Where Can I Find Training or Professional Development Opportunities on IDE?
Discover a range of free and paid resources.
What is this advice for?
This article is designed for anyone looking to expand and deepen their understanding of Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (IDE).
On this page, we signpost a range of free and paid resources to help achieve this goal. These links refer to general IDE training, so you may also find it useful for you or your teams to explore more specific training relating to the different protected characteristics.
What are the key points?
- There are multiple paths for IDE training, including many free resources as well as more advanced, paid-for options
- It is advisable to explore free resources first to determine if they meet your needs before committing to paid-for options
- Stay updated, as IDE training is a constantly evolving field. It's important to take regular refreshers to maintain current knowledge
What free training is available?
If you work for an organisation, find out what IDE training they can offer. In addition, there are many free public resources available to enhance understanding of IDE.
Here are some starting points:
- ACAS. Offers free online training modules tailored for employers and employees, including the free e-learning course 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 2024'
- The Open University. Provides free online courses covering topics such as understanding diversity and promoting equality
- Enhance the UK. Offers free resources and toolkits aimed at changing societal views on disability
- Alison.com. Offers many free online courses, including topics like 'Discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace,' 'Cross Cultural Awareness,' and 'Inclusive Leadership for Diverse Teams'
- The Diversity Trust. Specialists in diversity training, offering a free course on IDE essentials
- Free Courses in England. Provides learners with free online learning, including a government-funded, accredited level 2 qualification in Equality and Diversity
What advanced courses are available?
- LinkedIn Learning. An online platform with a vast library of video courses taught by industry experts. Users can showcase completed courses and certifications on their LinkedIn profiles
- Coursera. Partners with top universities and organisations to offer a wide range of courses, specialisations, and degrees, providing high-quality educational content and career advancement opportunities
- FutureLearn. Collaborates with universities and experts to offer courses on diversity, inclusion, and related subjects
- EdX. Features courses from universities and institutions on diversity, inclusion, and social justice
What certification programmes are there?
Several reputable organisations and educational institutions offer certification programmes focused on inclusion, diversity, and equality.
Notable programmes include:
Professional Bodies
CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
- Advanced Award in Managing Employment Relations, including a module on diversity and inclusion
- Intermediate Award in Employee Engagement, focusing on creating inclusive workplaces
Equality and Diversity UK (EDUK)
- Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity, an accredited course covering the fundamentals of diversity and inclusion
- Level 3 Award in Equality and Diversity, an advanced course for deeper understanding and implementation of DEI practices
- Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity, designed to help individuals understand and promote equality and diversity in the workplace
Certification Programmes from Specialised IDE Consultants and Trainers
These programmes offer various levels of certification, from introductory to advanced, catering to a wide range of professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in inclusion, diversity, and equality.
- Provides certification courses in various aspects of diversity and inclusion
- Offers training and certification for organisations seeking to implement IDE strategies
- Offers the Inclusive Employers Standard (IES), a certification process that assesses and certifies organisations on their diversity and inclusion practices