Inclusive Language Training:

Duration: Two Hours:

Last Revised: 2025

Suitable For: All Employees

Delivery Style: Virtual

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Overview:

What do we have pictured opposite ?

Is it pronounced as a skone (to rhyme with phone) or a skon (to ryhme with one) ? People will often disagree on this and will defend their own thinking vigorously… and this is just a scone !

Consensus in respect of terminology can be tricky and in the arena of Diversity and Inclusion, it can spark much debate.

For example, is the term Person of Colour acceptable ? What about Special Needs ? Should this not be described as a Learning Difficulty ? or is that a Learning Disability ? Does Neurodiversity include mental health conditions ? Is the term Queer acceptable to describe someone who is Gay ? and if a person uses that term to describe themself, is it then OK for me to use that term too ?

This event will clarify all of the above and much more !

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What is Inclusive Language ?

Whilst people may may not necessarily agree on the use of some words, there are certain terms that can be categorised as universally acceptable by people in the UK workplace and are therefore extremely unlikely to upset or offend others.

Our Inclusive Language masterclass event examines how and why language continues to evolve, why certain terminology once considered acceptable is no longer acceptable in 2025. Most importantly, we explore what are the most modern and Inclusive terms to use when communicating verbally and digitally at work.

We stress that the event does not explore so called ‘Political Correctness’. We instead examine Inclusive Language which ensures everyone is clear about the best words to use to uphold the values of fairness and Inclusion at work.

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Language Research:

At McKenzie, we have spent considerable time and resources to both research and consult with some of the UK’s leading charities and support organisations to ensure we bring the very latest and informed guidance drawn from people with lived experience.

For example, in respect of Disability, we refer to information provided to us by Scope, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and the Royal National Institute of the Blind. For all things LGBTQ+, we reference very detailed and useful guidance provided by Stonewall. We have also accessed a number of central government points of reference for inclusive language.

We are therefore very confident that we bring to this event, the very latest thinking within this very important area.

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Event Content:

During a typical event, delegates explore:

How and why language evolves and the key drivers of language change.
Examples of terminology that was previously considered acceptable but is now no longer considered to be an inclusive or appropriate term.
Definition of Inclusive Language.
Interactive activity – in virtual syndicate rooms, exploring a list of 30 different terms. Delegates are tasked with deciding, for each term, if the words in question are inclusive and acceptable today or not. Online polling software is used to compile overall results.
Discussion, in plenary, of each the words previously analysed in syndicate groups, with model answers, explanations and reference points being provided for each term.
Inclusive Language Masterclass. Exploration of the most current and inclusive terms which (i) are most unlikely to offend others and (ii) portray a modern and enlightened approach. We provide guidance in respect of Disability, Neurodiversity, Race/Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Trans and Sex.
Skills for encouraging others to reflect on their use of inappropriate language.
Key Resources and Signposts.
Questions and Answers.

Delegates attending this event receive a copy of all event slides and access to our Inclusive Language Masterclass virtual toolkit.

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Booking an Event:

Please contact us to discuss your exact requirements. Whilst this event is generally delivered virtually, it can also be delivered as a face to face session, as part of an EDI workshop or for example, at a lunch and learn session.

Contacting McKenzie:

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Inclusive Language Training:

Duration: Two Hours:

Last Revised: 2025

Suitable For: All Employees

Delivery Style: Virtual

Overview:

What do we have pictured opposite ?

Is it pronounced as a skone (to rhyme with phone) or a skon (to ryhme with one) ? People will often disagree on this and will defend their own thinking vigorously… and this is just a scone !

Consensus in respect of terminology can be tricky and in the arena of Diversity and Inclusion, it can spark much debate.

This event will clarify all of the above and much more !

What is Inclusive Language ?

Whilst people may may not necessarily agree on the use of some words, there are certain terms that can be categorised as universally acceptable by people in the UK workplace and are therefore extremely unlikely to upset or offend others.

We stress that the event does not explore so called ‘Political Correctness’. We instead examine Inclusive Language which ensures everyone is clear about the best words to use to uphold the values of fairness and Inclusion at work.

Language Research:

At McKenzie, we have spent considerable time and resources to both research and consult with some of the UK’s leading charities and support organisations to ensure we bring the very latest and informed guidance drawn from people with lived experience.

We are therefore very confident that we bring to this event, the very latest thinking within this very important area.

Event Content:

During a typical event, delegates explore:

How and why language evolves and the key drivers of language change.

Examples of terminology that was previously considered acceptable but is now no longer considered to be an inclusive or appropriate term.

Definition of Inclusive Language.

Interactive activity – in virtual syndicate rooms, exploring a list of 30 different terms. Delegates are tasked with deciding, for each term, if the words in question are inclusive and acceptable today or not. Online polling software is used to compile overall results.

Discussion, in plenary, of each the words previously analysed in syndicate groups, with model answers, explanations and reference points being provided for each term.

Inclusive Language Masterclass. Exploration of the most current and inclusive terms which (i) are most unlikely to offend others and (ii) portray a modern and enlightened approach. We provide guidance in respect of Disability, Neurodiversity, Race/Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Trans and Sex.

Skills for encouraging others to reflect on their use of inappropriate language.

Key Resources and Signposts.

Questions and Answers.

Delegates attending this event receive a copy of all event slides and access to our Inclusive Language Masterclass virtual toolkit.

Booking an Event:

Please contact us to discuss your exact requirements. Whilst this event is generally delivered virtually, it can also be delivered as a face to face session, as part of an EDI workshop or for example, at a lunch and learn session.

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