In a couple of weeks we are launching a training course with an external provider on the important subject of Diversity.
Some of our management have questioned the need for such training, but there is no such doubt in my mind after 2 separate incidents today.
Firstly, I receieved an appraisal for a lady of Philippino origin who has worked here for several years, in which her line manager noted, "it can be difficult to fully understand what she is saying". A line worthy of a certain member of the Royal family I'm sure you will agree.
Then I was privy to an incident that seemed to emphasise that some of our lower level management are not just potentially racist but also sexist.
In an interview for a current vacancy with myself and one of our Managers, he unbelievably asked a lady who had recently suffered a miscarriage, "so, are you actively trying to start a family?"
It's fair to say that I went a nice shade of pale at this point, but managed to think quickly enough to divert away from this potentially explosive question.
Looks like I'll be booking some courses on interview techniques to run alongside the Diversity course...
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