I am currently studying the Level 6 Certificate in Leading Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and am almost three quarters of the way though. Reflecting on the experience so far, I would say the benefits of the qualification for me have been developing my leadership skills and opportunities for career progression, widening my network and generally feeling more confident in by EDI abilities to create a robust EDI strategy for my organisation.

The Level 6 Certificate is aimed at those leading or delivering their organisation’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy, or those who can influence policy and culture change. I have been in my current role since 2019, overseeing and co-ordinating the Club and Community EDI workstreams. I wanted to improve my leadership skills and my ability to grow and influence EDI in the organisation. I had also recently completed the Level 4 Certificate in Management and Leadership so this felt like a positive step and the right time to build on the Level 4 and further explore EDI within the context of leadership.

The value of ongoing professional learning in D&I in the sports sector

One of my main motivations for enrolling was to gain a deeper understanding of approaches to leading on EDI in various organisational contexts and to reflect and improve on my own leadership skills. I feel I have managed to achieve these goals, in that I have been able to positively reflect on my own leadership style and identify areas for development and have also developed a deeper understanding of the role organisational culture plays in creating inclusive organisations, the types of cultures that exist and why. The relationship between culture and inclusion is significant and this is an area I want to continue to learn about.

The course has also offered some insightful and practical guidance including how EDI can be measured in an organisation, how to move beyond the ‘business case’ for EDI and when and how to take more flexible approaches if these are needed.

One of the highlights of the course has been taking myself out of my comfort zone and practising new skills such as one-to-one and group coaching; this is something I can move forward with and start applying to my own work environment.

It has also been incredibly valuable to meet and network with other students on the course who work in a diversity of sectors. The quality of the discussions in the group and the content shared has allowed me to stretch my knowledge, whilst feeling safe and supported enough to ask questions and try new things.

If you are considering taking an EDI qualification, I would strongly recommend it for the personal and professional value it can bring and the confidence of having an accredited qualification under your belt. EDI professionals are often isolated in their organisations so it’s important to block out time to study, to connect with like-minded professionals and to value yourself and your own development.

How can Inclusive Sport help me develop my D&I knowledge and leadership skills?

If you are looking to reinvigorate your EDI expertise and receive a professional qualification in 2023, you can find out more about our CMI Level 6 in leading EDI in sport and physical activity.

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CMI Level 4: Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

The Level 4 accreditation is designed to support people at the beginning of their I&D career or for those who are keen to learn more about the importance of these areas in the workplace. Florencia Santana, Equality and Inclusion Learning and Development manager, Hampshire Police, shares her experience of participating in this course.

What were your motivations for taking an I&D qualification?

I have always been very passionate about equality and inclusion and had a lot of practical knowledge and experience in the subject. 

Working on board cruise ships gave me the exposure to living, working and learning from a very multicultural audience. I managed the design and delivery of creative learning solutions, including equality and inclusion, which supported multicultural audiences. 

I wanted to take a qualification to increase my knowledge in E&I and also obtain something that would formalise my achievement.

Why did you chose to study with Inclusive Employers?

Working as part of Hampshire Constabulary, members of Inclusive Employers, I had the chance to attend several of their webinars and work with their consultants who demonstrate commitment and passion for inclusion. 

I also appreciated that the Inclusive Employers qualification includes two delivery days.

How did you sign up for the course?

The sign up process was very simple and because the two delivery days were on MS Teams I could complete it without any logistical challenges.

What was your experience of being a student?

This course has given me the confidence to continue to be an inclusion ally.

The tutor was very knowledgeable and supportive.  The sessions involved many great discussions, which made them very interesting.

The qualification met my expectation and confirmed my knowledge and experience in E&I.  I am looking forward to completing a Level 5 or 6 to stretch myself a bit more and continue my professional education.

How has the course changed your knowledge of I&D?

This course helped me enhance my knowledge in inclusion through interesting discussions during the facilitation days, which allowed us to hear different points of view in a safe environment.   

It also helped me better understand my organisation’s policies and procedures, by doing the research needed to complete the assignment.

CMI Level 6: Certificate in leading equality, diversity & inclusion

Level 6 focused on leadership and is designed for people working in strategic roles and in those with power to influence organisational change. Natalie Desty, STEM Returners Founder, shares her experience of completing the Level 6 qualification.

What were your motivations for undertaking an I&D qualification?

I already work in the D&I space within STEM and wanted to ensure that my knowledge was updated and as whole as possible. I also felt that having a professional qualification would help demonstrate my commitment and expertise to clients.

Why did you chose to study with Inclusive Employers?

Inclusive Employers was recommended to me by a client who was undertaking the course already. Having looked at the content it covered everything and more that I wanted to learn or refresh upon and some new areas as well.

How did you sign up for the course?

It was really simple. I contacted Inclusive Employers through the website and got sent the course material, I then had to decide which level I wanted to go for and booked myself on the next available slot.

What was your experience of being a student?

The lessons and material provided by Inclusive Employers were comprehensive, as well as providing a cohort of other people on the course to share experiences and viewpoints. The learning was all online which took much less time out of a working week, which also worked well for me.

The coursework was fairly time consuming because it involved research and a written response, however the majority of the time you were able to draw on your own experiences to demonstrate your answers.

The only challenge really was carving out time to sit down and get the course work completed, ideally not too far away from the training so the content was still fresh. I found it completely manageable and the written work was great to cement my understanding of what I had learnt.

The tutors were excellent and the course content was well delivered. The online meetings were kept well to time without encroaching on the cohorts ability to share experiences and ask questions.

The feedback provided on the course work was excellent. I found everyone very approachable and supportive.

The course has exceeded my expectations. I learnt lots but also really benefited from the group’s shared experience, which I hadn’t expected before the course started.

How has the course benefited your I&D career?

I feel that the qualification professionalises what I am out there talking about. It has given me a more robust understanding and also some practical solutions to challenges that I have encountered, as well as best practice and strategies that have worked well in other organisations.

I have since put two of my colleagues on the course to ensure that as an organisation we are at the forefront of I&D.

How has the course changed your knowledge of inclusion and diversity?

It has increased and strengthened my knowledge and given me a different viewpoint on my understanding of I&D. It also allowed me to judge my own experiences by I&D best practice, which has developed my understanding and ability to shape change within my own industry.

Thank you to both our interviewees for sharing their experience of being a CMI student.

How can you become a CMI student?

Learn more about our CMI courses and which is best to support your I&D career and/or organisation. Please get in touch if you have any questions about these accredited qualifications.

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