Diversity

Successful organisations have demonstrably embraced diversity, with services that reflect the needs of the community and a culture that attracts the best talent.

Our work around the area of equality and diversity is increasingly relevant as the diversity agenda continues to gather momentum and more and more organisations recognise the need to develop cultures and practices which encourage understanding and respect.

Equality in the Dock

For further detail please click here to download PDF.

How do you raise awareness for equality legislation without everyone falling asleep? Try a dramatic and witty 50 minute production which puts Equality in Employment on Trial! Set in a court room and written to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Wainwright Trust's formation and the death of David Wainwright, this new theatrical play is produced by The Garnett Foundation. The play, entitled Twenty Years' Hard Labour, was written by Amanda Osborne.

The play has been performed for senior employment law specialists, diversity professionals and practitioners who experienced this play where Equality in Employment stood accused of "disappointing those who have believed in you, those who have fought for you and all those you needed to serve". Following the play the audience votes on whether they found Equality in Employment guilty or not guilty.

"Congratulations on an entertaining and inspiring celebration last night. I was so impressed by the play – a brilliant idea – and the whole evening was very well thought out. There was a really buzzy atmosphere over supper." - Wainwright Trust invitee

"An excellent production. Let us hope this leads to a better understanding of the issues" - Robin Field Smith, HMIC

A unique methodology

Our approach has been successfully used by individual organisations eager to drive the diversity agenda forward. Alternatively, we have developed a unique partnership approach to training which brings together local organisations to challenge mindsets, helping to embrace diversity and create social inclusion within the wider community.

We have developed two major theatrical productions which address the emotive issues surrounding diversity:

The Challenge - by Lisa Evans.

Over the last three years more than 20,000 people have attended events on diversity featuring The Challenge. The play is a full scale, professional theatrical performance. It is written as a training tool following extensive research and is deliberately designed to be provocative. Some of the issues raised include; race/ethnicity, bullying, disability, sexual orientation, stereotypes, ageism and religion.

The Challenge was developed with support from The South East England Development Agency. Organisations involved in the research included, local authorities, fire service, NHS, Royal Navy, RAF, Ford Motor Company and many voluntary sector organisations.

The Leap - by Lisa Evans

This award-winning play, was researched and written following collaboration with a partnership of organisations led by The Royal London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. This powerful theatrical production expresses a number of messages relating to the sensitive issues surrounding diversity such as:- bullying, race, sexual orientation, mental health and age.

This project won the PPMA (Public Sector People Managers' Association, previously SOCPO) coveted Gold level award for long term sustainable improvement in the diversity performance of an organisation.

These two theatrical productions are presented within a full training day which combines skilled, facilitated work-shops and other creative, interactive techniques. This proven methodology helps explore organisational issues and provides an exciting, non-threatening and safe environment for people to learn.

Availability

Our events are thoroughly evaluated and we consistently receive tremendous feedback. Over recent years, The Garnett Foundation has become a leading provider of diversity training thanks to this innovative and effective training approach.

The Challenge and The Leap regularly tour across the UK. Contact us for more information.

Gender equality

The Gender Equality Duty comes into force in April 2007 requiring public authorities to promote gender equality and eliminate sexual discrimination. Our events are designed to tackle the issues affecting women in employment and explore the actions necessary to enable female employees to achieve their full potential.

This training event features Your Money or Your Life, by Ali Adolph a 30 minute professional theatrical production, which presents a realistic window into the challenges female staff often face in employment. The play was written as a result of research and provides a stimulating platform for further discussions incorporating skilled, facilitated workshops and problem-solving and action planning sessions.

Aimed at: All employees across all levels of an organisation.

Issues to be explored include:

• The impact of an organisation's culture
• Flexible working
• Progression
• Retention
• Women and specialisms
• Caring responsiblities
• Future issues for women in the services
• Finding a voice
• Health issues

Please click here for further information.

Gender Agenda in Action – police service

Further to the launch of Gender Agenda 2, we have developed a training event specifically designed to tackle issues affecting women in the police service.

"This is a great way for forces to put into action some of the strategies mentioned in Gender Agenda 2 and also a good way of creating an understanding of some of the issues facing women in the service."

Liz Owsley, National Coordinator BAWP

For further detail please click here to download PDF.