Equality & Diversity

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What Is Meant by Equality and Diversity?

If you look up the word ‘equality’ on Encarta, this is what it says:

e·qual·i·ty
(i kwóllitee, ee kwóllitee )
(plural e·qual·i·ties)

noun

Definition:

1.state of being equal: rights, treatment, quantity, or value equal to all others in a specific group full equality under the law.

Another description that you might find elsewhere would be: the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced; “on a par with the best.”

There are many ways of defining equality; the right meaning depends on the context. When talking about equality in the workplace, equality can be explained as “creating a fairer society where everyone can play a part and is allowed the same opportunity to realize their potential.”

You can apply the same reasoning as above to the word diversity.

An accepted explanation of diversity is “the differences in values, opinions, cultural views, beliefs, ethnic background, sexuality, skills, knowledge and life experiences of each individual in any group.” Lots of words, but what does it mean?

In plain speech diversity means valuing difference and treating others with respect. Different people have different hopes, beliefs, prospects, and responsibilities. This could be due to the teachings and practices of their faith or the way of thinking that is part of their upbringing. The truth is we are all different. Treating someone fairly means recognising, respecting our differences and acting accordingly.

As a result of changes in modern society such as migration, the liberation of women, civil rights etc. equality and diversity is becoming an ever increasingly important topic for the community and for business.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development “diversity recognises that people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas and perceptions which can make the way work is done more efficient and products and services better.”

The head of Procter & Gamble (A.G. Lafley) said, “Diversity is a key business strategy that enables P&G to be ‘in touch. Diverse organizations will out-think, out-innovate and out-perform a homogeneous organization every single time.”

In other words he recognised the importance of diversity and that addressing the topic would have a positive influence in the business community.

Now it gets interesting. We now have an understanding of both words and what they mean, so how does that change when they are used together?

If you go to Wikipedia the result you get is; “Equality and Diversity is a term used in the United Kingdom to define and champion equality, diversity and human rights as defining values of society. It promotes equality of opportunity for all, giving every individual the chance to achieve their potential, free from prejudice and discrimination.”

So the phrase ‘equality and diversity’ means giving everyone the chance to progress to the best of their ability regardless of race, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Equality & Diversity can simply be described as treating everyone the same.

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A more detailed description of equality could be – 'allowing everyone the same rights, giving them the same opportunities to fulfill their potential to the best of their ability, regardless of race, disability, nationality or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or religion.'

As a result of changes in modern society, equality and diversity is becoming an ever increasingly important topic for the community and business. It is vital that an organisation and its employees are aware of current legislation regarding equal opportunities in the workplace.

Without the right training, managers, supervisors and staff might unintentionally treat someone unfairly and as a result an organisation could be faced with legal action and the possibility of a hefty penalty.

With the right training in your organisation you can empower your staff by making them aware of the needs and implications of equal opportunity and in so doing ensure that equality takes place in your workplace and significantly reduce your organisation’s liability to litigation.

At Genesis PDAT we work closely with our clients to identify clear objectives and goals. We then develop an appropriate training programme where client's needs are incorporated in the design, content and delivery of our workshops.

Our courses are interactive, lively, engaging, and informative. We will design the right course for the right level of participant; ensuring that on completion of the course they will understand the importance of equal opportunities and how it is applied at work along with an appreciation of the legislation associated with it.

Who will benefit: All Managers and Supervisors, any member of staff requiring knowledge of Equality & Diversity.

Duration: Half-day, 1 day or 2 days - tailored to meet your requirements.

By the end of our 1 day equal opportunity training course, participants will be

able to: