In-Person Training Programme

Taking place in London in January 2026, this 3-day in-person training is for orchestral and choral musicians to build skills around inclusive practices within the workplace.

This training is part of a wider volunteer role as an Inclusive Recruitment Champion. To register for the training, please sign up via the form on the job description page. 

For more training and support related to our work on inclusive recruitment in orchestras and choirs, see our full events page. 

Session 1: Introduction to the Equality Act 2010 and Inclusive Language

Monday 26 January 2026, 1pm - 5pm

Having completed a pre-course webinar on the Equality Act 2010, participants will have a basic understanding of the Act, the protected characteristics and the different types of discrimination. 

As a group we will recap on the webinar and then explore how to identify issues and situations that may be discriminatory. 

We will also explore how language use impacts equality, diversity, and inclusion, focusing on appropriate terminology, inclusive communication, and challenging discriminatory language to create a more equitable and respectful environment in the workplace and beyond.  

You will learn about the different types of language that can be harmful or exclusionary, and you will develop skills for using language that is more inclusive and welcoming. 

Learning outcomes: 

• Understand the basics of the Equality Act 2010. 
• Understand who the act protects.  
• Understand the different types of discrimination. 
• Identify how discrimination can be experienced in the workplace.  
• Developing the skills to create a vocabulary of inclusive terminology. 
• Develop self-awareness in your language use.  
• Provide participants with the skills to challenge inappropriate language. 
• Advocate for inclusivity and embed up to date language use in your organisation. 
• Recognising the nature of language as part of a power dynamic and the potential for inequality. 

Session 2: Unconscious Bias - Train the Trainer

Tuesday 27 January 2026, 10am - 5pm

Delivered by Shonagh Reid director of Spotlight Inclusion 

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of unconscious bias and how routine practices perpetuate bias in the arts.

Participants will explore how to recognise bias and develop strategies to move beyond awareness to intentional behaviours and strategies to mitigate the status quo. Participants will then begin to develop their facilitation skills enabling them to share their knowledge within their workplaces.  

Learning outcomes: 

• Insights into best practices in recruitment. 
• A deep understating of how bias and stereotyping can manifest in general, as well as specifically in the arts. 
• Acquire essential facilitation skills. 
• Develop strategies for sharing knowledge within their workplaces.  

Session 3: Holding Difficult Conversations

Wednesday 28 January 2026, 10am - 5pm

Delivered by Shonagh Reid director of Spotlight Inclusion 

In this session, participants will explore the concepts of psychological safety and positionality, trauma informed practice and identity.

Throughout the day participants will develop an understanding of how different people can respond to different situations and how we can remain aware of identity-related factors in any difficult conversation.  

Learning outcomes: 

• Be able to identify circumstances and situations where a difficult conversation might be required.  
• Understand more about how people with different identities might approach or experience situations.  
• Develop a framework for shaping difficult conversations.  
• Improved skills and confidence in holding and hearing difficult conversations.