Equality and Diversity gets addressed

SkillsActive - 17/01/2008

Equality and diversity has been emerging as an issue for a number of sector skills councils (SSCs), both in supporting employers in developing their equality and diversity practices and in terms of delivering diversity training to the workforce.

The project aims to achieve three phases firstly, to carry out a research project into the equality and diversity skills issues identified in SSA and solutions proposed. Secondly, to raise awareness and influence policy within SSCs on sector issues on equality and diversity by developing a ‘model’ strategy. Finally, to develop a website featuring an online toolkit which will include key information, case studies, good practice models and practical ‘how to’ tools.

The first phase has been completed, and we are now in the second phase where we will be commissioning equality and diversity experts to help us deliver the strategy and toolkit. This project will be completed by March 2008.

Paul Bonel, head of sector, playwork at SkillsActive, said:  “This work is so important to workforce development.  Our research consistently demonstrates that whilst there are areas of good practice there is still much to do in developing our ability to foster a truly representative workforce.  This project will not only enable us to identify the issues but also provide some practical tools to address them - a much needed and very welcome initiative.” 

Simon Leckie, sector lead for Leadership, Management and Diversity, Skills for Justice, said: “This project has a unique focus – the production of a practical and impactful methodology for success in dealing with diversity. Previous attempts have failed because they’ve concentrated too much on the theory and knowledge. What we’re doing with this work is clearly showing how real change can be delivered and supplying easy to use tools and techniques to help people get on with it deliver real results.”  

The new website will be launched in April 2008.