DCU to launch Race Equality Guide for Hiring to support workplaces in Ireland to become more equitable

The DCU Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion will today launch a new guide to support employers in Ireland to examine the approach they are taking to enhancing race equality in the workplace. 

The Race Equality Guide for Hiring, sponsored by Bank of Ireland (launching at 12noon today) provides guidance, tips and insights on how employers can take action now in terms of removing the systemic bias that may exist in processes, practices and attitudes.

Speaking about the guide, Sandra Healy, Director of the DCU Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion said, 

“Ireland has become an increasingly diverse and multicultural society with over 18% of people from migrant descent. Diversity sparks innovation, and migrants bring a richness in terms of new perspectives, values and ideas– all of which are in high demand by so many employers. However research reveals many challenges and barriers in terms of how fairly migrants are being treated through hiring processes and in the labour market.

“There is a need for employers to examine the approach they are taking to enhancing race equality and to take action now in terms of removing the systemic bias that may exist in processes, practices and attitudes in the workplace. Removing these barriers will lead to a stronger, more diverse and ultimately more reflective workforce and society.

“This guide looks specifically at the hiring process and has been crafted and informed by lived experiences of people in the workplace in Ireland. Our approach has been supported by insights from the participants of our DCU Race Equality Forums, specialist organisations, academic experts and employers. The content is intended to be practical and actionable, providing guidance on the measures required to provide a fair and equal process for all candidates.”

Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank of Ireland said, 

“Bank of Ireland is delighted to collaborate on this project relating to race equality in the workplace. We are committed to addressing the key challenges facing society today and to building a fulfilling workplace for all. We want all of our people to reach their potential, and feel valued in an environment that supports diversity and inclusion. Our aim is that this guide will support our own endeavours to build a more diverse and inclusive workplace that supports our colleagues and represents the customers and communities that we serve.”

The DCU Race Equality Guide for Hiring sponsored by Bank of Ireland is the first in a series of race equality resources that are being developed to support workplaces in Ireland to become more equitable. It is available to download at the DCU Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion website here: 

To view the launch of the Race Equality Guide for Hiring at 12noon click here

Race Equality Guide

In early 2020, the DCU Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion developed a Race Equality Hub which sits on its website and includes recommendations for enhancing race equality in the workplace. The Hub was created in collaboration with the African Scholars Association of Ireland (AfSI) and supported by Ibec, Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) and the Irish Centre for Diversity. It is sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

About Race Equality Guide for Employers - Phase 1: A Hiring Guide (Sponsored by Bank of Ireland): The Race Equality Guide for Hiring is divided into different sections which provide context, tips and tools to help employers gain a deeper understanding of the important factors that contribute to equitable hiring practices. The guide is informed by insights from a series of Race Equality Forums which we held over the past year. Participants in the Forum were from different under-represented groups and shared real-life experiences of barriers to equality in the workplace in Ireland.

DCU Race Equality Forums and DCU Race Advisory Council (RAC)

The Forums took place throughout 2020 and created a safe and confidential space for people who had been impacted by racism in the workplace, to share their experiences. The participants developed practical solutions to tackling workplace discrimination. This has now become the DCU Race Advisory Council (RAC). Members include experts in the area of workplace equality as well as people from under-represented groups who have experienced racial discrimination in the workplace and everyday life. These individuals offer advice and insights to inform best practices for race equality in the workplace.