Engaging Diversity Partnership
The primary aim of the Engaging Diversity project was to develop, deploy and evaluate innovative approaches to raising awareness of diversity issues amongst large numbers of people at work.
The Development Partnership piloted two approaches to raising awareness, developing understanding and changing attitudes. The first is a series of eLearning modules covering diversity issues, which were piloted mainly in large organisations such as local authorities, but with comparative studies in NGO’s, SME’s and with volunteers. The second approach was to generate ideas and share best practice through eCommunities by facilitating the communication between all types of organisations in the context of promoting equal opportunities and combating discrimination. This new approach to organisation wide learning requires sufficient IT experience and expertise from the learner (CIPD Report eLearning 2003).
The modules were deployed to over 4000 learners in 13 organisations across Wales. Different approaches were explored for accessing the modules to suit different learners’ levels of IT skills and practical considerations for accessing computers.
The partnership has produced research reports and evidence for the use of eLearning for raising awareness of diversity issues within organisations with large numbers of staff.
Home Office: A Review of Training in Racism Awareness and Valuing Cultural Diversity
This report (see Related LinKs) is the result of a major review of the impact and effectiveness of racism awareness and valuing cultural diversity training in the public sector. The work was undertaken for the Home Office in response to the Report of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, which acknowledged the existence of institutional racism and recommended that the provision of training be reviewed (recommendation 54). Training in this area is recognised as an intervention that has the potential to move organisations towards preventing acts of racial discrimination aimed at their employees, clients or customers.
The comprehensive review of training took place over two years and involved work with individuals and organisations from all parts of the public sector: the NHS, central and local government, and parts of the criminal justice system. Nearly 900 organisations were surveyed, over 40 experts in the fields of race, diversity and training were consulted, and a wide range of literature was reviewed. In-depth work was also undertaken with 14 good practice case study organisations, involving interviews and discussions with approximately 250 individuals from inside and outside of the organisations (eg representatives from HR, staff associations and unions; internal race and equality experts; operational staff; and community representatives) and surveys with a further 700 employees. The review gathered a range of qualitative and quantitative information to: explore the quality and effectiveness of training provided, identify gaps in provision and practice, and examine how organisations support training in the workplace.
The findings of the study for the Home Office have been brought together in this detailed research report. In addition, a good practice guide is available that provides recommendations on what constitutes effective practice and guidance on how practice can be improved and strengthened. The guide will help organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors, that are designing and implementing new training or strengthening their existing provision.
For more information contact: Anna Morgan