This month the HSE has launched a new LGBTI and Allies Network for its employees, to help promote inclusiveness in the workplace, writes Maureen Browne.
The aim of the network of LGBTI colleagues and non LGBTI colleagues is “to ensure that anyone who is LGBTI can confidently bring their whole self to work every day.”
The SE said the network would do this by demonstrating the HSE’s commitment to a truly inclusive organisation, through networking events and other initiatives.
Welcoming the development, the Director General of the HSE, Tony O’Brien, said: “Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. We are committed to creating a positive working environment for all staff. We want to ensure that all employees are respected, valued and can reach their full potential.”
Speaking at the launch the HSE National Director of Human Resources, Rosarii Mannion, said: “The HSE wishes to promote an LGBTI aware and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and embraces diversity. The Network will play an important role in creating a positive work environment where homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment are tackled.”
We want to ensure that all employees are respected, valued and can reach their full potential.
Supporting HSE LGBTI staff has been identified as a priority and the launch of the network is being led by the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion unit of the HSE’s HR Division.
Siobhan Patten, Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the HSE’s HR Division, said: “Our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion plan is aligned to our organisation’s People Strategy. The formation of this Network is about encouraging all employees to bring all aspects of themselves to the workplace and supporting our LGTBI colleagues has been identified as a priority.”
Specific goals of the network will be informed by the membership of the group once it has been fully established, but may include:
- A social network for LGBTI staff and Allies to address issues of isolation and meet social needs
- A forum to ensure anti-discriminatory measures for LGBTI staff within the organisation are robust.
- A forum to develop policy, and to validate organisational HR and other policies as being LGBTI-friendly and free from direct or indirect discriminatory influences
- A health promoting and welfare forum for LGBTI employees
The HSE said, “Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependents, age, physical or mental disability, civil status, membership of the Traveller community, and geographic location are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. We aim to develop the workforce of the HSE which reflects the diversity of HSE service users, and which is strengthened through accommodating and valuing different perspectives, ultimately resulting in improved service-user experience.”
