational courage and leadership.

Feedback from the training has been overwhelmingly positive. Colleagues described the sessions as “eye-opening,” “thought-provoking,” and “a valuable opportunity for honest discussion and reflection.” There’s a shared sense of purpose to carry this learning forward: not as a one-off exercise, but as part of our everyday practice. 

A Collective Commitment to Brighter Futures 

This Black History Month, we celebrate not only the achievements of Black communities but also the continuous work of allyship, learning, and growth. At UK Youth, we’re proud to stand alongside our colleagues, partners, and young people as we learn to lead differently: with power, pride, and purpose. 

One of our staff members recently shared this pledge during the training, and as an organisation, we stand behind it wholeheartedly: 

“I pledge to support racially minoritised colleagues in meetings, projects, and promotions. As a leader, I will model anti-racism and create space for equity by amplifying underrepresented voices, especially in leadership conversations. I understand that anti-racism is not a one-time event, but a lifelong practice. I will also actively contribute to a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.” 

👉 Learn more about EDP Training’s work and explore how you can embed anti-racism in your organisation.