Review
'Helps to make difficult issues around discrimination something that we can all relate to.' --Community Care
'Should help many staff groups make the topics less scary and more accessible… the author shows he is not scared of the topics many want to avoid.' --Rostrum
"'An Elephant in the Room' is used to describe a big topic everyone is ignoring or pretending doesn't exist because it is too scary. In this book, issues of racism, sexism, ageism and discrimination are the big scary topics that need to be tackled and not ignored. The manual should help many staff groups make the topics less scary and more accessible. The manual is designed to be used by small discussion groups and that is what makes it valuable. The material is all very accessible and in each section worksheets can be copied easily for a seminar. It is specifically designed so that staff at all levels can come together to tackle the topics that can distance people and discriminate against some workers... clearly laid out. Topics covered include faith and tolerance, how can white managers know what services black and minority people want, culturally appropriate care, old and gay and civil partnerships and sexuality... the author shows he is not scared of the topics many want to avoid... easy to follow." --Rostrum
"McPherson's book helps to make difficult issues around discrimination something that we can all relate to. The book is well set out, with clear instructions on how to use the manual." --Community Care
"Will be of use to anyone working in human resources, whatever type of organisation or business they are in, including the magistracy. The materials in the manual have been devised so that they can be photocopied and issued as handouts for groups for discussion. Each section has a synopsis for the use of the trainer and a full description of the scenario, as well as a set of questions that can be used for group discussion and a set of references for further information. It is written in a straightforward way that everybody can understand - its simplicity is excellent. A highly recommended equality and training manual." --The Magistrate
"Sections in the manual have been set out so that they can be easily photocopied and used as handouts, and each section includes an introductory synopsis; a set of fuller case studies and questions to spark off discussion. This is a useful point for people thinking about developing training in equality and diversity, drawing on Blair McPherson's practical experience.' --The Network Newsletter
"Offers material for use in discussion groups in the workplace that can challenge negative stereotypes, myths and prejudices. It emphasises the importance of creating a safe environment for people to challenge and be challenged and creating equality champions." --Young People Now
"Sections in the manual have been set out so that they can be easily photocopied and used as handouts, and each section includes an introductory synopsis; a set of fuller case studies and questions to spark off discussion. This is a useful point for people thinking about developing training in equality and diversity, drawing on Blair McPherson's practical experience.' --The Network Newsletter
Product Description
Most people are not racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist or prejudiced against faith groups and they don t deliberately make life harder for people with a disability. However, they are bombarded with negative stereotypes and myths in their daily lives. Their own limited opportunity for mixing with people different to them can lead to ignorance, insensitivity and unthinking prejudice. The photocopiable material in this manual can be used with small discussion groups to challenge these negative stereotypes, myths and prejudices by increasing awareness. The discussion-based approach aims to get people in the workplace talking openly about race, gender, disability, faith, age and sexuality. An elephant in the room gives managers, trainers and personnel staff the material to raise the profile of equality and diversity in their organisation. Taken as a whole the manual can help: · change the way people think and behave at work · enable managers to be better people managers · enable the organisation to realise the full benefits of a diverse workforce · increase the awareness and sensitivity of staff towards their colleagues and their customers · create equality and diversity champions. The manual recognises the importance of developing leadership from the top, of creating a safe environment for people to challenge and be challenged, and of creating champions to keep equality and diversity high on the organisation s agenda. The approach taken to equality and diversity training has been found to be very effective in engaging staff at all levels because it allows people to relate to their own experience and to issues they come across in their workplace. CONTENTS Preface. Introduction. Establishing equality in the workplace. Leadership and equality and diversity. Headhunters, beauty parades and trial by sherry. Supermarkets show us the way. Good practice example: developing an equality and diversity training framework for the whole oganisation. Realising the benefits of a diverse workforce. Losing balance on the ladder. Good practice examples: balanced interview panels; climbing the ladder of success; how to recruit more black and ethnic minority staff; black workers development group. Equality and diversity as it applies to service delivery. Faith, tolerance and the acceptance of diversity. Chinese lesson. Good practice examples: culturally appropriate care; what can I do as a manager? Old and gay. Good practice example: civil partnerships and sexuality. Creating the opportunities for staff to challenge and be challenged. Creating a safe place. Challenging racism by letting people have their say. We are the champions. I hope I die before I get old. Gay may be trendy, but have attitudes really changed? Frequently asked questions. An equality and diversity training course for managers.