Training on race bias

It may also be useful to specify that training will be given to staff and line managers to improve their awareness of how discrimination occurs and to reinforce the message that commitment to combating it comes from the top of the organisation. BAME workers responding to a TUC call for evidence in June 2020 said effective training should be prioritised, particularly for managers.

Acas recommends training for all staff, managers and executives about equality, diversity and preventing discrimination. It says it should be supported from the top and cover:

• the law concerning equality and discrimination and what it means in practice;

• the organisation’s approach to equality, diversity and preventing discrimination;

• roles and responsibilities of staff in making the policy and action plan work effectively in practice;

• standards of behaviour expected of all staff, and how unacceptable conduct will be dealt with;

• the organisation’s policy and approach for dealing with bullying and harassment; and

• who staff should go to if they need advice on equality and discrimination. For example, where there are trade unions in the workplace, their equality reps could be a source of help and information.

(See also “Understanding racism” on page 52.)