Please note that workshop bookings are subject to actor availability. We will inform you of any availability challenges within 3 working days.

Our engaging half-day workshop aims to enhance workplace interactions by exploring the boundary between light-hearted banter and inappropriate behaviour through interactive scenarios, performed by professional actors, and facilitated discussions. This session is hands-on, triggering essential eureka moments for genuine change. Participants will acquire the tools and understanding necessary to build respectful, inclusive work environments, appreciating the legal and social contexts of EDI. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Grasp the true meaning of respect in the workplace and build awareness around it.
• Understand the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with their legal context.
• Recognise the effects of assumptions and stereotypes and develop strategies to consciously evaluate automatic thoughts.
• Identify the distinctions between banter, bullying, discrimination, and harassment.
• Build confidence to address appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, equipped with a practical tool for initiating courageous conversations.
• Commit to actions that promote respect and inclusivity in the workplace.

Workshop Outline

Respect and Inclusion: Using a video as a starting point, participants will discuss respect and inclusion. An introspective activity will explore assumptions made about each other, followed by small group discussions to understand others’ experiences. 

The Assumption Challenge: We will delve into why we make assumptions and how they create barriers and conflicts in the workplace. Participants will examine the impact of stereotypes and our shared responsibility to learn from our actions and words. 

Overview of Equality Law: We will cover our legal rights and responsibilities under relevant equality laws, encouraging participants to think beyond legislation to other factors affecting diverse experiences and barriers to inclusion. 

ACTION – Navigating Boundaries: Participants will observe a scenario highlighting the effects of non-inclusive behaviour and will question actors to understand their perspectives, feelings, and backgrounds. The scenario will illustrate the difference between intent and impact and will be rerun, allowing participants to apply their learning and guide the situation to a better outcome. We’ll explore the boundaries between discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, and banter, using a quiz to practice this understanding. 

ACTION – Crossing the Line: Participants will observe an interaction where light-hearted conversation turns potentially unlawful. This emphasises the consequences of crossing boundaries and explains the bystander effect. Facilitators and actors will encourage discussion, generating ideas to improve the situation. We’ll share strategies to become active bystanders, including the “Wait a SEC” tool for initiating courageous conversations. 

EDI Action Planning: Participants will reflect on personal commitments to change behaviours, habits, or approaches. Sharing these commitments will promote accountability and collaboration, creating a supportive environment for growth. Action plans will be collected and shared with project sponsors for internal progress. Using a video as a starting point, participants will discuss respect and inclusion. An introspective activity will explore assumptions made about each other, followed by small group discussions to understand others’ experiences.