Pembrokeshire Council Implements Diversity Bingo for Staff Training

A local authority in Wales has introduced an unconventional training tool known as Diversity Bingo to enhance staff understanding of its inclusive language policies. Pembrokeshire Council designed the game to familiarize employees with key concepts related to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Participants must engage with colleagues to identify and explain 25 terms, including “hate crimes,” “ageism,” and “cyber bullying.”

The implementation of Diversity Bingo occurs during EDI training sessions funded by taxpayers. After completing the game, staff are required to fill out a debriefing sheet that prompts them to reflect on their learnings about themselves and their peers through the activity.

According to a response from Pembrokeshire Council under the Freedom of Information Act, the EDI-related courses undergo quality checks by experts to ensure the inclusive nature of the language utilized. These sessions are part of a broader initiative by the council, which is currently facing a significant financial challenge with a reported debt of £192 million. The objective is to “eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation” within the workplace.

The approach has drawn criticism from local politicians. Conservative Member of Parliament Sir Alec Shelbrooke expressed frustration over the council’s focus on such initiatives. “The public are interested in reducing council tax, emptying bins, repairing roads, and providing public services,” he stated. “Local residents have every right to be angry about this.”

In response to the criticism, Pembrokeshire Council reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its legal obligations concerning EDI. The council emphasized that its priority is to create an inclusive work environment, in line with both legal requirements and societal expectations.

While the council aims to promote understanding of important social issues through games like Diversity Bingo, debates surrounding the allocation of public funds for such training continue to stir opinions among community members and officials alike. The effectiveness of these training methods in fostering genuine workplace inclusivity remains to be evaluated.