Workplace discrimination
Learn to tackle discrimination at work, understand the legal impacts, and create a fair, inclusive environment with this practical course.
Perfect for:
You’ll learn how to:
- identify why discrimination happens
- approach the law around discrimination
- differentiate the forms of prohibited conduct
- recognise discrimination towards nine protected characteristics.
About this course
Please note, On 16 April 2025 the Supreme Court returned the ruling that the protected characteristic of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. The result of this ruling can be viewed on the Supreme Court website. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (the EHRC, the national equality and human rights regulator for England, Scotland and Wales) released an interim update on 25 April 2025 to help employers and others understand how to follow the law in response to the Supreme Court ruling. The EHRC is working 'at pace' to update its statutory and non-statutory guidance. We will update our content appropriately when the EHRC statutory guidance is available or changes are made.
Course length: One day
Delivery: Online classes and self-directed learning
Suitable for: This course is ideal for HR professionals, managers, and anyone promoting fair treatment in their organisation, especially those with prior knowledge of employment law.
Topics covered
- Equality vs equity, discriminatory behaviours and unconscious bias.
- Key concepts about discrimination, claimants and proof, liability, defences, remedies, compensation.
- Prohibited conduct, including types of discrimination, harassment and equal pay.
- Discrimination of protected characteristics and case law.
What to expect from this ‘Workplace discrimination’ course
This course teaches you about workplace discrimination, its legal impacts, and how to create a fair and inclusive work environment. You’ll learn why discrimination happens, the laws that apply, and practical ways to spot, prevent, and address discrimination.
The course covers the nine protected characteristics and different types of prohibited behaviour, using real-life examples to help your understanding.
What you’ll need to do on this course
This one-day course focuses on key elements of discrimination in employment law. Each session includes theory, legal explanations, and engaging activities or discussions, often based on recent case law or workplace examples.
The course is designed for those seeking in-depth knowledge of discrimination, similar to other specialised topics like GDD or TUPE.
What you’ll get on this course
You’ll receive a resource pack before the course begins. This will include any additional reading and activities to complete before starting the course. Please also consider exploring the ‘Find out more’ section on the Learning hub.
At the end of this course, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance.
Taking part in this course gives you access to the CIPD Learning Hub for 12 months. Here, you can access your course content together with other valuable resources and tools. When you finish your course, you can enjoy an additional 12 months of access to other resources on the Learning Hub.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this 'Workplace discrimination' course, you’ll be able to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of workplace discrimination issues and the legal framework governing its prevention and management.
- Implement practical strategies to prevent and address discriminatory behaviour.
- Promote a culture of trust and inclusion.
Team bookings
Interested in booking this course for your team? We offer group bookings solutions for teams of four or more people.
When your teams learn with the CIPD, they get direct access to the latest professional research and insights.
And through courses co-created with industry thought leaders and practitioners, they’ll build the skills and confidence they need to inspire action, influence change and drive business value.
We offer a wide range of Learning and Development solutions to suit employees at every level – whether in HR, L&D, OD or wider people management.
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