Elevating my EDI professional expertise with a CMI qualification

I am currently studying the Level 6 Certificate in Leading Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and am almost three quarters of the way though. Reflecting on the experience so far, I would say the benefits of the qualification for me have been developing my leadership skills and opportunities for career progression, widening my network and generally feeling more confident in by EDI abilities to create a robust EDI strategy for my organisation.

The Level 6 Certificate is aimed at those leading or delivering their organisation’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy, or those who can influence policy and culture change. I have been in my current role since 2019, overseeing and co-ordinating the Club and Community EDI workstreams. I wanted to improve my leadership skills and my ability to grow and influence EDI in the organisation. I had also recently completed the Level 4 Certificate in Management and Leadership so this felt like a positive step and the right time to build on the Level 4 and further explore EDI within the context of leadership.

The value of ongoing professional learning in D&I in the sports sector

One of my main motivations for enrolling was to gain a deeper understanding of approaches to leading on EDI in various organisational contexts and to reflect and improve on my own leadership skills. I feel I have managed to achieve these goals, in that I have been able to positively reflect on my own leadership style and identify areas for development and have also developed a deeper understanding of the role organisational culture plays in creating inclusive organisations, the types of cultures that exist and why. The relationship between culture and inclusion is significant and this is an area I want to continue to learn about.

The course has also offered some insightful and practical guidance including how EDI can be measured in an organisation, how to move beyond the ‘business case’ for EDI and when and how to take more flexible approaches if these are needed.

One of the highlights of the course has been taking myself out of my comfort zone and practising new skills such as one-to-one and group coaching; this is something I can move forward with and start applying to my own work environment.

It has also been incredibly valuable to meet and network with other students on the course who work in a diversity of sectors. The quality of the discussions in the group and the content shared has allowed me to stretch my knowledge, whilst feeling safe and supported enough to ask questions and try new things.

If you are considering taking an EDI qualification, I would strongly recommend it for the personal and professional value it can bring and the confidence of having an accredited qualification under your belt. EDI professionals are often isolated in their organisations so it’s important to block out time to study, to connect with like-minded professionals and to value yourself and your own development.

How can Inclusive Sport help me develop my D&I knowledge and leadership skills?

If you are looking to reinvigorate your EDI expertise and receive a professional qualification in 2023, you can find out more about our CMI Level 6 in leading EDI in sport and physical activity.