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Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Updates

International Day of People with Disabilities and the Le Chéile Network  

International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) takes place on Tuesday 3 December 2024. On this day, we hope to raise awareness and understanding of disability, as well as promote the importance of an inclusive workplace culture.

Le Chéile Network is our staff network for employees with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions and long-term health conditions, and their allies.

The network provides:

  • a voice for staff with visible and invisible disabilities
  • a forum where staff can discuss workplace experiences
  • a resource on disability-related topics

Le Chéile is an Irish word meaning 'together'. For us, that means staff members across the HSE will work together to develop a more positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Display an IDPWD poster in your workplace (PDF, 265 KB, 1 page)

Email diversity.HR@hse.ie for information on the Le Chéile Network.

Leading multicultural teams training

A new virtual training programme on leading multicultural teams is available on HSeLanD.

The aim of the programme is to enable participants to build the necessary skills and knowledge to manage multicultural teams effectively. The programme will provide participants with an understanding of some of the issues than can arise within multicultural teams and how to effectively manage those issues.

The programme is open to all staff in the HSE who have leadership responsibilities.

Further information on the programme and how to enrol

Next training date: 12 December 2024, 9am to 1pm.

Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.

Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population.

Dyslexia Awareness Month is a chance to raise understanding about dyslexia, and also to celebrate the strengths and talents of those who live with it.

Le Chéile network is our national staff network for employees with disabilities, long-term health conditions or neurodiverse conditions and their allies. Le Chéile is an Irish word meaning 'together'.

Contact diversity.hr@hse.ie to join the Le Chéile Network, or for further information and guidance on supports available for staff with dyslexia.

Listen to staff share their thoughts on Le Chéile Network (video)

International Coming Out Day

Friday 11 October is International Coming Out Day.

By coming out, many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) people face discrimination and threat. The Reach Out Network, our national staff network for LGBTQIA+ staff, provides support, visibility and a voice to LGBTQIA+ staff.

Contact diversity.hr@hse.ie to join the Reach Out Network, or for further information and guidance.

Listen to members discuss the benefits of the Reach Out Network with Panti Bliss (video)

HSE staff disability survey

The HSE staff disability survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. We will publish the findings soon.

If you are interested in joining Le Chéile Network, the HSE’s network for staff with disabilities, contact diversity.hr@hse.ie

Listen to staff discuss the importance of understanding disability in the workplace (video)

Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) team

We help in creating a culture where employees are valued and supported, and work in an environment free from discrimination.

We help the organisation to improve the recruitment, support and retention of employees across all diversity grounds, including disability. This is done through awareness-raising and developing the HSE as an employer of choice for diverse groups.

Support with diversity, equality and inclusion enquiries

We provide advice and support to managers and staff on diversity, equality and inclusion enquiries.

In 2022, we received over 200 enquiries from managers and staff on a range of topics including:

  • diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives and policies
  • HSE staff support networks for employees who are LGBTQIA+, from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds or who have a disability
  • equality legislation
  • reasonable accommodations from staff with disabilities
  • inclusive communications and terminology

Further information is available in the 2022 Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Enquiry Annual Report (PDF, 844 KB, 5 pages).

For queries about diversity, equality and inclusion; and advice and support email diversity.hr@hse.ie

All enquiries are treated confidentially and reporting is based on anonymised data only.

Background

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to treating our employees equally in relation to:

  • age
  • civil status
  • disability
  • ethnicity and race
  • family status
  • gender
  • membership of the Traveller community
  • religion
  • sexual orientation

We treat our employees equally in:

  • recruitment
  • pay
  • conditions
  • training
  • work experience
  • career progression

Our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy sets out a number of priorities to enhance the way the HSE recruits, plans and develops its workforce. This applies to potential and existing employees regardless of their diversity background. The DEI Strategy runs to the end of 2024 and supports the overall Health Services People Strategy.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy (PDF, 517 KB, 9 pages)

Contact DEI team

diversity.hr@hse.ie