We are pleased to announce that a number of our products are now available for purchase via our online shop @ shop.diversity-solutions.co.uk

Products available include our online learning courses, Guide to Diversity, and Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit.

Diversity Solutions is pleased to see class discrimination included in the new Equality Bill. We have long argued that social class, or socio-economic status, affects the life chances of every individual.

Some people argue that it is hard to define social class; and that it is constantly changing. However, this has not stopped us using the term ‘race’ even though there is no legal or biological definition of a race. We welcome the inclusion of social class and the commitment on equal pay; and the clarification and strengthening of protection on disability grounds after the strange judgment in the Lewisham Council versus Malcolm case.

The actual Bill may look very different after it has gone through the Parliamentary process. This Government, and probably the next, will see through changes that will simplify and strengthen existing equality rights. Key provisions will be implemented in early 2011. Many organisations will ask if they should wait until the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament before they start preparing for any changes.

None of us should pre-empt the Parliamentary process. However, progressive organisations in all business sectors will want to prepare for the best of what will be required instead of doing the least. This makes sound business sense. Experience tells us that most people do not intend to discriminate against colleagues or customers but they have no idea what the law allows or forbids. Neither do they know their own rights and protections. This means that there is a clear business case for laying the groundwork now, before the implementation of the new Equality Act.

Our online course “Understanding Diversity” is very popular with our clients, helping them to prepare for the changes. It allows them to offer their staff easily accessible learning about equality law, with lots of practical examples about how the law applies in work situations. However the law changes in the future, the course will continue to lay an excellent knowledge foundation for everyone who completes it. If you would like to try a demonstration today and talk to us about the discounts that are available, please click here.

Did you know that harassment and bullying at work can adversely affect the health and safety of your employees?  Employees who tell offensive jokes or tease and insult colleagues and customers can make you liable to charges of harassment and bullying. Poor employee behaviour can cost businesses a lot of money and damage reputations. This may not seem fair but employers can do a lot to reduce their risk.

All employers have legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure the health safety and welfare at work of their employees. This includes minimising the risk of stress-related illness or injury to employees. Employers must also comply with equality law, which defines harassment as unlawful discrimination.

Employers can improve workplace safety and minimise the risk of expensive court claims by taking all reasonable steps to train employees to recognise unacceptable workplace behaviour.  Our anti-bullying programme is delivered in ways that suit you and your staff. We offer online learning and classroom based training. This makes sure your organisation has evidence of taking reasonable steps to reduce the risk of bullying and harassment at work.

Most people just want harassment and bullying to stop. Our training includes a clear approach to standards of acceptable behaviour and how to deal with bullies. The cost benefits are clear: a safer workplace, reduced work-related stress and sick leave and less manager time spent investigating claims.

To find out more please click here

The Equality Bill will be published in April 2009, strengthening current equality law and streamlining its complexities. Most of the expected changes were announced in summer 2008. When it comes into force, the new law will affect all businesses. As always, it’s wise to prepare in advance. Embracing the changes can only enhance your business reputation.

Some businesses may complain that new equality law will bring more red tape and make doing business even more difficult. But many more companies see a strong business case for improving customer diversity and managing diverse staff teams with confidence. In these difficult times every business wants to survive and the best companies will prosper. Understanding the new law can give you the winning edge; and implementing it effectively will bring new business.

The Equality Bill is expected to make sure that:

• public bodies buy goods and services from companies that prove they comply with equality law
• employers can take more positive action to improve staff diversity
• age discrimination is banned from the provision of goods, facilities and services
• secrecy clauses that stop people discussing their own pay are banned
• public bodies promote equality for everyone in ways that include sexual orientation, religious and non-religious belief and age, as well as race, gender and disability
• public bodies report on their actions to improve their equality results
• enforcement action is strengthened against employers who discriminate

Using equality law is not only about avoiding prosecution. It is about having the best talent, reputation and customer base.

Few people need a detailed understanding of equality law. But to do good business and avoid expensive mistakes, managers and staff need to know how to put equality law into practice with customers and colleagues. To get a head start, why not try our online “Understanding Diversity” course? Many of our public and private sector clients, including firms of solicitors, use this course to give all their staff a good grounding in the principles and practical application of equality law.

Feedback from participants shows that the course is enjoyable and effective.

Please click here to request a course demonstration

To learn more about the Equality Bill 2009, go to http://www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_bill.aspx

Our website has recently been redesigned and we would welcome any feedback, particularly on it’s accessibility.

If you would like to provide feedback on the new design, please complete our form found on our accessibility page.

On 26 January 2009, Linda Bellos and Caroline Jones helped to launch the Institute of Equality and Diversity Practitioners. Both Directors are also members of the Institute’s Steering Committee.

You will find more information about the launch in the ‘News’ section of the Institute’s website, including the speeches made by Jonathan Rees, Director General of the Government Equalities Office and Nicola Brewer, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

[Click here to find out more about the Institute.]

In January 2009, we expanded our team of Associates to help us meet increased demand for our services.

Our Associates are highly qualified consultants and trainers. Many have also worked with the former Equality Commissions and helped to establish the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

BBC Radio Two: Jeremy Vine Show 19 Jan 08 Clip

Linda Bellos, Director of Diversity Solutions, is a regular guest on UK television and radio programmes.

In January 2009, the BBC’s Jeremy Vine Show invited her to discuss Trevor Phillips’ comment about Britain being the best place to live if you’re not white.

To hear one of her latest contributions, just click on the link below.