Inclusive communication toolkit
This toolkit provides practical support to make communication between people and services more inclusive.
Module 1: Introduction - inclusive communications
Welcome to Scottish Government’s Toolkit
People communicate in different ways according to their needs and preferences. Inclusive communication good practice allows more people to understand others and express themselves easily. It is called ‘inclusive’ because nobody is left out.
We want to promote inclusive communication because it helps everyone engage better with services. It is not just for people with communication support needs. This Toolkit has been produced to help you use inclusive communication effectively.
The Toolkit:
- explains why inclusive communication matters
- sets out an updated definition of good practice
- includes step-by-step guides and practical tools
Who produced the Toolkit?
The Toolkit was produced for Scottish Government by Communication Inclusion People, their partners, Disability Equality Scotland, and co-producers with lived experience of communication exclusion. They worked with expert organisations, public bodies, service users and others who will benefit from better, more inclusive communication.
Who is the Toolkit for?
The Toolkit is designed for everyone working in the public sector in Scotland. This includes national and local government, schools and colleges, health and care organisations and other bodies.
How will the Toolkit help me?
The information and tools in the Toolkit will help you, and your organisation, to:
- engage with people from diverse communities
- achieve better outcomes
- be kinder, fairer and more person-centred
- improve public trust and engagement
- save time and reduce costs
- build and share consistent good practice
How to use the Toolkit
You can work through the Toolkit at your own pace, in any order you like. You can complete it on your own or with others. Teams can use the materials for group training. It will take around three hours to watch all five of the presentations.
You can download and print practical tools. Use them to complete the actions set out in each module.
Toolkit Contents
The Toolkit uses inclusive writing and screen-readable materials. Presentations include British Sign Language (BSL), voiceover, and subtitles.
The Toolkit has five modules. Each includes a presentation, downloadable practical tools, and actions you can put into practice.
Module 1: Introduction
15 minute presentation
Practical tool:
- a flyer to tell people in your organisation about the Toolkit
Module 2: Why inclusive communication matters
30 minute presentation
Practical tool:
- a factsheet to encourage action
Module 3: Inclusive Communication Good Practice Standards and Indicators - Principles of Inclusive Communication
57 minute presentation
Practical tools:
- inclusive communication good practice standards and indicators
- quick inclusive communication good practice guide
Module 4: How organisations can achieve inclusive communication good practice
45 minute presentation
Practical tools:
- step-by-step guide for leaders and managers
- standards and indicators for organisation infrastructure – assessment checklist
- quick inclusive communication good practice guide
- practical resources list
Module 5: How individual staff can implement inclusive communication good practice
42 minute presentation
Practical tools:
- step-by-step guide for individual staff
- individual staff inclusive communication good practice - assessment checklist
- quick inclusive communication good practice guide
- practical resources list
Actions
- watch the Module 1 – Introduction presentation. It will take 15 minutes.
- download the Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit flyer. Share it with colleagues online, in person, or on paper.
- decide how you will use the toolkit in your team and/or organisation.
Module 1: presentation
Related accessible versions of this publication
The Toolkit uses inclusive writing and screen-readable materials. Presentations include British Sign Language (BSL), voiceover and subtitles.
Requesting alternative formats
We are committed to providing adjustments. We will consider requests for alternative formats or translations for any materials from this publication.
Contact us at: mainstreamingstrategy@gov.scot if you would like to request an adjustment or alternative format.
Disclaimer
All information and references to external resources are correct at the time of publication. The Scottish Government is not responsible for the content of external resources.
Contact
Email: contactus@gov.scot