Improvement and Development Agency: Core Training

Over the past two years Equality Works has built a strong relationship with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and delivered three core training programmes across their organisation. These courses are: equalities and diversity for staff, equalities and diversity for managers and Equality Impact Assessment training.

The IDeA has a key role in advising and leading local authorities. Integral to all this work is an understanding of Equality and Diversity and an ability to discuss and promote equality issues in all work areas. As well as building confidence, this core training was also seen as pivotal in assisting the IDeA achieve success in progressing from Level 1 of the Equality Standard for Local Government.

Before we carried out the training programmes we conducted a brief training needs analysis across the organisation. This consisted of meetings with members of the equalities action group and key staff across the organisation. We read relevant organisational background documents to ensure a comprehensive understanding. In addition, we held a number of focus groups with staff groups to assist us in focusing on the most important organisational issues and communicate the role of the planned training.

The training programmes were designed with consideration of the key organisational issues in mind and materials also reflected an understanding of the different learning styles and approaches of delegates.

Throughout the two year period that the courses have been running the IDeA has moved from Level 1 of the ESLG to Level 3. In addition they have undertaken a comprehensive programme of impact assessment across all areas of the organisation. Our relationship with IDeA is very generative, so we have been invited regularly to facilitate additional one-off events for them internally, chair meetings and run sessions within their Leadership Academies.