Who: As an associate of Tai Pawb, delivering in-house Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training and Anti-racism workshops for Valleys to Coast (V2C) Housing Association.
The brief:
- Equity, diversity and incusion (EDI): deliver 7x half-day sessions (some for managers, some for staff members)
- Anti-racism: deliver 5x 2-hour workshops as a follow-up to an e-learning module
Another trainer was delivering sessions too, as the whole organisation was attending EDI and anti-racism training and workshops as part of their EDI strategy and roadmap. All the sessions were in person at their main office, in groups of 15 participants.
What I did: I studied the content provided by Tai Pawb and adapted it slightly to suit my style of delivery, including additional examples and personal reflections.
What I discovered: I really enjoy delivering these sessions! I am able to bring my lived experience to support and illustrate the content, as a foreign citizen, not a white person, who is also non-binary and neurodivergent. The questions and discussions showed people had curiosity and a willingness to learn.
The sessions were generally well received. I experienced a very small amount of pushback – minuscule really – which is really positive considering that this was compulsory training which not everyone would have voluntarily chosen to attend.
What they said:
- “Noreen’s training is awesome and interesting, inclusive, poignant and thought provoking. The ‘white privilege race’ video made me feel quite emotional.”
- “Actually one of the most educational training programmes I attended, and enjoyed giving my feedback.”
- “It’s good to get people talking about these things as often we don’t. It’s good to get other people’s viewpoints.”
- “Trainer was fab, really made us comfortable.”
- “Trainer was great, loved how open we could be with her.”
- “Trainer so very approachable to ask questions to obtain clarity of my own understanding.”
- “Noreen made the space safe – encouraging, asking questions – good pace.”
- “Excellent session – knowledgeable trainer with lived experience.”
- “Very well presented, time passed quite quickly. Well paced. It was enjoyable.”
- “Great trainer, kept attention and was open to any questions and was great with answers.”
- “Well balanced, linked to our organisation. Not an easy subject to convey to a mixed group. Very good.”
- “Noreen was great. They took time to explain everything and made sure no questions were off limits, which helps people who are a bit resistant to the training to feel like they can question things.”
- “Made me feel better about my own personal experience.”
- “Best explanation on subject I have heard.”
Photo by James Eades on Unsplash