Learning Waves is the learning and development organisation dedicated to providing education, training, and networking opportunities for those working in the independent radio sector. Recognising the need to address EDI, Learning Waves has actively promoted inclusivity and equitable practices in the industry. This case study delves into their journey, focusing on educating and embedding EDI practices across the sector. The Independent Radio Sector believes that having an inclusive workplace and inclusive content benefits its people, its listeners and the communities it serves
Simply put, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) describe a culture and framework that welcomes people from all walks of life. EDI makes good business sense, and developing procedures, policies and practices in this area is the right thing to do The Independent Radio Sector recognised that EDI is a rapidly evolving and nuanced topic. In this regard, the sector turned to Learning Waves for guidance on best practices in order to support its key objectives, which are outlined as follows:
The starting point for this work was to engage with leaders in the independent radio sector to get their views on EDI and what supports they needed in this area. Learning Waves conducted an Inclusive Leaders survey in 2021 which led to the following recommendations:
The EDI Steering Group engaged the Irish Centre for Diversity and Inclusion to design and conduct the survey between Nov 2022 and Jan 2023. In total, 385 people responded to the survey from 28 organisations across the sector.
Key findings from the survey were:
Areas for improvement cited in the survey were:
The management and employee surveys revealed valuable insights, highlighting several areas for improvement, including the need to provide EDI training and develop EDI Leaders within the sector.
Training
An introductory course on EDI was developed. All employees working in the Independent Radio Sector are encouraged to complete this training course. Additional modules on various topics, e.g. were developed for employees with specific EDI responsibilities.
EDI Leads
EDI Leads EDI Leads were selected by station management, and a role description is agreed between the EDI Lead, the station and Learning Waves. A specific training programme for EDI leads was developed and delivered over a period of 6 months. The training programme included the following modules:
The establishment of EDI Leads facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration among stations. The initiatives have increased awareness and have allowed stations to create more diverse content, improve connections with diverse audiences, and foster equal opportunities for all.
Development of policies/ resources
Learning Waves has created a section on its Learning Hub where all members can access all content, research reports, training materials, policy and document templates. In addition, Learning Waves is currently developing an EDI Toolkit, which all members can access from September 2023.
Diversity in Content
While the development of training and EDI Leads have been core outputs, the EDI programme has inspired lots of other great things to happen across the sector related to the topic of EDI, including but not limited to:
Next Steps in Learning Waves EDI journey:
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