The new Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 come into force in the UK on 1st October and present organisations with a major challenge: How to find an efficient way of making all staff aware of the Regulations and their implications?

To prove we practice what we preach we have developed a blended learning solution that organisations can apply immediately.

Context

The new age regulations that come into force on 1st October 2006 are likely to present organisations with far greater challenges than sex, race or disability discrimination, according to a recent study. The research, by the Ludic Group with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), commissioned and designed by employment law experts Croner, reveals that ageist stereotypes exist in the workplace and, to achieve a workplace free from ageism, employers need to address grass-roots culture change in time for 1 October 2006 when age discrimination is outlawed.

This is a view shared by Cherie Booth:

"I have no doubt that the hottest topic over the next few years in employment law will be age discrimination."

In Ireland where the legislation is already in force, over 19% of all discrimination claims are now based on age discrimination. You can get further details of the new regulations at www.age2006.org.

A Blended Solution

Arguably all staff need to be aware of the new age discrimination legislation though managers and others will have particular responsibilities. Thus we have designed an approach that involves:

• An e-learning awareness programme for all staff
• E-learning for managers on their responsibilities
• Workshops to take the learning further for key groups of staff

The programme has been designed so it can be used as part of a wider diversity training programme as well as a specific initiative to get make all staff aware of the new age regulations quickly and cost-effectively. 

The e-learning programme is split into four areas:

• An introduction on why age doesn't matter (5 minutes)

• An overview of the new legislation  (15 minutes)

• What managers need to know (15 minutes)

• A short assessment (5 minutes)

The programme is available fully hosted by Kineo using our Moodle LMS and hence available to all staff who have internet access wherever they may be. Alternatively it can be hosted by organisations internally.

The programme also comes with a range of other materials including slides and facilitator and manager guides for running workshops or team meetings with your staff. 

Benefits of the Kineo Blended Solution

The benefits of this solution are:

• It can be made available to all staff quickly and easily

• It can be accessible by all staff wherever they are located

• Our Learning Management System tracks all staff usage including test scores if required to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to educate your staff on the age discrimination regulations

• The programme combines the best of face-to-face methods and e-learning

• It can be used as part of a wider equality awareness programme

The e-learning is available now as a fully hosted solution from less than £1 a head. To view a demonstration or to discuss how this programme might meet your requirements call Steve Rayson on 01273 764070 or mail steve.rayson@kineo.com