Our recent impact evaluation project aimed to assess the effectiveness and reach of our Cultural Competency initiatives. By combining quantitative survey data with in-depth qualitative interviews, we sought to develop a nuanced understanding of how these efforts are perceived and experienced across the university.
It is important to note that data analysis is still ongoing, particularly with respect to the qualitative data. As such, the findings presented at this stage are preliminary and should be regarded as a foundation for further research.
Emerging insights and critical reflections
Awareness and engagement: identifying gaps
Our survey data revealed a significant lack of awareness about Cultural Competency and its initiatives. Many staff and students are not fully informed about the resources available to them. This suggests a critical need for improved communication and visibility to ensure that our initiatives reach their intended audience.
The case for compulsory Cultural Competency
One clear message from our interviews is the strong sentiment that Cultural Competency training should be a mandatory component of professional development rather than an optional addition. Staff members, in particular, expressed a desire for such training to be integrated into their professional and induction programmes. This feedback aligns with our strategic objectives and highlights the potential benefits of making Cultural Competency training a core requirement.
Just as compliance training is mandatory for all King's staff, incorporating Cultural Competency into compulsory College-wide staff induction courses and professional development programmes could emphasise its importance and promote broader engagement. This shift could contribute to a more inclusive and thoughtful university culture, embedding Cultural Competency as an essential element of both professional and academic life.
Implications and future directions
Our findings indicate several key areas for attention:
Increasing visibility
We need to enhance our efforts to raise awareness about Cultural Competency and its offerings. This entails more strategic communication and increased visibility across departments to ensure that everyone is informed about available resources and opportunities.
Mandatory training
Given the feedback, we should explore the possibility of integrating Cultural Competency into mandatory professional development programmes. This would reflect its importance, encourage broader engagement, and help embed it more deeply within the university’s culture.
Ongoing evaluation
This project marks the beginning of an evolving journey. While our preliminary findings are insightful, they lay the groundwork for a more extensive exploration. To gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding, we plan to expand our research to include a broader range of participants and explore additional dimensions of Cultural Competency within the university.
Adopting a longitudinal approach is essential, as Cultural Competency development is a complex and evolving process that often requires time to manifest noticeable changes. By extending our evaluation over a longer period, we can better assess the sustained impact of our initiatives, monitor progress, and make informed adjustments to enhance our approach.
As this project serves as a ‘seed’ for future research, we intend to seek additional funding to broaden our survey reach, particularly to include more participants who have completed our Cultural Competency modules. We will also continue conducting in-depth interviews with students and staff. This expanded research will enable us to gather more detailed insights and refine our methods based on the lessons learned from this initial phase. Additionally, we will review and potentially revise our research tools, such as interview questions, to better capture relevant data and adapt to the evolving needs of our study.
Looking ahead: building on our foundations
These early insights offer a foundation for further investigation and improvement. They highlight both the challenges we face and the opportunities for meaningful change. As we move forward, we remain committed to leveraging these findings to advance and refine our Cultural Competency initiatives.
We encourage ongoing engagement from students, staff, and stakeholders. Your contributions are crucial in shaping a more culturally competent King’s, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative journey.