Recent training initiatives

Making the Most of Difference (MMOD)

In 2007 we developed Making the Most of Difference (MMOD): an experimental and highly interactive one-day diversity and inclusion workshop held locally at Posts overseas. MMOD encourages staff to explore how they can recognise and develop their understanding of  the different viewpoints of teams in complex, multicultural situations.

It was launched in Kabul in October 2007 and piloted at Posts in Beijing and Abuja. By the end of 2007, it had been rolled out to Nairobi, Sana’a, Kuala Lumpur, Addis Ababa and Jakarta. Over 30 more Posts will have hosted the workshop so far this year. Sixty per cent should have done so by the end of 2008.

Staff are invited to watch and discuss examples of exclusive and inclusive behaviour through scenarios played out by professional actors. Immediate feedback shows that 93% of participants (both UK and locally engaged staff) being either completely or mostly satisfied with the course.

To maximise take-up, a DVD capturing the key training scenarios is being development and distributed via our Regional Training Network in 2008. The longer-term success of MMOD will be the extent to which it helps staff develop more effective, inclusive, cross-cultural communication, problem-solving and decision making skills in the workplace, with colleagues, stakeholders and other people.

Diversity at Work

Our new computer-based learning module Diversity At Work was launched in March 2008. Watch this space for more information.