We recently hosted an Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) workshop with Anita Jakhu — thank you to everyone who attended and shared openly. We covered definitions (equality vs equity), practical ways to respond to inappropriate comments, the power of small consistent actions, and why belonging matters, among other things.
We learned that some protected characteristics (like disability and sexual orientation) are less often declared at work — a reminder to create safer disclosure routes. We also agreed the culture of a workplace is shaped by what leaders will tolerate — so leadership matters.
Attendees reported feeling more alert and aware of unconscious bias and more confident to speak up and not let inappropriate comments go unchallenged. Several also reflected on their desire to develop organisational approaches to support staff who find themselves in uncomfortable positions with colleagues and service users.
An overriding theme of the day was for the focus to be on impact rather than intention and on the power of ‘soft challenges’ to inappropriate comments.
Thanks again to our trainer, Anita Jakhu, and all who attended