Heriot-Watt University helps academics to develop a 'diversity mindset'
News Release - October 1 2009
Heriot-Watt University, the 8th oldest higher education institution in the UK and perhaps one of the most diverse, is encouraging all academics and staff to move beyond awareness of diversity issues to become 'outcome focused'. Training for all 1700 staff, firstly online with a new type of e-learning tool from Marshall ACM, shapes the way for quantifiable results.
Heriot-Watt is using 3 training tools from Marshall ACM covering Diversity in the Workplace, Equality Impact Assessment and Diversity in Learning and Teaching. Each course helps the university's staff to develop positive responses to the challenge of student diversity. It raises the bar so face-to-face training becomes much more targeted. It recognises that often there are no clear-cut 'right' or 'wrong' answers, so encourages teachers to develop a diversity mindset, rather than simply focusing on legal compliance. Topics addressed include developing a safe and inclusive learning environment, meeting the needs of non traditional or minority students, developing diverse resources, reviewing the Eurocentric curriculum and guarding against assumptions.
Sharan Virdee, Equality and Diversity Advisor at Heriot-Watt, says, "We want to make sure we put diversity and equality processes into action to create quantifiable results. The first step for us was visibility; everyone connected with the University should understand the issues, important because of our 4 campuses (Edinburgh, The Scottish Borders, Orkney and Dubai) and the diversity of our students and staff".
Heriot-Watt welcomed women as early as 1869 - 20 years ahead of other institutions and this is the basis of the University's commitment to equality and diversity and the University is committed to continuing this legacy.
David Marshall, CEO of Marshall ACM, explains, "Typically organisations have a choice of commissioning off the shelf, bespoke elearning or try to create something themselves. Diversity in Learning and Teaching has an extensive customisation process which allowed us to use Heriot-Watt's own specially commissioned photography and text, giving it an in-house feel – which helps buy-in, ties in to their culture, and simply put, means something significant to the individuals taking the course."
"The results are quite extraordinary; when we customise our diversity e-learning courses, there is a much greater uptake."
Marshall ACM delivers a managed e-learning service to over 220 organisations across the public and private sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It can be contacted via its website www.marshallacm.co.uk, by calling +44 (0)845 123 3909 or emailing contactus@marshallacm.co.uk.
For press information, contact: Kay Phelps, The PR Department for Marshall ACM, T: + 44 1932 789524; M: + 44 7710 043244; or kay.phelps@theprdepartment.net
About Marshall ACM
Set up in 2002 by David Marshall, formerly Head of Research at Penna Consulting, Marshall ACM has 220 public and private sector organisations using its online training making it an established leader in e-diversity training. It focuses on quality, speed and innovation and demonstrates value to clients over a sustained period of time. It is based in Southwark, in the heart of London, working all over the UK and increasingly internationally.
About Heriot Watt
Heriot-Watt University is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK. It originated as the School of Arts of Edinburgh in 1821 and, in 1966, became a University by Royal Charter. More than a quarter of our 7000 on-campus students in Scotland are from outside the UK and this international focus is also demonstrated by the 10,000 students worldwide studying on our international programmes. Heriot-Watt University is one of the UK's leading research institutions having been rated at the highest level by our national review body, the RAE.
To find out more about the courses, discuss pricing, or arrange a demonstration, 