Recognising and Challenging our Unconscious Biases

Facilitated By:

On behalf of the Athena SWAN Office, CIT

• Maria Cullinane, Lecturer, Process, Energy & Transport Engineering, CIT on behalf of the Athena SWAN Office, CIT

• Mary Cooney, Lecturer, Applied Social Studies, CIT

Workshop Descriptor:

Unconscious bias refers to the stereotypes, both negative and positive, that exist in our subconscious and affect our behaviour. It can affect workplaces and organisations and can introduce unintentional discrimination which results in poor decision making. Unconscious Bias can be a huge setback in creating a truly diverse and inclusive workplace.

The main goal of this workshop is to raise awareness of this important issue amongst staff and give a flavour of further training that is planned for the coming year, in response to CIT’s commitment to Athena SWAN. It is hoped that by encouraging us all to recognise and challenge our own unconscious biases that we can effect positive change within CIT and create a truly diverse and inclusive workspace to the benefit of all.

Those attending this workshop will:

• Gain an understanding of what unconscious bias is

• Be exposed to some of their own unconscious biases

• Be provided with some simple tools/techniques to adjust these automatic patterns of thinking,

Organised in association with CIT's:

• Access Office

• Athena SWAN Office

• Human Resources Department

• International Office