Case Study - Diversity & Equality at Severn Trent plc
The Aim
Severn Trent plc wanted to launch a wide-ranging and challenging Diversity and Equality training programme for their staff. The intentions were to engage people's emotions using an innovative technique called forum theatre.
The initial work was targeted at managers and employees from the PLC at the corporate centre and subsidiary businesses of Severn Trent international, Severn Trent Services and Severn Trent Labourites.
The aims of these workshops were:
- To raise awareness around issues concerning Diversity and Equality
- To demonstrate the impact of inappropriate behaviour on members of staff.
The Delivery
The first two of the six workshops Severn Trent PLC commissioned, took place in November 2003.
The workshops started with some light-hearted exercises designed to put delegates at ease and set the tone for the day. A presentation followed the workshops, which examined the effect of inappropriate behaviour in the work place and the damaging effects it can have on individuals. Participants were then able to use the actors as a 'visual tool' to explore some of the key issues raised by using techniques such as forum theatre and hot seating.
Using the drama as a catalyst, delegates were able to discuss the issues raised and explore different ways to resolve the situations portrayed.
Forum theatre works on the theory of raising a dilemma. Learners stop the action, and offer possible methods of resolving the situation. The actors play out the various suggestions in context, and debate can follow concerning the outcomes.
Hot-seating is a technique that is used extensively in conjunction with role-play and forum theatre. An actor sits in role and is questioned by learners. The character explains his or her motivations and behaviours to prompt debate with and among the learners. Using the actor in this way as a 'sounding-board' has the benefit of allowing learners, in a safe environment, to discuss their fears and perceptions with someone who has undertaken, albeit in role, something the learners themselves may face.
The Outcome
Combined with resource material handouts developed by Impact Universal to support the workshops, delegates found this method of experiential training to be a strong and challenging way to explore these complicated and controversial issues in an interesting and engaging way.
The Benefits
Here are some of the delegate's comments from the workshops:
"This course will help me speak up where perhaps I would have thought twice!"
"An excellent way of raising awareness of important issues with excellent trainers/actors"
"Actors & exercises helped and stimulated discussions"
"Informality put everyone at ease very quickly and got everyone contributing"
"Highlighted some key issues and most importantly ideas for how to tackle them in the workplace"
