Six Stages Diversity Framework

02/09/2025

🎙️ BUILDING BRIDGES OF EMPATHY: How We Heal Through Connection
Podcast by Dr. Shungu M'gadzah assisted by AI Notebook LM.

I have just discovered Notebook LM and AI podcasts. I love the output from some of may material on Building Bridges of Empathy. Let me know what you think?

🔗 Listen to the first 5 minutes below — then head to YouTube or Spotify to experience the full episode.

In this episode, I explore a theme that runs deep across our schools, workplaces, homes, and systems: the unspoken feeling that “It’s not safe here.”

This sense of unsafety—rooted in racism, neurodivergence, gender bias, ableism, or systemic gaslighting—leads many of us to retreat into what I call "caves."

🔹 Caves of Fear
🔹 Caves of Privilege
🔹 Caves of Delusion

These caves offer temporary protection but, if left unaddressed, become barriers that cut us off from each other and perpetuate injustice.
✨ Yet healing begins with connection.
It doesn’t require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it simply takes someone willing to:
- Linger a little longer
- Ask a different question
- Share space with curiosity rather than assumption

In this episode, I also share my Six Stages Framework—a practical tool for individuals and organisations seeking to:
-Recognise bias
-Disrupt exclusion
- Move from silence to advocacy

Reimagine shared spaces of dignity and belonging
💬 I close with a question I'd love you to reflect on:

If empathy could build a bridge… what would your tool of change be?
👇🏽 Watch the first 5 minutes below
🎧 Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/40k9BG6ssQ03KFoU02oE7A?si=2f1118f96dd843e4
📺 Watch full episode on YouTube: youtu.be/oBPEax1emqw?si=HZ5eAxl1CwrdbXBa

Visit our website:
https://www.sixstagesframework.com/✨-episode-3-step-2-training-your-brain-for-equity/

18/06/2025

Why do some schools fail in their duty to safeguard all pupils?

“From Awareness to Action: A Six Stages Framework for Inclusive Schools”

Visit our website and read the article:
https://www.sixstagesframework.com/introduction-to-the-six-stages-framework-in-schools/

Check our products for schools

Here’s what we have been working on:

👩🏾‍🎓 ✨ NEW! The Six Stages Framework for Secondary School Pupils Workbook
Your Voice, Your Impact – Inclusion in Action.

This practical and engaging workbook empowers secondary school students to explore their identity, speak their truth, and take action. Rooted in my Six Stages Framework, it supports schools in embedding inclusion across PSHE, RSHE and beyond.
🛒 Now available on Amazon:
👉 https://amzn.eu/d/clE9M3h

📘 Understanding and Dealing with Everyday Racism – The Six Stages Framework (2022).

A must-read for individuals and organisations committed to personal and systemic change. This book introduces the Six Stages Framework, a structured path to greater self-awareness and action.
📖 https://amzn.eu/d/0DQGxg9

🦠 If Racism Was a Virus (2025)
A powerful and poetic exploration of racism through metaphor and lived experience. This book invites readers to reflect on how racism spreads, infects, and can be healed — personally and collectively.
📖 https://amzn.eu/d/95OnuU3

28/12/2024

What happens when empathy and compassion leave the room? When the ropes of the Bridges of Empathy are thin, worn and neglected.

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/when-empathy-and-compassion-leave-the-room-when-you-are-the-wrong-kind-of-person/

When empathy and compassion disappear? When the threads of our Bridges of Empathy grow thin, frayed, and neglected, the consequences ripple through our communities, our workplaces, and our lives.

“Sometimes a person dies, and nobody cares. Maybe they’re just the wrong kind of person, like my sister Naomi—someone like that. The cops just stand by and watch. She’s just some white trash, a m**h head. Let her die! But one of your own? That’s a whole different story, isn’t it? I’ve seen cops trade their lives for kids they’ve never even met. Ain’t that som**hing? Of course, why trade when you can just look away?”

These bitter words, spoken by a grieving brother seeking revenge in the movie [ ....], cut deeply...

Which movie was this?

Find out and read the rest of my blog....

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/when-empathy-and-compassion-leave-the-room-when-you-are-the-wrong-kind-of-person/

ChatGPT Image inspired by the blog. It depicts the theme of empathy and connection through a bridge of glowing ropes being reinforced by diverse figures, with a hopeful sunrise for the bridge and sun in the background along with worn and frayed ropes. It conveys resilience and human connection.

22/12/2024

The Six Stages Framework: A Path to Inclusive Growth and Empathy

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/the-six-stages-framework-a-path-to-inclusive-growth-and-empathy/

Many people ask me What is the Six Stages Framework?

Is it just about racism? The answer is no, it's an inclusive framework and can be used to explore how we navigate differences and any areas of disadvantage. It can also be used to help us better deal with maladaptive behaviours, such as bullying, harassment and violence.

The Six Stages Framework consists of six interconnected stages on the positive axis, representing a progressive journey toward racial equity and social justice. There is also a negative axis of the SSF representing what happens when we fail to deal with biases and to do this work. The negative axis starts at -1 and spirals down to -6.

Check out the article below for how the SSF can benefit you, your organisation and communities.

Join the journey today and contribute to a better, more empathetic future for all.

Also visit our website for more blogs and resources.
https://www.sixstagesframework.com

18/12/2024

OVERCOMING CAVES OF FEAR AND EMERGING FROM CAVES OF PRIVILEGE: By Dr Shungu Hilda M’gadzah

Check out my latest blog which can be accessed free on our website.

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/overcoming-caves-of-fear/

Intersectionality and coping with the anxiety and challenges of navigating different spaces and interacting with those who are different. From anxieties and anxiety based school refusal to navigating discrimination and racism.

As we approach 2025 let's think about our shared humanity and how we navigate differences.

How are you moving through different spaces, navigating differences and celebrating our shared humanity. How do we all move from silos of separation to Building Bridges of Empathy.

Do you allow yourself to interact with those who are different or do you keep yourself cooped up in caves of privilege and only interact with those who are the same as you.

What spaces are you avoiding and why?

As you go about your day, think about the actions you can take to make someone who is different feel included in the hustle and bustle of every day life and activities .

What does sharing spaces mean to you? How do you use your privilege for good?

How can you move from caves of privilege to help someone who is stuck in a cave of fear?

What can you do to help them get the support they need?

Be brave and step into new spaces!

A million little cuts do not define me. But each cut leaves a scar. Takes its toll on your mental health And tries to diminish who you are Chipping away and eroding your identity and self esteem (like the sea splashing and eroding rocks) We have to protect our mental health.

06/11/2024

Professional Standards in Equality Diversity and Inclusion

This week we are asking ChatGPT a series of eight questions based on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standards. The Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) states that registrants are expected to abide by these standards.

The first question we are asking relating to the standards is:

How do you as a professional or practitioner recognise the impact of culture, equality and diversity on your practice and how do you practise in a non-discriminatory and inclusive manner?

You will find the answer to this question by following the link and visiting our website.

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/quality-standards-and-edi-performance-management-and-personal-development-plans-2/

The principles below ensure that individuals are treated equitably and that practices are inclusive, fostering a respectful and welcoming environment.

How many of these are you able to evidence in your practice and within your organisation?

How are these standards measured and monitored within your practice and by your professional organisation?

Is the same attention and emphasis placed on EDI standards as with other professional standards or are they simply performative measures and languish in files and never seen again.

Recently a colleague informed us that the HCPC had contacted him because he had allegedly used outdated terminology describing a child as having Asperger’s rather than Autistic. This was flagged up as cause for a possible investigation.

Has the HCPC ever contacted you about your adherence to EDI professional standards?

Are these EDI standards taken seriously and policed in the same way as other professional standards? If not why not?

We would be interested to hear of any cases where the HCPC or other professional bodies have flagged up the failure of a registrant to adhere to EDI standards.

Also, next time you are in a team meeting reflect on how you are doing in relation to EDI standards. How many of these can you confidently tick as achieving?

More questions (question 2-8) to follow this week:

Join us at the Psychology Direct Conference on 22nd November where we will be focusing on:

“Equal Voices, Vibrant Minds: The Importance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Private Practice.”

Tickets amazing value at £25 or £37.50 when you bring a colleague.

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/edi2024/

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/psychology-direct-annual-conference-2024-tickets-884053145757?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

HCPC Equality and Diversity Standards

https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/revisions-to-the-standards-of-proficiency/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/

18/10/2024

Hope you will be able to join us at our forthcoming Schools Conference!

For more information on the Six Stages Framework check out our website. https://lnkd.in/eenbJ89X

hashtag

12/10/2024

Where are you placing your empathy and compassion?

justice

09/10/2024

Join me at Psychology and Psychiatry Direct Conference on 22nd November 2024

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/edi2024/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/katie-billson-840631300_networking-event-london-activity-7249794928522711040-R7In?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

-Racism

📣 CALLING ALL PSYCHOLOGISTS & PSYCHIATRISTS! 📣Annual Conference with our innovative guest speaker Dr Shungu Hilda M'gadzah! America Square Conference Centre, EC3N 2LB

08/10/2024

Check out my latest article: Increase in terrorism plots under investigation by MI5 since 2017: Younger People are getting involved in and being radicalised into Extremism https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/increase-terrorism-plots-under-investigation-mi5-since-m-gadzah-xfcve via

Ken McCallum the Director General of MI5 reports that we are seeing more and more young people being radicalised and drawn into extremism. These figures are on the increase since 2017.

03/10/2024

Delighted to be delivering the keynote presentation the Psychology & Psychiatry Direct Conference. https://lnkd.in/efFmXMGY

The Importance of EDI in Private Practice

📅 Date and Time:

Friday, 22nd November 2024 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM GMT

📍 Location: America Square Conference Centre,

17 Crosswall, London EC3N 2LB

🎟️ Tickets Available Now!

Secure your spot and take advantage of our Early Bird Specials!

Standard Early Bird: £25.00

Bring a Colleague Special: £37.50

Event Overview:

We are thrilled to invite you to the Psychology Direct Annual Conference 2024, an unmissable gathering of professionals in the psychology field! Join us for an empowering day of learning, dialogue, and collaboration centered around the critical theme:

“Equal Voices, Vibrant Minds: The Importance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Private Practice.”

This year’s conference is specially designed to provide actionable insights, foster thought-provoking discussions, and strengthen your approach to addressing discrimination and racism in practice.

What to Expect:

🌟 Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Shungu Hilda M’gadzah, an expert in psychology and EDI, will guide us through a Six Stages Framework to help understand and combat inequality in private practice. Dr. M’gadzah’s innovative m**hods will equip you with the tools to create more inclusive environments for your clients and colleagues.

🎓 Learn and Grow:

Interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, and case studies will enhance your understanding and ability to navigate complex EDI challenges in your practice.

🤝 Network:

This is your chance to connect with fellow psychologists, psychiatrists, and educational professionals. Exchange ideas, form collaborations, and build your professional network in a supportive and dynamic setting.

✨ Special Offer:

Sign up today and bring a colleague for a discounted rate! Our Early Bird Special gives you the opportunity to save while expanding your learning circle.

Agenda Highlights:

14:00 – Registration & Welcome Coffee

14:30 – Opening Remarks

15:00 – Keynote Presentation by Dr. Shungu Hilda M’gadzah

16:30 – Break & Networking

17:00 – Workshops and Panel Discussions

19:00 – Closing Remarks & Q&A

Why Attend?

If you’re a psychologist, psychiatrist, or educational professional committed to fostering equality and inclusion, this conference will provide you with the insights and tools to lead change in your practice.

Refund Policy:

Contact the organiser for refunds. Please note that Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

More information on the Six Stages Framework and to Secure Your Spot Today!

https://lnkd.in/ein75jys

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your practice and broaden your professional horizons.

Or Click below to register now ⬇️

https://lnkd.in/epi5qwuw

Let’s come together to empower our minds and voices for a more inclusive future!

14/09/2024

Understanding continuums of behaviour and beliefs.

So what stage are you at on the Six Stages Inclusive Framework if you believe that immigrants eat pets?

https://www.sixstagesframework.com/key-concepts/

When you believe lies and racist rhetoric, you need to stop and check your biases and where you are on the Six Stages Framework?

Do you agree? Yes or No?