CALC have arranged an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training session tailored specifically to the parish and town council context.
Date: 2nd March
Time: 7.00pm
Cost: £40
About the workshop
This practical and accessible session introduces councillors and officers to equality, diversity and inclusion in a local council context, explaining why EDI matters for good decision making, effective community engagement and legal compliance.
Participants will explore key concepts including equality, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and how these apply to everyday council work. The session covers the legal framework, including the Equality Act 2010 and protected characteristics, as well as practical issues such as direct and indirect discrimination, conscious and unconscious bias, and common myths that can hold councils back.
The workshop also focuses on real-world application. Through discussion, examples and reflective activities, participants will consider how inclusive their own council is, identify barriers to participation and representation, and explore practical steps councils can take to improve accessibility, culture and engagement. The role of Equality Impact Assessments is explained, highlighting how they support fair, lawful and transparent decision making.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Explain what is meant by equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and why these concepts are relevant to local councils
- Understand how embracing EDI can improve community engagement, internal culture and decision making
- Identify the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and understand councils’ legal responsibilities
- Recognise the difference between direct and indirect discrimination, with practical council-based examples
- Understand conscious and unconscious bias and how it can influence behaviour and decisions
- Identify common barriers to participation, representation and progression
- Reflect on how well their own council reflects and serves its community
- Understand the purpose of Equality Impact Assessments and their role in good governance
- Identify practical, proportionate actions their council can take to become more inclusive, accessible and fair
This session is suitable for both councillors and officers and will support councils in strengthening good governance and inclusive practice.
To book, please email calc@cumbria.gov.uk