Practical Ways To Embrace Diversity & Inclusion Agenda
Employment offers the best opportunity for vulnerable individuals to become active participants in society, writes Emily Styles
CSR initiatives focused on employment can be among the most rewarding for businesses and individuals. As well as providing career opportunities for marginalised or disadvantaged groups in Irish society, employers get to see tangible and immediate results from their socially minded efforts. Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) specialises in sustainability and CSR advisory, and the organisation runs a range of employment initiatives. They aim to promote integration and social inclusion for immigrants and refugees; people emerging from homelessness and/or addiction; individuals with mental health problems; long-term unemployed; and women returning to the workforce or entering it for the first time.
EPIC
The EPIC programme works with people from migrant or refugee backgrounds and features preemployment training, one-to-one guidance and opportunities for work experience. EPIC provides six weeks of preemployment training for participants, covering topics such as job-seeking skills and CV and interview preparation. One-to-one support is also provided by career counsellors. Companies that have participated in the programme include Enterprise Rent-a-Car and eBay. And most recently, KPMG provided virtual mentoring and career advice during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Ready For Work
In this programme, employers assist people with disabilities and health challenges by providing guidance, work experience and in-work supports. The programme has helped more than 800 people, 70% of whom found employment since completing the programme’s work experience module, which usually lasts for four weeks. Participant companies have included Lidl, Boots, Dalata Group and Luas operator Transdev Dublin.
RISE
The Refugees Integration, Skills and Employability programme (RISE) helps refugees and asylum seekers with work permits to integrate into society and progress into employment or education. Seven weeks of preemployment training is provided, and the scheme encompasses business visits and support from business volunteers.
Women@Work
The Women@Work programme supports women in returning to the workforce or entering it for the first time by connecting with businesses. It also helps women who have already participated in employability programmes to find suitable employment. BT Ireland is one of the employers involved in the programme and during the Covid-19 lockdown, the company provided a virtual workshop to the female participants, covering CV reviews and feedback, as well as tips on how they could stand out during the recruitment process. The Department for Employment Affairs and Social Protection provide funding for ‘Ready For Work’, while the Department of Justice and European Social Fund support BITCI’s work with ethnic minorities. The organisation’s ‘Inclusive Employer’ blueprint is a ‘how-to’ guide for companies on how to be authentically diverse and inclusive. For more information on the programmes, see bitc.ie