Join us this spring and summer for the Diversity in Gardening (DiG) training session aimed at making our gardens more welcoming and inclusive places for those who work, volunteer and visit. We have put together a programme of training with specialist provider Diversiti UK which looks at equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI) – what it is, why it is important for all workplaces and how we can utilise understanding of EEDI to make our gardens amazing places to be!
The training will take place in two different locations on two different dates:
- Northern DiG in central Carlisle on 18 May 2023 – book here
- Southern DiG at RHS Garden Wisley on 07 June 2023 – book here
The session is open to anyone who helps shape their workplace culture and environment – from garden team leaders and head gardeners to volunteer managers and administrators. If you can help make your workplace more inclusive, you are very much encouraged to come along! We would particularly welcome participants from organisations who have yet to explore this area but want to make a positive change.
The training is subsidised by the PlantNetwork Diversity in Gardening (DiG) Project which has been awarded a RHS Bursary to help deliver EEDI training to horticulturists across the country. There is a small booking charge of £15 per person for PlantNetwork members or £60 for non-members. The day includes EEDI training by Diversiti UK, lunch and refreshments, and optional garden talk/tour. The training is 11am-3:30pm (to allow for travel on the day) with an optional networking session from 10:30am and garden talk/tour from 3:30pm.
The aim is develop a network of EEDI training participants who can provide mutual support and information exchange to help implement change in the workplace. Further training will be available towards the end of 2023 as part of the DiG project to develop and deliver EEDI strategy.
Places are strictly limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
The training venues
Choose the venue closest to you or is easier to travel to on the day.
Northern DiG takes place at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery on 18 May 2023 from 11am (networking from 10:30am). Tullie House is a short walk from Carlisle Railway Station which provides links to much of Southern Scotland and Northern England. There is also car parking (£3 per day) available a short distance away. The event includes exploration of the garden at Tullie House with Lindsey Atkinson, Community and Young People Co-ordinator. BOOK NOW.
Southern DiG is at RHS Garden Wisley on 07 June 2023 from 11am (networking from 10:30am). There is parking available at the garden but you can also access the garden car-free. A shuttle bus operates every hour from Woking Railway Station and takes 20 minutes: see https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/plan-your-visit for a timetable with payments made on the bus. Alternatively, visit Good Journey for more car-free travel ideas. The event ends with a tour of the World Food Garden with Sheila Das, Garden Manager. BOOK NOW.
The training session
The programme for each venue will be the same and will address the following topics:
- Awareness of current legislation around EEDI
- Awareness of best practice around EEDI language and terminology
- Case studies – practical application of the Equality Act and Anti-Discriminatory Practice using ‘real life’ case studies
- Recognise subtle forms of discrimination such as micro-aggressions and micro-exclusions
- Identifying and challenging discriminatory behaviour at work
- What is Unconscious Bias and how can it affect our decision making?
- Inclusive communication tips, including pronouns and communicating with disabled people
- Inclusive recruitment – best practice and top tips
There will be time to discuss all the topics and other issues emerging during the workshop. At the time of booking, you will be asked if there are specific topics or areas that you would like to explore.
At the end of the session, you should:
- Understand what we mean by equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion
- To define equal opportunities and discrimination in relation to the Equality Act 2010
- To identify what can affect our judgements and recognise what experiences can influence our decision making
- To identify strategies to promote inclusive practice and challenge discrimination
- Recognise and apply inclusive practice principles