Equality Awareness – half day course

We understand the need to place training on equality into context; making it topical, lively and informative. Equality awareness is essential training for anyone in a supervisory or management role.

Workplace discrimination claims can be costly and attract negative publicity. Employees can claim that their employer is liable for the acts of discrimination carried out by other employees.  Employers may have a defence if they can show that they have taken reasonable steps to prevent that discrimination from taking place.  Many organisations have equality and diversity policies, but a policy alone is not enough. To be able to successfully run a ‘reasonable steps’ defence to a discrimination claim, the policy should be well communicated, implemented and regularly reviewed.  Employees should have received equality awareness training so that they are aware of what can constitute discriminatory conduct and how to manage or respond to issues of discrimination in the workplace . The training should be provided regularly to ensure that it is kept up to date.

As well as reducing the legal risk, equality awareness training can reinforce the employer’s commitment to equal opportunities and help employees feel that they are treated with dignity and respect at work.

Our equality awareness training not only covers the legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 but also the practical guidance that line managers need to help them manage equality and diversity issues in the workplace.

The programme covers:

1. The law on equality and discrimination – A brief outline of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. This section introduces the concepts of direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
2. Equality in practice – Building on the legal foundation, this section covers the practical aspects of managing equality and diversity issues in the workplace. We find that this section helps line managers to gain confidence in handling concerns or allegations surrounding equality and discrimination.
3. Understanding harassment and bullying – This section takes a closer look at harassment and bullying. Case studies help delegates understand how to recognise allegations of harassment and how they can be managed.
4. Employer and employee responsibilities – This section looks at the concept of ‘vicarious liability’ and explains employees’ responsibilities in managing equality and discrimination issues.
5. Understanding any Respect at Work policy or other relevant policies that the employer may have – A closer look at the employer’s policies and procedures relevant to equality and discrimination.
6. Questions and answers – There will be time at the end of the course for discussion and questions and answers.

This is a half day course that will take approximately 3 hours to deliver.  In order to encourage discussion, the maximum number of delegates is 20 per course.  For larger numbers of delegates, courses could be delivered “back-to-back” on the same day with one session in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The course will be delivered remotely, via Microsoft Teams.  Delegates will have an opportunity to move into smaller groups in breakout rooms to discuss case studies, which will help reinforce and build on their understanding of the topics covered.

All training is delivered by a solicitor from Scrase Employment Solicitors.  All solicitors within our team are specialist employment solicitors with over 20 years’ experience of advising on employment law and providing in-company training.

Fees:

£975 plus VAT for each half day training session.