Advancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Building an Inclusive and Accessible organisation
Teagasc has launched its second Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategy (DE&I) entitled ‘Advancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Building an Inclusive and Accessible Organisation.’ The strategy was launched by the Teagasc Chairperson, Liam Herlihy, at the Growing Voices, Women in Farming event.
Pictured at the Teagasc DE&I strategy launch (l-r); Vanessa Kiely O’Connor, Teagasc Authority Member; Anne Kinsella, Teagasc Senior Research Officer; Ridhdhi Rathore, Teagasc Senior Research Officer; Liam Herlihy, Teagasc Chairperson; Valerie Farrell, Teagasc COO Designate; Orla Kinane, Teagasc Web & Digital Communications Officer; Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Áine Coady Teagasc DE&I Specialist; Louise Kenny; Teagasc Procurement Specialist.
Speaking at the launch, Valerie Farrell, Chief Operations Officer Designate outlined Teagasc’s journey through projects, initiatives, and strategies in areas such as Gender Equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion and supporting its large international staff cohort, over the last 8 years. Valerie Farrell spoke about the 4 pillars of the new strategy, how they set out a renewed vision, and actionable commitments to ensure that DE&I is not only embedded in Teagasc’s policies and practices but is lived every day across all levels of the organisation. In doing so, Teagasc recommits its dedication to being an employer and service provider of choice, one that values difference, champions equity, and fosters a culture where everyone can thrive.
At the strategy launch, Valerie Farrell, said, “I am delighted to launch this strategy, which underpins all the great work we do in making Teagasc more inclusive and to remove barriers to accessibility for all. Our staff are our strength; each one of them deserve to flourish in a workplace where they feel supported and safe. We have made substantial progress over the last 8 years and look forward to embedding and strengthening our work in this crucial area.”
View a copy of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategy here
Widening Inclusion of Disability in Employment (WIDE) Framework
Teagasc is one of eight organisations who have recently embarked on the WIDE Leaders Programme, supported by AHEAD (The Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (Ireland)) and Employers for Change, focused on advancing disability inclusive employment.
Over the next year, Teagasc will take a close look at how it operates, reviewing our culture and practices against an evidence-based framework. The goals are clear; to ensure Teagasc is inclusive of everyone in our society and to ensure our culture and practices mean we hire, retain, and promote disabled talent and create a more inclusive workplace.
The Widening Inclusion of Disability in Employment (WIDE) Framework was developed by disabled people, employers, and disability organisations, reflecting national and internationally researched best practice, over a two-year period. It is a joint project, developed by partner organisations AHEAD and Employers for Change, funded by the Department of Social Protection.
Áine Coady, Teagasc DE&I Specialist and WIDE Leader Representative said, “Being selected to join the WIDE leaders programme could not have come at a better time. Commitment to disability inclusion in Teagasc is solid and so we are excited to work with AHEAD and Employers for Change, along with the seven other employers to discover how we improve our culture and practices to create a more inclusive workplace. Research shows that improving practices in an organisation for marginalised individuals benefits everyone.”
A group of fifteen people, from eight employers across Ireland, standing together with Catherine Murray, Deirdre Moore, Nessa Maquire from AHEAD and Anna Boda from Employers for Change. Teagasc is represented by Áine Coady and Mary O’Shaughnessy.