Exploring Employee Resource Groups in the Workplace
The WAM Programme at AHEAD are running a free training webinar aimed at current WAM employers and professionals.
When Wednesday 22nd July 2026 from 11.30am – 1.00pm.
What An online webinar which aims to provide an exploration and understanding of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the workplace. The session will explore how to set up an ERG, highlight the impact they can have in organisations, outline ways to engage senior leadership and offer practical tips to help you implement an ERG in your own workplace.
More about WAM The WAM programme is the transition to employment initiative of AHEAD. It offers graduates with disabilities the benefit of a 6-month minimum fully paid and mentored work placement with high profile employers. WAM was established in 2005 and, to date, have placed over 800 graduates with both private and public sector employers.
Event information
Following the strong interest sparked at our previous WAM event, Culture in Bloom: A Season of Transformation, we’re excited to dive deeper into this important topic. Attendees showed a real enthusiasm for learning more about Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) often referred to as Staff Networks, with many thoughtful questions raised and breakout sessions buzzing with curiosity. Building on that momentum, this event will offer further insight into how ERGs can be effectively used to support and empower the workplace.
This session will open with a short presentation from Deirdre Moore, Employment Manager at AHEAD introducing ERG's and their purpose and value in the workplace.
Alice Hartigan, WAM Project Officer at AHEAD will then moderate an in-depth panel discussion with experienced professionals with hands on experience of establishing, leading and participating in ERG's. Together, the panel will explore:
- How to establish and sustain effective ERGs
- Strategies for engaging senior leadership and colleagues
- Practical insights and shared experiences
Online attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with our expert panel.
This session is particularly relevant for HR professionals, diversity and inclusion leads, hiring managers, and anyone interested in fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Please note this session will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel in the weeks following the event.
To access the recording, please register for the event in advance and we will notify you when the recording is available.
About our speakers
Deirdre Moore - Employment Manager, AHEAD
Deirdre has worked with AHEAD since 2021 and oversees AHEAD’s projects relating to the transition to employment for students and graduates with disabilities, namely GetAHEAD and The WAM Programme which is a work placement programme. Deirdre holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies in Social Care and has 20 years' experience working in the disability sector both here in Ireland and in Australia.
Alice Hartigan - WAM Project Officer, AHEAD
Alice has a Bachelors degree in Makeup & Character Design from Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), where she honed her creative skills and developed a keen eye for detail. With a deep passion for advocacy, politics, and social justice issues, Alice pursued further education, earning a postgraduate certificate in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion from the University of Limerick.
Alice worked in the mental health sector for a number of years before coming to AHEAD, Alice is driven by a commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding, dedicated to promoting Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Health awareness and cultivating a positive workplace culture.
Ciarán Butler - Health, Safety and Welfare Officer, BnM
Ciarán holds a Master’s in Environmental, Health & Safety from ATU Sligo, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education & Training, and a BA in English, Sociology & Politics from NUI Galway.
He works as a Health, Safety and Welfare Officer with BnM and is a Chartered Member of IOSH. He also serves as Chairperson of BnM’s Beyond Limits Employee Resource Group, a network dedicated to championing accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for employees and external stakeholders with disabilities, while fostering a culture where diverse experiences are recognised, valued, and empowered. A qualified Mental Health First Aider and member of the BnM Mental Health Ambassador network, Ciaran is actively involved in promoting health, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.
He also brings a deeply personal perspective, shaped by living with an invisible disability and navigating a return to work after developing a visual impairment in 2022. This experience fuels his passion for fostering truly inclusive environments - spaces where everyone feels empowered to contribute, participate fully, and feel supported both socially and professionally, whether in the workplace or beyond.
Jamie Cosgrove - Higher Executive Officer, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Jay Cosgrove is a Higher Executive Officer in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, where he works in the Organisation Culture Team. His role focuses on cultivating a strong and inclusive organisational culture within the Department. Jay is the co-chair of both the Proud to Work for Ireland Network and the Pride in Enterprise Network. As a founding member and first co-chair of the Proud to Work for Ireland Network, he is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and openness within the Civil Service and sees the Proud to Work for Ireland Network as a wonderful opportunity for LGBT+ Staff and allies in the Civil and Public Service to have a safe space to be themselves and to show support for their colleagues, families and friends.
David Jones - Global Debt Product Manager, Issuer Services, Citi
David Jones is a highly accomplished Global Debt Product Manager within Issuer Services. He is responsible for defining product strategy, driving capability innovation, and managing financial plans, including the critical determination of target market and product risk profiles.
Prior to his current role, David served as the Issuer Services Product Head for Citibank Europe plc (CEP), where he oversaw product, business, and risk management for CEP's Issuer Services operations. During this tenure, he was also a member of the CEP Operating Committee.
David's extensive experience at Citi also includes various operational leadership positions, including Issuer Services EMEA Operational Head and Department Manager of the Trade Support Group.
David is a co-sponsor of the Citi Ireland Disability & neurodiversity and Families matter networks.