Launching a new approach to diversity management and unconscious bias training
EW Group have worked with University of the Arts since 2012 to further engage its managers with the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.
We used the IDI psychometric to help build cultural adaptability in university teams.
Our first project saw us train 100 senior individuals in diversity and unconscious bias, using the innovative Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) psychometric. We incorporated IDI as a business development tool to:
- Raise awareness of important workplace issues
- Effectively bridge differences in cultural values, expectations and behaviours.
Following a one-day Managing Diversity Skills pilot course, we rolled out five further sessions across the university. Working together in small groups, delegates developed a shared understanding of what it means to manage inclusively. Our consultants also explored how to encourage good practice by referring to an equalities toolkit.
The Managing Diversity Skills course is now part of the university’s core management programme.
We have since developed further equality and diversity training programmes for a range of University staff. These include specialist Understanding Harassment workshops, which explore the importance of preventing harassment in a university context. The course incorporates best practice examples – ranging from dignity at work to cyber-bullying and social media – from universities across the UK.