LP’s Diversity Officer Named in Top 50 UK’s Inclusive and Inspirational People

We are delighted that Shaun Dellenty, our Diversity and Inclusion Officer has been named in the first-ever Diversity Power List.

The list is a definitive, honours-style list of the most innovative and inspirational people in the UK. Compiled by Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies, the list recognises 50 notable people making a tremendous difference to the lives of others. From athletes to actors, business leaders to entrepreneurs, famous faces to community heroes, the list includes people from all walks of life showing outstanding bravery and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion both within their communities and the wider world. Well-known names include Katie Piper OBE, Marcus Rashford, Stormzy and Clare Balding CBE. The list shines a light on their amazing, often selfless – work supporting people from diverse backgrounds.

Having joined Leighton Park in September 2021, Dr Shaun Dellenty (NPQH, FCCT, FRSA) is an educator trainer, speaker, blogger and award-winning advocate for LGBT+ inclusion. Dellenty came out as a gay primary school leader in 2009 as a response to homophobic bullying amongst pupils. At the same time he founded the ground-breaking, multi-award winning ‘Inclusion For All’ LGBT+ awareness training project, initially for his own Southwark school. Its subsequent success resulted in Shaun delivering training and talks in twenty-five international territories to date, as well as delivering numerous national and international education and LGBT+ events and conferences.

In 2012 Shaun was named one of the UK’s 100 most influential LGBT+ people and was designated a ‘Point of Light’ by the UK Prime Minister in 2016 for services to education and LGBT+ communities. In 2016 he was awarded the Freedom of Southwark. In 2020 he made the Guardian ‘Global Diversity List’ top 20 diversity figures in public life. In July this year he was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University of Derby in recognition of his global advocacy in LGBT+ education. His book ‘Celebrating Difference- A Whole School Approach to LGBT+ Inclusion’ was published by Bloomsbury Education in 2019, being subsequently recommended in Parliament. Dellenty writes widely, including TES, Independent Schools Magazine, The Guardian, Teach Primary and many more. He is a member of the NAHT LGBT+ network and chaired the NAHT Equalities conference 2021 and 2022. His work has featured on BBC, Channel Four, Europe 1, Radio 4 Soul Music, the film ‘After 82’ and many more.

The Diversity Power List is the work of Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and was revealed at the 2022 Inclusive Awards in Manchester on 1st December 2022. “The Diversity Power List brings together the most innovative and inspirational ‘diversity conscious’ people in the UK today,” says Paul. “They have shown outstanding dedication in their respective fields; many creating a huge impact within their industry sector with others stepping out of the sector for which they are known to make their mark,” says Paul.

Shaun’s honour was announced by BBC presenter Naga Munchett. Of the honour Shaun said ‘ It is a great privilege to be included on the first ever Diversity Power List alongside others undertaking such selfless, vital and inspiring work. In the current political and post covid climate, the need for equitable inclusion is more vital than ever. Many people are crying out for more compassionate leadership. Congratulations to all included in the list.”