WIDE Framework - DPO, NGO and National HR Orgs Consultation

As part of the WIDE Framework project, we are opening a series of consultations to help us shape the development of the framework. Having completed consultations with people with lived experience and employers, AHEAD is now asking disabled persons organisations (DPOs), social inclusion related NGOs, and national organisations/networks focused on human resources and employee relations, to express their interest in sharing their views in a Consultation Focus Group (options scheduled to take place on Dec 11th and 12th, 2024).

The aim of this consultation is to better understand the opinions and experiences of these organisations on:

• the challenges disabled people face in gaining employment and developing their careers, and
• opportunities for improving accessibility of recruitment and inclusion in the workplace, and successful strategies employers have utilised to achieve this

This learning will be used to help further develop a national framework (a set of structured principles and recommended actions) for employers to support them to hire, retain and promote more people with disabilities and to create workplaces where they can succeed. 

How do I get involved? 

If you are interested in being a part of the consultation as DPO, NGO, or other national organisation related to HR and employee relations, we would like you to express your interest by 13:00, Mon Dec 2nd by completing the form below. 

You will be informed by email no later than Wednesday Dec 4th, as to whether you have been selected or not.

Please note, this is an expression of interest to participate in this consultation. Participants will be selected according to the criteria we have set out below. We aim to ensure we have a diverse range of participants, therefore, not all who complete this expression of interest form, will be selected. 

Express Your Interest in Participating

When are the Consultations? 

We will have two consultations, one online and one in-person. You only have to attend one of the consultations and you will be asked to indicate your preference when completing the Expression of Interest Form. The consultations will take place on the following dates and times: 

• In-person in Dublin City Centre Wednesday 11th December between 11.30 – 13.30 (Optional lunch provided afterwards)
• Online via Zoom Thursday 12th December between 14.00 – 16.00 via Zoom

Who should Participate? 

If you are a DPO, NGO, or other national organisation related to HR and employee relations based in Ireland, and are interest in supporting employers in hiring, retaining and promoting disabled people (positive and negative), and how to develop workplaces where disabled people can succeed, then we are interested in hearing your views.

In order to have meaningful discussion and engagement in the consultation sessions, the number of places at the consultations is limited. We are committed to transparency regarding the selection of participants. To ensure we get a wide range of views and a diverse perspective for the consultation, our guiding selection criteria is as follows;

• Representatives of a range of Disabled Persons Organisations
• A range of NGOs working with different groups of people
• A range of national organisations who are engaged in employee relations (e.g. unions) or who support human resources professionals (e.g. HR networks)
• A balance between the above organisation types

Download More Information Here

Download the Participant Information Sheet

Express Your Interest in Participating

If you require any of this information in an alternative format, please email catherine.murray@ahead.ie.

If you have any questions about the research or consultation, you can contact the project lead, dara.ryder@ahead.ie

You can view AHEAD's Research Policy here.