Bath Rugby Foundation the charity arm of Bath Rugby is set to deliver an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion taster workshop at The Business Exchange South West Charity Conference & Expo next Thursday 15th June at Bath Racecourse.
Bath Rugby Foundation has over 20 years’ experience in developing inclusive teams and this is your chance to enjoy their work in action. The whole community is welcome and we invite you to bring your teams and see what you can learn from this interactive session.
Ahead of the day we met with Caryl Thomas, Programme Development Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation, to find out more about what to expect.
What can people expect on the day?
Learning is better and fun when we are taking part and are not just spectators. Bath Rugby Foundation will provide a taster of activities exploring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Co-hosted by BRF staff and Lived Experienced Trainers, we’ll explore inclusive workplaces through an informal half hour of discussions and practical activities (static and walking paced) that ignites conversation and challenges perceptions through the experience.
What companies have you worked with in the past?
We pride ourselves on our local collaboration and impact, previous attendees consist of teams from University of Bath, Bath Rugby, B&NES Council and Mogers Drewett, as well as global organisations such as KP Snacks, Spirax Sarco and Dyson Institute. Spreading the impact and messaging across the world.
How do you ignite positive change resulting in more inclusive teams?
- Inclusive teams are more innovative and efficient financially per employee.
- Millennials are 83% more likely to be engaged at work at inclusive companies.
- 57% of employees had witnessed discrimination or a lack of inclusivity whilst at work.
- For those who are looking for new career opportunities, 47% actively look for evidence of a diverse and inclusive culture.
The evidence shows inclusive work places thrive, attract new staff and retain employees for longer. We provide experiential training that highlights key pillars for an inclusive workplace and stimulates conversations and action that’s bespoke to the business or organisation with the employees and senior leaders.
How far has your work reached?
Bath Rugby Foundation has been working in the inclusion section for over 20 years but specifically delivering Lose the Labels and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training for businesses since 2020. We pride ourselves on working locally and making an impact for the people in our community, but we’ve also seen delegates and departments flying in from across the world to attend the training from America (Boston) and China (Shanghai)
What feedback/ changes have past course participants reported?
Here’s just a taster of what past participants have said…
“Our team thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it’s given us space to open up further discussions on a one-to-one between employees and managers who need additional support. But also, how we as senior leaders can build on this workshop working with BRF to weave it into actionable change within our strategy. ”
“Since doing the workshop, we reviewed our recruitment processes and changed our job descriptions and interview processes to open the net wider for recruitment, we didn’t realise we were putting the unnecessary barriers in place.”
“I found that the workshop was very beneficial for my personal development as it emphasised the importance of breaking down the division between disabled and non-disabled people within the workplace and wider society to encourage a more inclusive, equal, and diverse environment.”
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of being proactive in the removal of labels that are assigned to individuals.”
Who will benefit from your session at the charity conference and expo?
This is a taster session, come and see what the hype is about and find out why equal, diverse and inclusive environments are better for businesses and more importantly the people in them.
Who would you like to see take part?
BRF’s training is available all year round and is a great addition in a team building day. It’s beneficial for decision making leaders from one organisation, a department team, or all employees from one organisation.
Can delegates prepare? / Do we need to bring anything?
Bring yourselves and an open mind, and a flat pair of shoes.
How can people find out more about your Equality, Diversity & Inclusion training?
www.bathrugbyfoundation.com or contact caryl.thomas@bathrugbyfoundation.com
Bath Rugby Foundation’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion taster workshop is taking place from 2-2:30pm, straight after the Talking Mental Health with James Gwinnett keynote session. James is a former rugby player and SAS: Who Dares Wins contestant. Find out more here. The event is FREE to attend thanks to our sponsors. Book your tickets here.
