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Brightwave partner with Astar to deliver double Diversity solution to Openreach

Flexible solution looks to the future for Openreach. Brightwave, the workplace learning specialist has partnered with Astar Management Consultants to provide a highly effective and extensive Diversity campaign to Openreach, a BT Group business.

The approach comprises face to face presentation sessions and an interactive e-learning toolkit resource. The campaign will be rolled out early in 2007 to all Openreach employees to ensure a greater understanding of diversity across the organisation. The programme is part of a two year strategy that will address numerous diversity issues looking at the key areas of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation.

“The programme being developed by Brightwave and Astar attempts to offer a flexible approach to our new diversity campaign” said Sonny Taank, Policy Leader, Employee Relations at Openreach. “Quite simply, a diverse workforce makes good business sense and the toolkit will both spread understanding of the issues and help make Openreach an even better place to work.”

He added, “The campaign aims to give employees the opportunity to identify ways in which they can advance diversity individually or as part of their wider team. We feel this is the best way to achieve a positive shift in culture change within Openreach.”

The CBT Diversity Toolkit being developed by Brightwave comprises Diversity modules, a mandatory assessment and briefing guidelines which will be used by diversity ambassadors and managers to deliver their diversity message. The sessions shall take place at regular intervals to reinforce learning improving learning retention. This will ensure that all employees understand that diversity is at the heart of Openreach’s future success.

“Research into the success of diversity programmes has shown that two of the most important factors are tailoring to the needs of the organisation and maximising credibility.” said Lars Hyland, Director of Learning Services for Brightwave. “The branded solution we are developing for Openreach is fully grounded in the current culture of the business. Bespoke solutions play an increasingly important role in workplace learning, as it demonstrates to the employee that they are a valued part of a company.”

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