PROGRAM DETAILS

Introduction

Equal Opportunities and Diversity are based on notions of equity, consideration and respect, and quality of working life and working conditions. Equal Opportunities Policy sets out an organisation’s position in this regard and has its feet well-planted in legislation while Diversity recognises the inherent differences between people and goes way beyond that which we see (or think we can see!). It does not focus in a narrow way on discrimination but on the differences that, harnessed effectively can support an organisation in ‘doing better business’ for the sake of the business, the employees and its customers and clients.

People get variously ‘excited about’, ‘passionate about’, ‘twitched by’ etc. Equal Opportunities … and understandably so, it’s right and proper that we do but in so doing it makes us no more ‘diversity aware’ but just more compliance-focused.

This course will tip things upside down and take delegates on a journey to explore difference. It will ignite your passion for Diversity and do so in the context of what’s in it for the organisation, its management, staff members and clients/customers to create stronger relationships.

Learning Objectives

By attending this highly interactive programme, delegates will gain:

• The ability to express the case for equality of opportunity
• Insight into the power of language in equality of opportunity
• An understanding of key pieces of legislation
• The ability to differentiate between Equal Opportunities and Diversity
• The ability to express the case for diversity for multiple beneficiaries
• Insight into ‘what makes them tick’
• Insight into what is in diversity as glue for the talent within the organisation, the marketplace (and thereby the customers) and corporate reputation
• The ability to create strategy to create those stronger relationships

Target Audience

The programme is designed for:

• All HR and training professionals who advise on and create Equal Opportunities and Diversity strategy and policies
• In-house trainers who design and deliver communications and training about Equal Opportunities and Diversity
• All leaders and supervisors involved in the customer service chain
• Independent consultants who are working with clients to review and revise their Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and practices

Training Methodology

This practical and results-oriented program is based on adult learning concepts.  It incorporates input from the trainer with extensive experience of having drafted Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies in the context of businesses and their relationships with their customers and clients.  It includes structured activities and group work to explore and reinforce key concepts within a fun learning environment, PowerPoint slides to support the messages, ongoing discussions throughout the course with action planning, and ample time for Q&A.

Programme Content

Day 1

 Equality of Opportunity

• The social justice case for equality of opportunity
• The compliance view of Equal Opportunities
• Good practice in Equal Opportunities
• ‘What’s in a name?’
• ‘Call My Bluff’ – ‘The Law Edition’

Day 2

 Diversity

• What is diversity?
• The business case for diversity
• Diversity in the workplace – case studies
• Going beyond legislation: people issues, the market place, corporate reputation

Day 3

 Diversity

• Diversity and me
• Visualisations and Myths
• ‘Culture’ and diversity
• Diversity and the Musical Theatre!
• ‘Talking Heads’

 Day 4

 Diversity and the Customer

• Market competitiveness
• Corporate reputation
• Equalities Schemes
• Monitoring in organisations and overcoming barriers

Day 5

 Developing Strategy to Create Stronger Relationships

• Workplace behaviour
• Communication reinforcing good practice
• Training
• Measuring and reviewing the impact