Donegal diversity project

A new initiative to deliver diversity training to workplaces throughout Donegal will shortly commence under the auspices of the counties Peace III Action Plan. The need for training of this kind was identified by Donegal County Development Board Peace & Reconciliation Partnership through the consultation process that took place in 2007, and that informed the Plan. The Partnership has now contracted Co-operation Ireland and City Bridges to deliver this element of the Action Plan, and a series of workshops and training will take place throughout the county over the course of the coming months.

The programme is suitable for staff and employees in all kinds of workplaces regardless of sector, and will consist of a one-day workshop followed by a mentoring visit to the employees place of work. The training will allow participants to gain an understanding of what constitutes sectarianism and racism in the workplace and give practical tools and techniques that can be used to develop or update workplace policies in this area.

The programme has been designed to facilitate employees and workplace schedules and there is no cost to participating organisations. City Bridges is an experienced trainer in this area specialising in delivering workplace diversity training, while Co-operation Ireland has worked for over 30 years to promote tolerance and respect between different communities North and South.

“This is an exciting opportunity for workplaces which will have long-lasting benefits for employees, employers and the wider community in Donegal. I would strongly encourage all workplaces to avail of this training” said Ann-Marie Conlon, Secretary to the Donegal Peace & Reconcilation Partnership.

The first workshops are scheduled to take place on 27th, 28th and 29th April and for further information or to book your place contact Susannah Kingston at Co-operation Ireland (01 6610588) or by email at skingston@cooperationireland.org.