Diversity training in the UK’s Public Service has come under fire after the Minister for Government Efficiency learnt the titles of two current courses and now wants to ban “ridiculous” diversity training.
The Minister, Jacob Rees-Mogg took exception to the Check Yo Privilege and Japanese Gay Grandfather Empathy courses, saying they were absurd and examples of “wokery” training.
Mr Rees-Mogg (pictured) called for them to be replaced with only “intelligent, sensible” courses.
Check Yo Privilege, run by the Cabinet Office, teaches Public Servants about being aware of their own backgrounds when making statements about British society.
The Minister said the course was politicised, and it viewed the world in a way that was not shared by the Government.
The other course, which asks staff to imagine a Japanese gay grandfather to promote understanding and empathy, also drew Mr Rees-Mogg’s ire.
He called on the Government’s Learning and Development hub to remove courses “subject to mockery”, in place of other training.
Mr Rees-Mogg also questioned whether employees were taking an additional hour for their lunch, after completing the courses during their break.
While the Minister cannot cancel the courses himself, Mr Rees-Mogg said he’ll be writing to Ministers in charge of the relevant Departments to ask for a review.
Training courses for Public Servants are taught on a digital learning platform run through the Cabinet Office, with staff able to sign up for specific sessions.
London, 4 July 2022
