Age Concern England recognises the significant diversity that exists amongst older people and aims to reflect this in all its work. The National Minority Ethnic Network (NMEN) is one of several practitioner networks across the Age Concern federation aiming to develop network members and federation policy with and on behalf of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities that Age Concern serves. Whilst some Age Concerns deliver regular training addressing diversity issues and training on specific cultures, the members of the NMEN identified a need for ongoing basic cultural awareness training and to increase Age Concern's internal capacity to deliver such training nationally.

The project team, made up of four members from NMEN and Age Concern England's Training & Development Officer, commissioned Jacqueline Hill of J Hill Associates to facilitate the development of a Cultural Awareness Training course. The course was developed through a series of workshops, firstly exploring the team's preferred team roles and learning styles in order to build team cohesion and identify implications for the design of the training course, then focusing on the desired outcomes of the course, both immediately following the course and in sustaining the learning. This provided a framework within which the team members could pool their knowledge and experiences to develop individual sessions to meet the desired outcomes. At the same time the workshops highlighted best practice course design, facilitation and evaluation techniques. Following a 'dress rehearsal' with the team, a pilot training course was run for members of the NMEN, which was very well received. Two further courses were run for a wide range of staff from Age Concerns from the north and southeast of England. Each course was co-facilitated by Jacqueline and members of the project team. The project concluded with a thorough evaluation of the training course itself and its development. Age Concern England now has a Cultural Awareness training course, endorsed by the NMEN and well-received by its intended audience, with staff capable of running it in-house, and criteria with which to evaluate the impact of the course in achieving its longer term aims.

• The training course increases awareness of the nature and importance of culture and enables participants to: explore their personal reactions to people from cultures different to their own; identify aspects of their own culture that are important to them; and generate curiosity and excitement about learning and exploring cultural differences.
• The course appeals to all staff from all backgrounds and participants are enthusiastic about recommending the course to their colleagues.
• The course is very different from those currently available. Key characteristics include:  giving participants an understanding of what culture is, an awareness of their own culture and its impact on how they view others; exploring the significant diversity within cultures and what this means for understanding and working with individuals from those cultures; a recognition that learning about other cultures is a life-time's pursuit, however the course provides a platform for that learning.
• The project team members have increased confidence and competence in delivering the training, and other members of NMEN have expressed a keen interest in learning how to deliver the course.
• Jacqueline brought experience as a Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) volunteer and trainer, her interest and passion for the subject, and her ability to pass on training skills to the team.

Christine O'Leary, Training & Development Officer commented 'Jacqueline's input has far exceeded the expectations of the project team. Jacqueline brought invaluable knowledge, design experience and insights as well as enthusiasm and commitment.'