Our Commitment
We actively promote diversity across our team, governance, operations, advocacy, events, and engagements. While we fully support United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, we are equally committed to advancing a broader diversity agenda. We stand for inclusivity and are firmly anti-racist and anti-discrimination.
Building an Inclusive Workplace
Our approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
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Inclusive Hiring – Ensuring fair and equitable recruitment processes.
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Strong Policies & Procedures – Creating a diverse and respectful workplace through clear policies.
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Employee Wellbeing –We’re committed to creating a comprehensive wellbeing program that enhances inclusion, belonging, and support for every employee.
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Strategic Partnerships –We are proud to collaborate with esteemed partners, including CAN (Cork Access Network), SECAD, and Adare Trusted People Partners, to advance our commitments.
We are all on this journey together. We encourage every member to actively consider, plan and action a proactive approach to diversity, equality and inclusion in their business.
We encourage you to reach out to us about how we can best evolve this agenda meaningfully. Consider the diversity of your company’s representation at our events and meetings, and take pride in every small step that contributes to a more equal Cork.
We maintain inclusive policies and practices that promote fairness, prevent discrimination, and foster a respectful and supportive work environment.
We offer comprehensive wellbeing programmes that prioritise mental, physical, and emotional health, while fostering a strong sense of belonging and support within our team.
We offer our team two paid volunteering days each year, encouraging active participation in meaningful causes. We’re also building partnerships with local charities and NGOs to collaborate on impactful community initiatives and support those who need it most.
In September 2024, Cork Chamber and SECAD Partnership launched an exciting partnership to support a more inclusive and diverse workforce. WorkAbility Cork: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is an ambitious five-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2028, designed to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Cork. The WorkAbility Cork Programme is designed with three core objectives; Enhancing Employment Prospects, Employer Capacity Building and Fostering Collaboration.
Get Involved: to learn more about the WorkAbility Cork Programme, please contact: Naoimh Frawley, Cork Chamber naoimh@corkchamber.ie or Vicki Kelly, SECAD Partnership vkelly@secad.ie
In September 2024, Cork Chamber and SECAD Partnership launched an exciting partnership to support a more inclusive and diverse workforce. WorkAbility Cork: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is an ambitious five-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2028, designed to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Cork. The WorkAbility Cork Programme is designed with three core objectives; Enhancing Employment Prospects, Employer Capacity Building and Fostering Collaboration.
Get Involved: to learn more about the WorkAbility Cork Programme, please contact: Naoimh Frawley, Cork Chamber naoimh@corkchamber.ie or Vicki Kelly, SECAD Partnership vkelly@secad.ie
Cork Chamber recognises the challenges and also the opportunities to enhance access and reduce barriers to educational success for all learners across the city. In 2021 Cork Chamber signed up as a committee member of Cork Access Network.
Cork Access Network (CAN) is a new initiative established to co-ordinate efforts to tackle Educational Disadvantage in Cork City as an outcome of the “Leave No-One Behind” webinar held in December 2020. Cork Chamber is committed to making Cork the best place for business and we believe education for all needs to be at the forefront of this vision.
In partnership with Cork Access Network, we are working to enable and enhance access to learning opportunities in Cork City.
Cork Chamber recognises the challenges and also the opportunities to enhance access and reduce barriers to educational success for all learners across the city. In 2021 Cork Chamber signed up as a committee member of Cork Access Network.
Cork Access Network (CAN) is a new initiative established to co-ordinate efforts to tackle Educational Disadvantage in Cork City as an outcome of the “Leave No-One Behind” webinar held in December 2020. Cork Chamber is committed to making Cork the best place for business and we believe education for all needs to be at the forefront of this vision.
In partnership with Cork Access Network, we are working to enable and enhance access to learning opportunities in Cork City.
Cork Chamber is thrilled support Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) Fáilte Programme. This initiative deeply resonates with our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within our communities, particularly within the business sector. One of the significant aspects of the Fáilte Programme is its focus on educating businesses. Through comprehensive online training delivered through H-Training, participants gain invaluable insights into the experiences and needs of families living with autism.
Central to the Fáilte Programme is the awarding of the Fáilte Badge, a symbol of a business’s commitment to creating an autism and service dog friendly environment. By participating in this initiative, businesses play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, feels welcomed and valued.
Cork Chamber is thrilled support Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) Fáilte Programme. This initiative deeply resonates with our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within our communities, particularly within the business sector. One of the significant aspects of the Fáilte Programme is its focus on educating businesses. Through comprehensive online training delivered through H-Training, participants gain invaluable insights into the experiences and needs of families living with autism.
Central to the Fáilte Programme is the awarding of the Fáilte Badge, a symbol of a business’s commitment to creating an autism and service dog friendly environment. By participating in this initiative, businesses play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, feels welcomed and valued.
Defibrillator Onsite at Cork Chamber
For your safety and peace of mind, we are pleased to have a defibrillator onsite at Cork Chamber. In the event of a medical emergency, the defibrillator is easily accessible to assist with providing life-saving support until help arrives.
Elevate Pledge
Cork Chamber was one of the first 40 businesses and the first not for profit organisation to sign up to the Business in the Community Inclusive Workplace Pledge last year. ‘Elevate’ is Business in the Community Ireland’s new Pledge to support businesses to build more inclusive workplaces. The ultimate ambition of this initiative is for a workforce that is representative of all members of Irish society. By signing up to this Pledge, Irish businesses can demonstrate their commitment to building truly inclusive workplaces, and supporting the broader values of inclusion, equality and opportunity.
Cork Chamber is pleased to have a diverse range of involvement in projects and initiatives across the region. The Cork Age Friendly City Programme is an alliance of interagency groups comprised of senior management from the statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors operating in the city working to achieve an Age Friendly city. As a member of the committee, Cork Chamber actively represent the business voice, promoting steps that encourage an inclusive, accessible and age-friendly business environment. Cork was designated an Age Friendly City in April of 2019.
Cork Chamber is pleased to have a diverse range of involvement in projects and initiatives across the region. The Cork Age Friendly City Programme is an alliance of interagency groups comprised of senior management from the statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors operating in the city working to achieve an Age Friendly city. As a member of the committee, Cork Chamber actively represent the business voice, promoting steps that encourage an inclusive, accessible and age-friendly business environment. Cork was designated an Age Friendly City in April of 2019.
Age Friendly Cork County Committee Members
Representing the business voice, promoting steps that encourage an inclusive, accessible and age-friendly business environment. The alliance is an interagency county group comprised of senior management from the statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors.
The Cork Age Friendly County Programme is led by the Cork County Age Friendly Alliance, chaired by Mr Niall Healy, Director of Services, Cork County Council. The Alliance brings together senior leaders from the Gardaí, HSE, transport providers, voluntary organisations, third-level institutions, individual leaders and members of Cork County Older People’s Council. All of these stakeholders share the vision of improving the quality of life for older people in County Cork.
Cork Chamber is proud to have received the 2023-2024 “Investors in Diversity” Bronze Award. This recognition affirms our strong foundation in embedding Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) across our operations. The EDI Mark provides a structured framework, guiding businesses through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Achieving the Bronze level demonstrates our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace, and we are excited to continue our journey toward greater inclusivity.
