Let’s be honest. Most providers don’t have a dedicated role focused purely on learner inclusion, outreach and engagement.

But maybe it’s time that changed.

With Ofsted’s new inspection framework introducing a standalone "Inclusion" judgement, and existing focus on Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development, the need to actively build and reflect a sense of belonging has never been more important.

That’s where a Community & Engagement Lead can make all the difference.

Inclusion isn’t just a strand, it’s a strategy

Inclusion isn’t a statement on your website or a theme for a tutorial week. It’s something learners feel (or don’t) every day, and that's why Ofsted are going to explore this theme in depth during the new inspection regime. 

A Community & Engagement Lead can:

• Build trust and relationships with harder-to-reach learners

• Amplify learner voice beyond surveys

• Spot barriers to inclusion before they escalate

• Bring curriculum, wellbeing and safeguarding together in a way that feels real

They help strengthen current B&A and PD grading areas

You know the themes: belonging, respect, safety, enrichment, motivation. These sit squarely within Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development, and inspectors will want to see evidence that it’s not just lip service.

The right hire can:

• Champion inclusive behaviour strategies

• Co-design learner experiences that connect to real-world goals

• Be the link between what’s taught and what’s felt in the learner experience

They’re not an add-on. They’re a bridge.

This role works with quality, not separate from it

We’re not suggesting another siloed team. Done well, this role works alongside Quality, Safeguarding, Curriculum and Senior Leadership to:

• Embed inclusion across all functions

• Shape CPD themes based on learner feedback

• Act as a visible champion for equity and belonging

It’s less about creating more work, and more about connecting the dots between what already exists.

A strategic answer to a strategic question

The new inspection grade for inclusion isn’t about token gestures. It’s about who feels safe, who feels heard, and who thrives in your provision.

A Community & Engagement Lead helps you answer the question:

"How do our learners experience inclusion?"

They give you insight, continuity, and most importantly - impact.

So what now?

If you’re starting to shape your inspection strategy under the new framework, we think this role is a powerful place to start.

At WorkplaceHero, we’re already supporting providers to explore:

• How inclusion and engagement show up in QA and inspection prep

• Where learner voice and lived experience can influence improvement

• What evidence matters most when inclusion becomes a grade

This isn’t about creating a new department. It’s about putting the right person in the right place to lead the work that matters most.

Curious about how this might look in your context? Get in touch.