DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

About Course

Course Overview

This interactive online course offers a comprehensive introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to foster inclusive, equitable environments in the workplace and beyond.

You will explore key concepts such as the value of diversity, the importance of equity in addressing systemic barriers, and how inclusion empowers all individuals to participate fully and authentically.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to DEI – Basics and Key Concepts
Module 1 Summary: Introduction to DEI – Basics and Key Concepts Number of Lessons: 3This module provides a foundational understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exploring what these terms mean individually and how they interconnect to shape fair and inclusive environments.Lesson 1: What is DEI? Defines Diversity as the recognition of individual differences, Equity as the pursuit of fairness by removing barriers to access and opportunity, and Inclusion as the practice of ensuring all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and able to contribute fully.Lesson 2: The Case for DEI – Social, Moral, and Business Imperatives Explains the importance of DEI not only as a matter of social justice and ethical responsibility but also as a strategic advantage for organisations. It highlights the role of DEI in fostering innovation, enhancing employee engagement, improving market reach, and ensuring legal compliance.Lesson 3: Foundational Terminology Introduces key DEI-related concepts such as bias (both conscious and unconscious), privilege, systemic barriers, microaggressions, and intersectionality. Understanding these terms is essential for meaningful participation in DEI initiatives.By the end of this module, learners will have a clear grasp of what DEI entails, why it matters, and the language needed to engage in DEI conversations confidently and effectively.

What is DEI? Definitions and Interconnections
The Case for DEI – Social, Moral, and Business Imperatives
Foundational Terminology: Bias, Privilege, Intersectionality
02:49
Module 1 Quiz – Understanding the Basics of DEI

Module 2: Understanding Bias and Microaggressions – Recognising Subtle and Overt Biases
This module explores the nature of bias and microaggressions, highlighting how they affect individuals and organisations. It begins by explaining unconscious bias, its mechanisms, and why recognising it is crucial for fostering equity. The lessons then examine various types of microaggressions, from subtle to overt, and their often harmful impact on those targeted. Finally, the module offers practical strategies to identify and challenge bias, empowering learners to create more inclusive and respectful environments.

Module 3: Power and Privilege – Exploring Systemic Inequalities
In this module, we take a closer look at how power and privilege shape our everyday lives — often in ways we might not even realise. It’s about understanding why some people seem to have more opportunities, influence, or freedom than others, not because they’ve done anything special, but simply because of who they are or the groups they belong to.Lesson 1: Understanding Privilege and Social Power Privilege can be an uncomfortable word, but it’s important. It doesn’t mean someone’s life is easy — just that certain parts of their identity (like being white, male, able-bodied, or straight) may give them advantages they didn’t have to earn. This lesson unpacks what that looks like and helps you reflect on your own position in society. You’ll explore how social power works — who holds it, how it’s maintained, and what it means to use your influence responsibly and fairly.Lesson 2: Systems of Oppression and Inequality in Society This lesson zooms out to look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about individuals — it’s about the systems we live in. Schools, workplaces, the legal system, healthcare — all of these can (and often do) operate in ways that disadvantage certain groups. Racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination don’t just show up in rude comments or unfair treatment; they’re also built into the rules, policies, and assumptions that run our society.

Module 4: Identity and Intersectionality – How Overlapping Identities Shape Experiences
This module explores the complex and deeply personal topic of identity, highlighting both visible and invisible dimensions that shape how individuals experience the world. It introduces the concept of intersectionality, showing how various aspects of a person’s identity — such as race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, religion, and more — do not exist in isolation but interact and overlap.The first lesson focuses on the Concept of Identity, helping learners recognise that identity is multi-layered and dynamic. It covers both visible traits (like skin colour, physical ability, or age) and invisible traits (like sexual orientation, mental health, or socioeconomic background), all of which can influence how someone is treated in different environments.The second lesson introduces Intersectionality, a term coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw. It explains how systems of disadvantage can compound — for instance, how a Black woman may face both racism and sexism in ways that are inseparable. By understanding intersectionality, learners can better appreciate the full, nuanced experiences of individuals, especially those from marginalised communities.Overall, this module deepens understanding of how identity and systemic inequalities are intertwined and why recognising overlapping identities is essential for building inclusive and equitable environments.

Module 5: Creating Inclusive Environments – Practical Strategies and Behaviours
This module focuses on actionable ways to foster inclusion in daily life and work. It covers the importance of using inclusive language and communication to respect and affirm all individuals. It explores allyship and active bystander behaviours, empowering people to support others and challenge exclusion or discrimination. Finally, it provides practical guidance on building everyday inclusive practices that create welcoming, respectful, and equitable environments for everyone.

Module 6: Implementing DEI in Organisations – Embedding DEI into Policies and Culture
This module explores how organisations can effectively integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into their core operations and culture. It includes three key lessons:Developing Inclusive Policies and Procedures: Guidance on creating fair, transparent policies that promote equity and prevent discrimination within organisational systems.Measuring DEI: Data, Metrics, and Accountability: Focuses on using data and metrics to assess DEI progress, identify gaps, and hold the organisation accountable for continuous improvement.Leading Culture Change and Sustaining DEI Efforts: Strategies for leadership to drive lasting cultural transformation, embed inclusive values, and maintain momentum for DEI initiatives over time.Together, these lessons provide practical tools and frameworks for embedding DEI meaningfully and sustainably in organisations.

Final DEI Assessment: Embedding Inclusive Excellence
This final assessment evaluates your understanding of key DEI concepts covered throughout the course, including unconscious bias, microaggressions, privilege, intersectionality, inclusive practices, and how DEI is implemented in organisations. You must achieve a minimum score of 70% (14 out of 20 correct) to receive your Certificate of Completion.

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About Course

Course Overview

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

What is DEI? Definitions and Interconnections

The Case for DEI – Social, Moral, and Business Imperatives

Foundational Terminology: Bias, Privilege, Intersectionality

Module 1 Quiz – Understanding the Basics of DEI

Unconscious Bias: How it Works and Why it Matters

Types of Microaggressions and Their Impact

Strategies to Identify and Challenge Bias

Module 2 Quiz – Understanding Bias and Microaggressions

Understanding Privilege and Social Power

Systems of Oppression and Inequality in Society

Module 3 Quiz – Power, Privilege, and Systemic Inequalities

The Concept of Identity – Visible and Invisible Dimensions

Intersectionality: Understanding Overlapping Systems of Disadvantage

Module 4 Quiz – Identity and Intersectionality

Inclusive Language and Communication

Allyship and Active Bystander Behaviour

Building Everyday Inclusive Practices

Module 5 Quiz – Practising Inclusion Every Day

Developing Inclusive Policies and Procedures

Measuring DEI: Data, Metrics and Accountability

Leading Culture Change and Sustaining DEI Efforts

Module 6 Quiz – Embedding DEI into Organisational Culture

Final Assessment

DEI Glossary of Key Terms

Inclusive Language Guide

Real-world DEI scenarios and case studies

Earn a certificate

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