Introduction to cultural competency: Self-awareness, learning and application

This interactive workshop is aims to address what cultural competency is, why it is important and how it applies to organisations/services. Attendees will learn how cultural competence links to issues of equality, diversity and discrimination. We will also explore how the personal, professional and organisational all intertwine and impact cultural competencies when considering issues of unconscious bias, stereotypes, intersectionality and explore some cultural competence dilemmas in practice. Throughout the workshop, there will be opportunities for discussion, feedback and reflections on issues raised and information sharing to re-think possibilities connected to developing a positive culture of change, on both an individual and organisation level.

By the end of the training, attendees will leave with a clearer insight of these key themes and what steps are needed to be a leader in cultural competence.  This includes a developed understanding of:

• ·        What is cultural competency and cultural competence stages?
• ·        How does cultural competency link to issues of equality and diversity?
• ·        Understand the dynamics of discrimination, bias, intersectionality and privilege
• ·        Cultural competence in practice: How to deal with cultural competence dilemmas
• ·        Evaluating the next steps to improving cultural competency in your organisation.

This training is being delivered by Veronica Mason, a senior lecturer in the School of Social Professions at London Metropolitan University and JNC qualified youth and community practitioner, who has taught across numerous degree programs and was the former course leader of BSc Youth Studies Programme. Veronica has provided consultancy training to a number of different organisations, including Hackney Young People & Children’s Services, Young Brent Foundation and Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation in the areas of cultural competence, racial identity theory, understanding diversity, equality and anti-racist practice.