DCU Access to the Workplace 2025 Launches
The launch event, Beyond Bias: Unlocking Future Talent, explored how organisations can develop a workforce that is diverse, inclusive and ready to embrace the possibilities of an unscripted future.
Talks included a fireside conversation with Sinead Donovan, Chair of Grant Thornton Ireland and immediate past president of Chartered Accountants Ireland, who discussed how the accounting profession is working to challenge bias and advance equity in the workplace. She also shared her insights and learnings from Grant Thornton initiatives to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer with Bank of Ireland led a panel to discuss the company’s approach to removing bias in recruitment and building an inclusive workplace, and their experiences of participating in DCU Access to the Workplace since 2019. He was joined by Prof Lisa van der Werff of DCU Business School and former Access to the Workplace student participants, Tommy Hamzat and Jennifer Lukikeba.
Fiona Hudson, DCU’s Access to the Workplace Programme Development Lead said:
"DCU Access to the Workplace is a vital tool to level the playing field for DCU Access students, and for neurodivergent students. By providing much-needed access scholarships and placing students in high quality internships, our programme is supporting these student groups to achieve equal employment outcomes after graduation and bring their own talents and ideas to the workplace.”
Jason Sherlock, Director of Development of DCU Educational Trust commented:
“By looking beyond graduation, DCU Access to the Workplace aims to give students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and neurodivergent students access to the same career opportunities as their peers. This would not be possible without the support of our incredible partner companies. 93% of students told us that they could not have secured a similar quality placement through their own networks. However, after taking part students feel they have begun to build a network and feel more prepared to apply for future opportunities.”
Barry Doyle, President of Chartered Accountants Ireland said:
“Chartered Accountants Ireland are delighted to host the launch of ATTW 2025 here at the Institute. Equally, we are proud partners of this programme and fully support the work DCU do in the area of recognising and supporting those whose potential might otherwise have been overlooked. By opening doors to these talents, DCU and their corporate partners are helping to level the playing field, broaden perspectives, and build a workforce that truly reflects the diversity of Ireland’s future. This event not only shines a spotlight on this hugely impactful initiative but also reaffirms our collective commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the workplace.”
About Access to the Workplace
DCU’s award-winning Access to the Workplace programme has provided 397 professional summer internships for DCU Access students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and for neurodivergent students, since it was first launched in 2019. Leading Irish companies, who also support Access scholarships at DCU, host the internships.
The full list of partner companies can be viewed here.