Who is this course for?

This Cultural Competence and Awareness training course has been designed to help learners develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to work effectively and inclusively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The course focuses specifically on race, disability, and LGBTQIA+ awareness, equipping participants with practical tools to recognise bias, challenge stereotypes, and foster respectful relationships in professional and community settings.

Delegates will explore how culture, identity and lived experience shape perspectives, behaviours, and interactions. Through real-world examples and reflective exercises, learners will gain a deeper awareness of how unconscious bias, structural inequalities and everyday behaviours can impact those who may already experience discrimination or exclusion.

The programme encourages learners to move beyond compliance to embed cultural competence as a personal and organisational value.

Course Overview

This course provides a structured and supportive environment for learners to explore cultural identity, challenge assumptions, and build inclusive behaviours. Through interactive activities, case studies and facilitated discussions, delegates will develop practical strategies to promote equality and cultural competence in everyday practice.

Course Structure

The course is delivered as a half‑day or full‑day workshop. Delivery is interactive and includes group discussions, reflective exercises, scenario-based learning and practical action planning.

• Available online via Zoom or Teams, or in‑house face‑to‑face.
• Suggested duration: Half day (2.5 hours) or full day (10.00 am – 3.30 pm).
• Zoom sessions limited to 15 delegates; in‑person maximum 20 delegates.
• Content tailored to your organisation’s context and values.
• Delegates receive training materials and a certificate.

Course Content

Introduction to Cultural Awareness

• What is culture? Visible vs invisible aspects.
• Defining cultural awareness and cultural competence.
• The business, legal and moral case for cultural competence.

The Equality Act 2010 and Protected Groups

• Overview of the nine protected characteristics, focusing on:
  • Race – racism, microaggressions, Windrush scandal.
  • Disability – visible/hidden disabilities, reasonable adjustments, ableism.
  • LGBTQ+ – identity, language, inclusion vs tokenism.

Bias, Prejudice and Discrimination

• Stereotypes, bias (conscious/unconscious), prejudice and discrimination.
• Intersectionality and compounding barriers.
• Case studies from workplace, education and healthcare.

Building Cultural Competence in Practice

• Inclusive communication (pronouns, accessible language, avoiding microaggressions).
• Active listening and empathy.
• Recognising privilege and allyship.
• Challenging inappropriate behaviour and discriminatory practices.

From Awareness to Action

• Embedding EDI in policies and everyday practice.
• Inclusive leadership and role modelling.
• Personal and organisational action planning.
• Reflection activity: “What will I do differently?”

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Interactive presentations
• Case studies (race, disability, LGBTQ+)
• Scenario-based learning
• Group discussions and reflective activities
• Action planning and evaluation

Assessment / Evaluation

• Participation in discussions and activities
• Reflection log or action plan
• Feedback questionnaire

Proposed Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, delegates will:

• Understand what cultural competence means and why it matters.
• Recognise and address misconceptions and stereotypes.
• Explore how unconscious bias and structural inequalities influence behaviour.
• Identify how language, attitudes and behaviour affect inclusion.
• Build inclusive relationships and environments.
• Commit to practical actions that embed cultural competence.

Ideal for staff at all levels, this course provides a supportive space to learn, reflect and build confidence in navigating cultural differences with respect and understanding.

Costs and Delegate Numbers