Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit

Module 2: Why inclusive communication matters

Every public body in Scotland serves and employs a diverse population, with different communication needs and preferences. Every public body has a responsibility to communicate with the widest range of people. Therefore, inclusive communication matters to all public bodies.

Inclusive communication helps you and your organisation to:

• achieve better outcomes
• improve public trust
• engage with more people
• reach diverse communities
• save time and reduce costs
• work in kinder, fairer and more person-centred ways

What this module is for

This module is number two in a series of five. It explains why inclusive communication is important to service users, public sector organisations and their staff. We hope it will encourage you and your organisation to commit to inclusive communication and implement good practice.

Module content

The module includes a 30 minute presentation and a factsheet with:

• comments and quotations from people who experience communication exclusion, experts, public body representatives and research publications
• questions to support reflection

All materials use inclusive writing and are screen-readable. The presentation includes BSL interpretation, a voiceover and subtitles. There is also a factsheet which you can download and print. 

Both the presentation and factsheet cover:

• a brief definition of inclusive communication
• why inclusive communication is the right thing to do
• which people and communities need inclusive communication
• impacts on servicer users and organisations
• relevant law, policy and strategy
• real-life case studies 

How to use this module

You can work through the module at your own pace, on your own or with colleagues. Teams can use the materials for group training. 

Actions 

1. Learn why inclusive communication matters. Watch the presentation, on your own or with colleagues. Download or print the factsheet.
2. Answer the questions in the presentation or factsheet.
3. Discuss with others why inclusive communication matters to you, your team and your organisation. 
4. Go on to Module 3, Inclusive communication good practice standards and indicators.

Module 2: presentation

Module 2: why inclusive communication matters transcript

Module 2: why inclusive communication matters factsheet

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.