An e-learning course designed to help business and the public sector meet the requirements of the Equality Act has been launched today.
E-learning specialist Brightwave - in partnership with Threshold Initiative - has developed an e-learning course Inclusion in the Workplace, endorsed by UKCAE, the United Kingdom Council for Access and Equality. The course - which can be purchased as stand-alone - is also a key part of UKCAE's three-step pathway1 providing the necessary awareness, knowledge and the skills to enable any organisation to understand the requirements of all equality legislation.
As well as covering the key aspects and latest amendments of the Equality Act, this expert course is designed to help organisations develop a good practice plan for company-wide implementation.
To sign up for a demo click here: http://www.brightwave.co.uk/equality-and-diversity-training
A major new feature of the Act is the replacement of 'single strand' discrimination and with nine 'protected characteristics' - e.g. age, race and gender - employers can be held accountable for harassment, victimisation or unequal opportunity on these grounds. Equality, diversity and inclusion is not just a box-ticking exercise. With only 20 per cent of the UK workforce as white, able-bodied, male and under the age of 45 it makes good business sense.
Jane Byford, Partner and Head of Employment at Martineau LLP, a pathway founding member, said of the initiative: As an employment lawyer I am only too well aware of the legal risks of not embracing diversity and have handled many discrimination claims which have resulted in six figure or more compensation sums being claimed. However, I think that the risk that most organisations do not think of is that of missing out on the best talent and wider opportunities to do business.
An effective plan for implementation fosters higher employee engagement and performance, stronger CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), an ability to better meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base and increased brand health.
UKCAE Pathway Manager Jock Chalmers said: In order to achieve inclusion in the workplace and to maximise the business potential this brings, UKCAE believes in individual learning which encourages positive attitudes and actions throughout an organisation. The Brightwave course 'Inclusion in the Workplace' fully meets the learning requirements under Step 2 of the UKCAE Pathway and builds the practical skills necessary to help prevent discrimination and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Brightwave Managing Director Charles Gould commented: We are proud to be partnering with sector experts on this project, and look forward to it having genuine business impact, helping them plan for change and achieve compliance. This doesn't just mean the 'how' of inclusion but the 'why' as well, benefitting organisations, employees and customers from the shopfloor outwards.
Course components
Not only does Inclusion in the Workplace include modules that facilitate the conceptual understanding and principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, it also encompasses practical everyday ways of making inclusion happen. In addition, there are business case studies targeting workplace bullying, ageism and other barriers to equality, as well as scenario-based learning activities (e.g. planning an office move), follow-up resources and 'try-and-test' simulations to check learning.
The course contains a rigorous end-of-course assessment, and user activity and progress is measured using cutting-edge Launch & Track management system (the course can be used with other Learning Management Systems).
Naturally, Inclusion in the Workplace has been developed with accessibility in mind with an optional audio track and screen reader.
To sign up for a demo version of Inclusion in the Workplace click here.
It can be purchased as standalone or as part of a UKCAE pathway membership. Customised and fully branded options are also available.
