Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

This practical CPD course is designed for professionals who want to build confidence in applying equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles within organisational settings. It provides a clear understanding of key EDI concepts, workplace responsibilities and organisational approaches, focusing on creating inclusive practices and reducing barriers for individuals and groups.

Participants will gain practical insight into how EDI influences organisational culture, recruitment, talent management, employee experience and professional behaviour in today’s workplace.

To view the module descriptor (HURM10008), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors.

 

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for:

• HR professionals and people managers looking to strengthen inclusive workplace practices
• Individuals involved in recruitment, employee engagement or organisational development
• SME leaders and business owners seeking practical approaches to building inclusive and supportive workplace environments
• Professionals returning to study or looking to enhance their leadership and people-management skills
• Those interested in developing greater awareness of equality and inclusion within professional environments

 

Why take this course?

Equality, diversity and inclusion are increasingly central to organisational success, employee wellbeing and professional leadership. Employers across sectors are expected to create fair, inclusive and supportive working environments while responding to legal responsibilities and changing workforce expectations.

This course helps participants move beyond awareness by exploring how EDI principles apply in practice. Learners will examine workplace challenges, consider organisational responses and reflect on behaviours that support inclusion and reduce barriers in professional settings.

The course also supports the development of practical communication, collaboration and reflective skills that are valuable across a wide range of roles and industries.

 

What you will learn

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Define and evaluate key concepts related to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Assess the legal, social and organisational drivers for EDI in the workplace
• Evaluate organisational approaches to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Reflect on behaviours and professional practices that help remove barriers to inclusion
• Apply EDI understanding within organisational and workplace contexts

 

How you will learn

The course is delivered through a flexible and engaging learning approach designed to support professionals balancing study with work or other commitments.

Learning activities include:

• Scheduled workshops delivered in an interactive format
• Online learning materials and guided activities
• Case studies and workplace-based discussions
• Independent reading and reflective exercises
• Opportunities for peer discussion and practical application
• Tutor support and drop-in sessions throughout the course

Participants are encouraged to actively engage with discussions, learning activities and reflective practice to maximise professional development.

The course is delivered over 11 weeks, commencing in week 2 of each term, plus 2 weeks for the completion of the individual assessment at the end. Depending on demand, the course is delivered either in a blended format (3 on-campus workshops in weeks 2, 6 and 10, plus 6 scheduled online classes in between the on-campus classes) or fully online.

 

Course content

• Foundations of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• The Case for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Organisational Approaches to EDI
• Professional Reflection and Applied Practice

 

Assessment

The assessments in this short course are designed to support practical understanding and professional application. Participants will complete an individually written report, consisting of two key elements:

Part 1: EDI in your Organisations - Learners will explore an EDI-related issue or organisational approach in a chosen organisation (preferably the student’s own employer). This supports the development of a thorough understanding of EDI in practice.

Part 2: CPD Portfolio - Participants will complete a portfolio of reflective work demonstrating their understanding of EDI principles and their application within organisational settings. This supports critical reflection, professional development and applied workplace learning.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Explore real-world EDI challenges and organisational responses
• Reflect on professional behaviours and workplace practice
• Engage in discussions and activities linked to practical workplace situations
• Consider how inclusive approaches can support individuals, teams and organisations

You will leave with:

• Greater confidence in understanding and discussing EDI issues
• Practical insight into inclusive workplace practices
• Improved ability to identify and challenge barriers to inclusion
• Enhanced communication, reflective and professional skills
• Knowledge that can be applied across a wide range of organisational settings

 

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

The course is suitable for individuals with an interest in equality, diversity and inclusion within workplace or organisational settings. Participants should be prepared to engage in independent study, discussion and reflective learning at SCQF Level 10.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 10.

These credits may contribute towards further undergraduate or postgraduate study where appropriate and in line with University regulations.

 

Meet the course presenter(s)

This module is taught by Dr Silvio Hofmann, Lecturer in Human Resource Management at the University of the West of Scotland. Dr Hofmann has a particular interest in and passion for equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) research and education and is the Network Lead for the LGBTQIA+ community at UWS. Silvio is an Academic Associate of the CIPD and acts as the Chair for the Special Interest Group for Students & Early Careers at the CIPD Branch in the West of Scotland.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

Course content reflects current organisational practice and contemporary discussions around equality, diversity and inclusion across a range of sectors.

The module is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), supporting its relevance to professional practice in people management and organisational development.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.