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The aim of equality and diversity training is to create awareness and encourage mutual respect among different groups of people on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexuality and other protected characteristics. Equality and diversity training is usually done at work but there other groups and organisations who offer training. Training is an effective way of getting people to understand how their words and actions can affect other people that they work with. All employees should be included in this training.

The meaning of equality is the equal treatment of all employees or members of a community. Diversity has taken on many meanings in both the public and private sector, but includes the principal of affording and expanding opportunities to all individuals within a sector or community. Training might be carried out to reduce discrimination or prejudiced or to increase that organisation’s chances of catering for a greater market share.

This type of diversity training is beneficial in the fact that it encourages individuals to consider the points of view of others and to accept differences and promote tolerance. This includes a better understanding and respect for different cultures, which is especially beneficial for organisations and companies associating with foreign clients.

A diversity training program specifically designed to educate individuals on the different aspects of a particular culture can help those individuals avoid inadvertently disrespecting foreign clients through an ignorance of cultural etiquette. Training also creates a safe haven for employees and members of an organisation. The workforce are informed of procedures of recognising and reporting abuse and harassment. On another level, managers and supervisors are trained how to handle cases reported to them in the correct manor.

This type of training is an ongoing process and should be broken down into manageable segments. Training should be tailored to suit the group it is directed at, role play can be particularly effective to gain a better understanding. It is important that the training includes guidance on how to deal with day to day communication and also the correct procedures for dealing with conflict.

This type of training covers sensitive issues and can be subject to legal implications. For that reason, training is usually conducted by trained specialists with the ability to maintain an emotional detachment from the raised issues. There are two options when implementing training, either a third party organisation can be employed to provide the necessary training, or an employee can be trained up in order that they implement the ongoing requirements. It is usual for an HR manager to carry out training so that employees are aware of the laws which govern workplace discrimination and equal opportunity. Training may be made compulsory to ensure all employees are aware what type of behaviour is expected of them.