Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate

Gain a deep understanding of the challenges we need to overcome and the behaviours we need to change for a more diverse and inclusive advertising industry.

With online learning content provided by The Hobbs Consultancy, this qualification will help you to step up and affect positive change in your workplace. Each of the nine modules take an in-depth look at a workplace diversity and inclusion metric. At the end of each module you will receive clear actionable tips and guidelines, whether you are in that group or want to be an active ally for that group.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is designed for everyone working in the advertising, media and marketing industry, regardless of level or seniority. It provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion, recognise barriers facing different groups, understand your own biases and take positive action to create a more inclusive workplace.

What are the benefits?

  • Gain a deeper understanding of nine key diversity and inclusion metrics: race and ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, gender, masculinity, disability, neurodiversity, age, gender identity and expression, and social mobility.
  • Understand the key barriers facing different groups of people in the workplace and why diversity and inclusion matter to businesses.
  • Develop greater awareness of your own biases and how these can influence behaviour and decision-making.
  • Gain practical, actionable tips and guidelines to help create positive change in your organisation.
  • Understand how you can support different groups and act as an effective ally in the workplace.
  • Access further resources to support your ongoing personal and professional learning around diversity and inclusion.

Learning modules

The Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate comprises approximately 10 hours of online learning across nine modules. Each module explores a different workplace diversity and inclusion metric, providing an understanding of the challenges facing different groups alongside practical actions and guidance for creating positive change.

Module 1: Race and ethnicity

Explores ethnic diversity in the workplace, including language and terminology, barriers such as racism and unconscious bias, and practical ways to drive long-term change.

Module 2: LGBTQ+

Examines LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, including rights, bias and microaggressions, barriers to inclusion and ways to build trust and become an effective ally.

Module 3: Gender

Looks at gender diversity in the workplace, the barriers affecting women's careers and leadership, and practical approaches to moving from insight to action.

Module 4: Masculinity

Explores perceptions and misconceptions around masculinity, workplace stereotypes and vulnerability, and ways organisations can create a more positive and inclusive environment.

Module 5: Disability

Examines disability inclusion, including physical and workplace barriers, discrimination, reasonable adjustments, representation and practical ways to create more welcoming environments.

Module 6: Neurodiversity

Develops understanding of neurodiversity and its importance to an inclusive workplace, exploring barriers, recruitment, talent management, individual support and legal requirements.

Module 7: Age

Explores ageism and the importance of multigenerational workplaces, including stereotypes, misconceptions and practical approaches to addressing unconscious bias.

Module 8: Gender identity and expression in the workplace

Develops understanding of transgender experiences in the workplace, relevant language and the challenges faced by trans people, with practical guidance on becoming an active ally.

Module 9: Social mobility

Explores class and social mobility in the advertising and media industry, including the barriers that can reinforce inequality and practical actions businesses can take to create greater opportunity.

View the full Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate syllabus.

How is this qualification delivered and assessed?

  • There are approximately 10 hours of online learning accessible through the IPA website on any device.
  • Self-paced learning that can be completed around work commitments.
  • Learners complete all modules before undertaking the final assessment, a formal 30-minute, multiple-choice exam.
  • If you pass the exam, you will be awarded a digital certificate of completion and one MIPA star towards personal accreditation.

Learning outcomes

This qualification provides a practical understanding of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the challenges faced by different groups. By the end of the programme, learners will understand the importance of diversity and inclusion, recognise key barriers facing different groups, and have greater awareness of their own biases. They will be able to identify practical ways to support inclusion, act as an effective ally and contribute to positive change within their organisation.

Dates and pricing

Dates

  • Candidates must complete the qualification by 31 December of the intake year

Price

  • Members: £60+VAT
  • Non-Members: £120+VAT

If you are purchasing the course as a business based outside of the UK and believe you should not be charged VAT on the sale, please get in touch with [email protected]. If your business is based in the EU, we will ask you to confirm your VAT number before making your booking. This VAT number will be recorded as part of your sale transaction. If your business is based outside the EU, we will ask for further evidence of your business location.

If you are purchasing the course as an individual consumer based outside of the EU and believe you should not be charged VAT on the sale, please get in touch with [email protected]. If you are based outside the EU, we will ask for further evidence of your location.

View the full Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate syllabus.

hobbs_450.png
Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate online learning content authored by The Hobbs Consultancy.

Policies and FAQs

  • Refund policy: we operate a 14-day cancellation policy.
  • Deferral policy: If a candidate fails to pass the final exam by their expiry date, they can apply for a four-week extension at a charge of £50+VAT. Free deferrals may be granted in cases of approved extenuating circumstances.
  • All further information can be found in the Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate Qualification Policies for 2027.

For more information, please email [email protected].


Please note: if you are taking one of our courses or qualifications through your employer or educational establishment, we may need to share your information – including your course or qualification results – with them. For further details about how we treat your personal data, please see our privacy policy.