GCA launches online course for inclusive workplaces
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has introduced a new online course focusing on creating inclusive workplace environments, as part of its Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e-learning platform, which commenced in March 2025. This latest addition marks the 96th course available to GCA member garden centres, as well as centres affiliated with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
Antony Snow, GROW’s Instructional Designer, emphasised the importance of this initiative, highlighting that as the UK’s cultural landscape continues to diversify, the topics of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have gained significant prominence. “As the UK becomes more culturally diverse, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has quickly become an essential training topic for all organisations," Snow stated. He further elaborated on the role of all employees in promoting an inclusive working environment: “Employees at all levels, whether they are an employer, manager, supervisor or part-time assistant, have a responsibility to support and promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, so this course has been written to help our members to create inclusive environments that reflect the diverse backgrounds of their colleagues and customers in their centres.”
The GROW platform offers a comprehensive range of training courses designed to assist employees in effectively helping customers and colleagues across various areas. Peter Burks, the GCA CEO, echoed the sentiments concerning the value of GROW, noting that the platform is regarded by members as an essential, cost-effective solution for staff training and professional development. "Our members say GROW is an important, cost-effective way of providing staff training and personal development. It’s accessible every day of the year, at any hour of the day, making it perfect for garden centre staff to use when convenient for them,” Burks explained.
The inception of GROW stemmed from a strategy meeting held by the GCA’s executive committee, with the primary goal of delivering education and training that is specifically tailored for individuals working within the garden centre sector. The platform operates on a self-funding and non-profit model, ensuring that any surpluses generated are reinvested into its ongoing development and enhancement.
Currently, GROW boasts a library of 96 courses that cater to over 12,000 users throughout the UK. The topics encompass various essential areas, including horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales, and health and safety. Each course is crafted by experts with substantial experience in their respective fields, ensuring the content is relevant and applicable within the garden centre context. The newly launched EDI course is now available for immediate access to existing subscribers, enabling garden centre teams to benefit from this critical training.