Course Content

Introduction to Cultural Awareness

• What is culture? Visible vs invisible aspects of culture.
• Defining cultural awareness and cultural competence.
• Exploring the business, legal and moral case for cultural competence.

The Equality Act 2010 and Protected Groups

• Overview of the nine protected characteristics, focusing on:
  • Race – historical and contemporary issues, racism, microaggressions, Windrush scandal.
  • Disability – visible and hidden disabilities, reasonable adjustments, ableism.
  • LGBTQ+ – sexual orientation and gender identity, language, inclusion vs tokenism.

Bias, Prejudice and Discrimination

• Understanding stereotypes, bias (conscious/unconscious), prejudice and discrimination.
• Intersectionality: overlapping protected characteristics and compounding barriers.
• Case studies: examples of discrimination in workplace, education, healthcare.

Building Cultural Competence in Practice

• Inclusive communication (pronouns, accessible language, avoiding microaggressions).
• Active listening and empathy skills.
• Recognising privilege and allyship.
• Strategies to challenge inappropriate behaviour and discriminatory practices.

From Awareness to Action

• Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in policies and everyday practice.
• Inclusive leadership and role modelling.
• Action planning: personal and organisational commitments.
• Reflection activity: “What will I do differently?”

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Interactive presentations
• Case studies (race, disability, LGBTQ+ focus)
• Discussion and scenario-based learning
• Group discussions and reflective activities
• Action planning and evaluation

Assessment / Evaluation

• Participation in discussions and activities
• Reflection log or action plan to evidence learning transfer
• Feedback questionnaire to measure impact and confidence shift

Proposed Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, delegates will:

• Understand what cultural competence means and why it is essential in today’s diverse society.
• Recognise and address common misconceptions and stereotypes relating to race, disability, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Explore how unconscious bias and structural inequalities influence behaviour and decision-making.
• Identify the impact of language, attitudes and behaviour on inclusion and belonging.
• Gain strategies to build inclusive relationships and create environments where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive.
• Commit to practical actions that promote equality and embed cultural competence in daily practice.

Ideal for staff at all levels, this course provides a supportive space to learn, reflect, and build confidence in navigating cultural differences with respect and understanding.

Delivery options

• Available onine via Zoom, or in house face to face
• Suggested duration: Half day (2.5 hours) or full day (normally 10.00 am to 3.30 pm), customisable
• Virtual Zoom sessions limited to 15 delegates. In person - maximum 20 delegates
• Content is fully tailored to reflect your organisation’s context, values, and risk profile
• Delegates receive training materials and a certificate on successful completion