The Wheel’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
In late 2019, as part of its independent governance review, conducted by a governance consultant, the board commissioned a workshop for the board, subgroup members and the senior executive regarding what diversity and inclusion means for The Wheel.
In 2020, the results of this workshop were analysed and work began on advancing some of the suggestions and ideas that had arisen, led by the Governance & Nominations subgroup. We recognised that in order to serve our members with integrity and to provide leadership for the sector in this area, it is important that the board and the staff also look inwards at our own culture, practices and policies.
One of our HR strategic priorities for 2021 was the development of a Diversity & Inclusion policy for The Wheel, to encompass the board, our staff and our outward work with members and the sector. This work was intended to enable us improve our understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, our practices, and help understand more about how we can positively influence outcomes and change behaviours for The Wheel, our members and the sector.
The Wheel EDI Policy Development:
In early 2022, following the work of the Governance & Nominations subgroup on this, the board decided that the organisation would have a new board-approved policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by the end of 2022. To further this, it established The Wheel Equality, Diversion and Inclusion Working Group [EDI WG] to provide considerations for the Governance & Nominations subgroup in relation to an EDI policy development. The EDI WG comprised of board, staff and members of The Wheel. In addition, as there was more interest that there were places on the WG, a consultative group [made up of staff and members] was formed to enable further discussion that was then fed back to the WG.
The EDI WG produced its report in September 2022 and the board agreed that a draft EDI Policy should be based upon the principles and values expressed in the EDI WG report and should be relevant for staff, board and members. The policy document reflects the EDI WG Report as agreed.
Policy Implementation:
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Our EDI policy is an action-learning policy as this is a hugely important area of work, which is complex, and requires adequate investment of time and resourcing.
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The implementation of the policy is being led by the staff members of the EDI WG.
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Many possibilities have been suggested to us, as part of the implementation of this policy, including undertaking a diversity and inclusion audit.
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This work will be reviewed in late 2023/early 2024, to ensure the organisation is constantly learning, improving and is making every effort to effectively implement the policy.
Read The Wheel's EDI Policy
Meet Our EDI Policy Team
EDI Policy Development & Related Groups Members
EDI policy implementation Staff Working group members
Feedback? Get in touch...
We actively welcome your inquiries, suggestions and ideas. Please get in touch with Elizabeth Bolger for more: elizabeth@wheel.ie.