About the Irish Universities Association Equality Network
In May 2021, with our help, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) Equality Network launched the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Higher Education eLearning Programme. This programme was a follow-on course from LEAD (Living Equality and Diversity), which was developed by the IUA Equality Network in 2012.
This bespoke training and awareness program was designed, customised and delivered by us. Consisting of a four-module blended learning approach, it was created to encourage conversations among staff about equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights issues, and delivered to all eight universities in Ireland.
The challenge
The purpose of the new course was two-fold:
- To raise awareness of how equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights issues permeate organisational culture, and
- To understand what third level education staff responsibilities are under Irish equality and human rights legislation
The approach
In partnering with the Irish universities our aim was to offer an engaging learning experience for university staff, with practical and relevant material that supports them to embed best practice in daily working lives for the benefit of the whole university community. Projects such as this demonstrate our ability as a team to complete even the most complex of tasks. The course is designed with different pathways for staff, covering legislation, but also looking at recruitment, diversity in learning and teaching, alongside student issues.
The course consists of four separate modules that can be completed as an entire program or completed over time to build up knowledge. The modules cover a comprehensive overview of the importance and benefits of EDI and Human Rights and the legal landscape in which higher education institutions operate.
The second module looks at recruitment and selection. Module three covers meeting the needs of diverse students and best proactive tips on fostering equality in teaching and learning settings, while the fourth module looks at putting policy into practice.
All modules are fully digitally accessible, with users able to access material online, using a workbook or an audio podcast. The courses are built to be HTML5-compliant and mobile-responsive. This means the courses work across mobile and tablet devices, as well laptop and desktop devices.
The outcome
result is a really compelling, bespoke suite of courses that will be a valuable new resource for learners. Dr Marie Connolly, Director Human Rights, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the University of Limerick, said:
“Working in consultation with [Marshalls] in developing this EDI training and awareness programme for staff has provided the Irish higher education sector with an exceptional eLearning resource. The programme is intended to be practical to assist university staff in their day-to-day work, to help them think differently and put policy into practice. The network would like to acknowledge the exceptional advice and expertise provided by David and [Marshalls] throughout the development of the programme”.
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The Irish Universities Equality Network is made up of: Dublin City University, NUI Galway, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) were also partners in the project.
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