Face-to-face training
Challenging Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hatred
Practical training that helps staff, leaders and partners recognise anti-Muslim hatred, respond with confidence, and build safer, more cohesive workplaces and communities.
The challenge
Why this training matters
Home Office figures have consistently shown that Muslims are the group most often targeted in religiously motivated hate crime in England and Wales. Behind the statistics are colleagues, residents and service users who experience hostility at work, in public and online, and many incidents are never reported.
Public bodies have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination and harassment, and to foster good relations between communities. Employers have a duty to protect staff from harassment. Meeting those duties means staff need the confidence to recognise anti-Muslim hatred and to respond to it well.
Our approach
This training is practical and balanced. It focuses on hatred, discrimination and harassment directed at Muslims, or people perceived to be Muslim. It respects freedom of expression, including the right to discuss and criticise religion, and helps participants understand where the line is crossed.
Who it's for
- Local authority officers and community safety teams
- Leaders and managers responsible for staff wellbeing and conduct
- HR, EDI and staff network leads
- Frontline staff in public services, schools and health settings
- Partnership and community cohesion boards
What the training covers
- What Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred are, and the different definitions in current use
- How it shows up in the workplace, in services, in communities and online
- The link between media narratives, national events and local tensions
- Intersections with race, gender and visible identity
- The Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty and employer responsibilities
- Recognising microaggressions, exclusion and harassment
- Responding as a colleague, bystander, manager or service provider
- Supporting people affected and encouraging reporting
- Practical steps to build trust and good relations
Delivery options
Face-to-face
Delivered at your venue. Interactive, discussion-based and tailored to your organisation.
Live online
Delivered via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Ideal for teams across multiple sites.
Bespoke
Tailored to your organisation, workforce or local context, including community tensions and partnership priorities.
Half-day and full-day options available. Contact us for a quote.
What participants will be able to do
- Recognise anti-Muslim hatred in its different forms
- Understand their legal and organisational responsibilities
- Respond confidently and appropriately when incidents occur
- Support colleagues and service users who are affected
- Contribute to safer, more inclusive workplaces and communities
From the event
Behind the Headlines
Sultan hosted and delivered the keynote at Behind the Headlines: Challenging Islamophobia in Modern Day Britain, delivered for Luton Borough Council and supported by the University of Bedfordshire.
“Massive thanks to Sultan for leading... such an insightful event focussed on strengthening the measures we are taking as partners and as a town to tackle Islamophobia and racism.”
Marek Lubelski
Head of Social Justice Unit, Luton Council
About the trainer
Delivered by Sultan Mahmood, an EDI practitioner with over 30 years of experience across central and local government, the NHS, fire services and the third sector.
Read more about SultanFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Enquire about training
Tell us a little about your organisation and we'll come back to you within two working days.