Ernst and Young

‘How diversity of thought is driving culture at EY’

The judges were impressed with how EY embraced neurodiversity on their inclusion journey. They saw excellent use of partnership with the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities whereby the Centre’s graduates got access to employment and meaningful work.

In 2017, EY welcomed their first graduate, and have since hired a number of graduates with a range of intellectual disabilities. The judges saw this as a significant piece of work, with an innovative and bespoke approach adopted to a challenging area.  EY recognised the sensitivity around intellectual disability, the need to avoid stigma, put the focus on Ability not Disability and clearly showed the broader impact of inclusion.

Highly commended                       

Defence Forces / Óglaigh na hÉireann   

‘Creating an Inclusive Organisation Through Education’

The Defence Forces have been active in cultivating an inclusive workplace in recent times. They rolled out a policy to educate all Defence Force personnel on why diversity is good for the organisation and how it provides a more respectful working environment as well as being of benefit to operations. Given the extensive overseas work of the Defence Forces, diversity of members can actually help save lives as varied perspectives result in better decision making.

The judges found this an innovative and nuanced approach to diversity in a specific environment that is having an international impact across the sector.

Diversity and inclusion Award sponsored by Legal Island