Our approach to first aid training is inclusive of learning styles and needs as far as possible, and we are always seeking to improve in the ways in which we can become more inclusive.
We purposely use non-technical language and design our courses to be delivered in as simple terms as possible. Course information is available in printed, online or video format, and we have developed a series of unique digital first aid manuals to support this.Â
We regularly adapt our courses for candidates with differing abilities, and with some ‘reasonable adjustment’, the vast majority of people are able to qualify as a first aider with us.  The gender and sexual orientation of training team is mixed and we aim to be welcoming and supportive to all our current and future associates. Â
Recognising Our Inadequacies
However, through working with Backbone CIC, we recognised that we don’t have many customers or trainers from Black, Asian, and Ethnic communities. ‘Backbone CIC’ are a leading Black, Asian, and Ethnic education organisation acknowledged as a national and global leader in addressing diversity and inclusion, particularly in the outdoor sector of which first aid is an integral part.   We are one of Backbone’s key strategic partners in their ‘Leaders for Change Training Academy’ (https://www.backbone.uk.net/leaders-for-change-training-academy/).
Backbone academy’s ‘Leaders for Change Training Academy’ has allowed us to start working with individuals from Black, Asian, and Ethnic communities, supporting them on their journey to becoming first aid trainers through 2023 (https://www.backbone.uk.net/whats_happening/). These new trainers will take lifesaving first aid skills into hard-to-reach communities, ensuring that participants on outdoor programmes delivered by Backbone’s partner community organisations are safe. This in turn will help increase awareness of the importance first aid skills, and can save lives.Â
Reviewing Our Approach
In addition to working with Backbone, we have reviewed our own approach, and tried to identify where we have been unconsciously exacerbating the situation where individuals from Black, Asian and Ethnic communities do not feel that our courses, or indeed our industry are for them.  We updated our first aid manual series and included a much more diverse range of ethnicities in the imagery. We have also used these in our marketing materials and on-course materials. ‘You’ve got to see it, to be it’ is now part of our mantra when we are designing any new material, and feedback we continue to receive from course participants is invaluable for identifying what we can do better. Â
Our new more diverse trainer team is already bringing in new customers through their networks and the Backbone Academy. Over the past few months, we have worked with Boots and Beards, Ebony Walkers, Black Girls Hike, Bradford University and many others.
“I have been working with Backbone CIC for the past 15 years and we as an organisation jumped at the chance be involved in their ‘Leaders for Change Training Academy’. We have a long way to go but we are delighted to be at the forefront of making change happen in our industry“.  Cory Jones, Director, First Aid Training Co-operative.Â