Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Understanding Bias and Allyship in EDI

Learn to lessen the harmful effects of cognitive bias

Bias is a natural part of being human, influencing how we interact with those around us.

On this four-week course, you’ll take a deep dive into the concept of bias, discovering its impact on interpersonal communications and decision making. You’ll learn how to recognise bias at work, how to mitigate negative biases, and how to foster an inclusive workplace that promotes allyship.

Identify different types of bias

Using the work of renowned cognitive psychologists, you’ll explore the different types of biases and consider the importance of recognising our own bias, particularly during decision making processes.

With this self-reflective knowledge, you’ll be able to increase your awareness and articulate the consequences of bias in a range of contexts.

Examine microaggressions and their impact on psychological and social wellbeing

Being unaware of biases can lead to insensitivity to the experiences and challenges of others and, in turn, result in microaggressions.

You’ll use case studies to identify how microaggressions can become commonplace and explore what steps can be taken to address these issues.

Challenging your own opinions, you’ll learn to take steps to overcome personal biases and improve workplace wellbeing.

What is allyship and why does it matter?

One of the most effective ways of combatting bias is through allyship.

You’ll explore what it means to be an ally and its impact on inclusivity in the workplace and wider communities.

You’ll finish this course equipped with the insights and skills to support those negatively affected by bias. You’ll be able to shift from a bystander to an ally and support those around you to promote EDI awareness and practice.

This course is designed for employees working within the public, private, or third sector who have a personal or professional interest in EDI and wish to further their knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion, with a focus on bias and allyship.

It’s also suitable for organisations that wish to develop employee awareness and practice of EDI more broadly.

This course is designed for employees working within the public, private, or third sector who have a personal or professional interest in EDI and wish to further their knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion, with a focus on bias and allyship.

It’s also suitable for organisations that wish to develop employee awareness and practice of EDI more broadly.

• Explain what bias is and why it matters.
• Describe the foundation of biased thinking and recognise the different types of bias.
• Evaluate the impact of bias and micro-aggressions and learn some ways to interrupt negative bias.
• Explore what being an ally involves and why it's important.
• Identify acts of performance (passive) and active allyship and bystanding.