Queen’s University Belfast recently launched a new eLearning resource, ‘Think Difference, Act Differently’ to help staff extend their equality and diversity knowledge in the workplace.
The new multi-platform eLearning programme has been co-designed by University staff, representatives from PRISM and the team at Aurion Learning.
The new eLearning resource also benefited from independent capability from both the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and Stonewall.
The resource is available for its 3,700 staff and features 3 specific learning scenarios to help staff recognise some appropriate and inappropriate behaviours in the workplace and the opportunity for self-reflection and evaluation.
Speaking at the launch, Conor Curran, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Queen’s University Belfast said:
“The ongoing professional development of all Queen's staff is paramount so this new, bespoke, modern eLearning diversity programme reflects that organisational commitment.
This short, interactive eLearning resource is fully accessible across platforms and operating systems, but it is only one element of a blended approach to enhancing staffs’ knowledge of workplace equality, diversity and inclusion.
Staff will continue to have access to face to face learning opportunities, through workshops delivered both by my Unit and external subject matter experts such as Stonewall to help them gain a deeper understanding of workplace rights and responsibilities.”
Dr Maureen Murphy, Managing Director at Aurion Learning said:
“With an industry-leading approach to training a diverse staff body from many different backgrounds, Queen’s University Belfast is breaking new ground to develop a unique resource that gets right to the heart of equality, where everyone is treated equally, and diversity respected.”
She added:
“It was important from the outset of this project to create a unique learning resource that reflected modern practice. Our educational team worked closely a range of the university’s diversity and equality experts to create content that is lifelike, visually engaging and focuses on storytelling to bring equality, diversity and inclusion issues to life.”
Donal Collins, Employment Development Officer from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland commented:
“The Equality Commission welcomes Queen’s University’s new eLearning resource as it will help to promote equality of opportunity by highlighting that their employees have a right to work in a good and harmonious work environment that is free from all forms of harassment and to complain about such behaviour should it occur.
This training will help ensure that staff understand the Universities policies and procedures and their position in law while promoting a work environment in which employees are treated with dignity and respect.”
The new equality and diversity eLearning resource is part of a blended training initiative, intended to compliment other equality and diversity training opportunities available for staff developed by the Diversity and Inclusion Unit.
‘Think Difference, Act Differently’ follows on from the successful pilot of the student resource, which was piloted with 1,000 final-year students last year.
The new eLearning resource is mandatory for all staff and can be access via Queen’s Online.
