Celebrating inclusion and diversity among jobseekers
As Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) continues to mark its 25th anniversary, today is a celebration of its Employment Programmes and all the participants involved. Every participant brings their own skillset, expertise and experience so the jobs they seek vary considerably. Seeing others with shared lived experiences succeed can transform perceptions of what is possible and inspires others to persevere. Today’s event, kindly hosted by ESB which is a partner on one of BITCI’s programmes, is attended by Lord Mayor, Councillor Ray McAdam.
BITCI’s Employment programmes work with jobseekers that are distanced from the workforce including jobseekers from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking backgrounds, jobseekers with a disability or health condition, members of the Traveller Community and women returners. Many face significant hurdles on their path to employment — from having few professional connections and limited knowledge of how the Irish job market works, to struggling with unrecognised qualifications, low confidence, and a lack of relevant work experience. These challenges can make the journey to meaningful work feel overwhelming, but with the right support, they can be overcome.
BITCI’s structured programmes uniquely combines group supports and training, individualised career counselling and business-led interventions. These interventions delivered by corporate volunteers include career talks, mock interviews, career buddying, networking and mentoring. These opportunities provide jobseekers with invaluable insights, skills, and connections, empowering them to move forward in their careers with greater confidence and knowledge.
Linda O’Sullivan, BITCI Head of Social Inclusion said “We have repeatedly seen how our distinct model of engagement has empowered jobseekers to realise their potential. The participants gain first-hand exposure to professional environments, helping to demystify the workplace and increase confidence. In turn, the corporate volunteers have the chance to see talent beyond what a CV might show. These interactions can help challenge unconscious biases related to employment gaps, disability, or language proficiency, and encourage more inclusive hiring decisions. The ripple effect of securing a job is significant as the lives of participants’ families and wider community are also positively affected. Our programmes show what is possible when business takes the lead in driving social impact.”
Since 2000, BITCI’s different employment programmes have provided more than 207,000 hours of support to over 6,200 participants from over 110 countries. 70% of these have secured employment or other positive outcomes.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said “I congratulate Business in the Community Ireland for their unwavering commitment to supporting jobseekers, with different backgrounds, skills and abilities, on their journey to find meaningful employment. This level of 1-to-1 and group support has changed lives, opened opportunities and led to positive career progression. Having a vibrant inclusive diverse workforce leads to an increased sense of belonging which strengthens communities and helps build a city like Dublin where everyone has a stake in its future.”
Sinead Kilkelly, Executive Director, People and Sustainability, ESB said “ESB is delighted to be a partner of BITCI’s EPIC programme. It very much speaks to ESB’s values and in particular supporting equal opportunities for all which is central to our strategic vision. Through this partnership, we have engaged and supported jobseekers from all backgrounds on their path to finding meaningful employment. ESB knows having a diverse workforce supports different skillsets and perspectives leading to better outcomes for individuals, teams and wider company. We look forward to deepening this partnership further.”
Over the past 25 years, social inclusion programmes have been central to BITCI and this will continue into the future. Afterall, having a job is one of the best ways to feel integrated into a community, significantly tackles poverty and aids social cohesion and empathy. BITCI’s programmes, in partnership with businesses, supports every jobseeker to find their place in the world of work and feel valued for their skills and experience. BITCI employment programmes are funded through a combination of statutory and corporate sources.
ENDS
Media Contact: June Tinsley – Head of Communications BITCI, jtinsley@bitc.ie, 086 7733221
