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
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.
For more information on 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.
For more information on the WorkAbility Cork Programme, please contact: Naoimh Frawley, Cork Chamber naoimh@corkchamber.ie or Vicki Kelly, SECAD Partnership vkelly@secad.ie
Cork Access Network (CAN) is a collaborative initiative established in response to the “Leave No-One Behind” webinar held in December 2020, with the aim of coordinating efforts to tackle educational disadvantage across Cork City. Recognising that equitable access to education is fundamental to a thriving, inclusive society, CAN brings together stakeholders from across sectors to drive meaningful change.
Cork Chamber became a committee member of Cork Access Network in 2021, reinforcing our commitment to social inclusion and lifelong learning. In 2024, Cork Chamber became the first business organisation to officially partner with CAN through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in cross-sector collaboration.
Cork Chamber recognises both the challenges and the opportunities in enhancing access and reducing barriers to educational success for all learners in our city. We believe that education must be at the forefront. Through our partnership with CAN, we are actively working to enable and expand access to learning opportunities and ensure that no one is left behind.
Cork Access Network (CAN) is a collaborative initiative established in response to the “Leave No-One Behind” webinar held in December 2020, with the aim of coordinating efforts to tackle educational disadvantage across Cork City. Recognising that equitable access to education is fundamental to a thriving, inclusive society, CAN brings together stakeholders from across sectors to drive meaningful change.
Cork Chamber became a committee member of Cork Access Network in 2021, reinforcing our commitment to social inclusion and lifelong learning. In 2024, Cork Chamber became the first business organisation to officially partner with CAN through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in cross-sector collaboration.
Cork Chamber recognises both the challenges and the opportunities in enhancing access and reducing barriers to educational success for all learners in our city. We believe that education must be at the forefront. Through our partnership with CAN, we are actively working to enable and expand access to learning opportunities and ensure that no one is left behind.
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 the safety and wellbeing of our team, members, visitors, and the wider community, Cork Chamber has a defibrillator onsite.
In the event of a medical emergency, the device is easily accessible and can provide critical, life-saving support until emergency services arrive. Local businesses also have access to the defibrillator outside of office hours via the main gate.
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.
Naoimh manages the day to day operations within Cork Chamber. She is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures to promote continuous improvement. Naoimh is champion of our extensive employee wellbeing programme,oversees the chambers internal sustainability agenda, is health & safety officer and is Cork Chambers Data Leader.
Juliet is the Operations Executive, bringing over 10 years of diverse experience in visual and graphic arts, international relations, and operations. She has worked with NGOs, embassies, and marketing companies across the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. Holding an MA in International Relations from UCC, Juliet works closely with the Chamber team, providing executive-level support to operations.
Lisa is the primary telephone and reception contact within Cork Chamber along with providing general office administration support to the team. Lisa provides a high-level customer service to members, non-members and stakeholders of Cork Chamber.
