COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 10, 2017

QUESTION NO.18

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask SDCC for a copy of their LGBT Inclusion Strategy and to ask for a report into how this can be developed to encourage local businesses, schools, services etc. to follow suit and encourage and promote a fully inclusive SDCC County. 

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council does not have a specific LGBT Inclusion Strategy however it was the first local authority to become a Diversity Champion with GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) in 2014. The Diversity Champions programme seeks to promote supportive work environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and members receive a range of benefits and services including a dedicated client account manager, seminars on LGBT issues, networking events for LGBT employees, high quality training, benchmarking and other opportunities for companies to build their brand and reputation on diversity. South Dublin's participation in the Diversity Champion programme required us to undertake the following

• Commitment to be an LGBT inclusive employer
• Undertook a benchmarking review
• Communication of our Diversity Champion role to all staff internally and invite participation
• Review all HR policies 
• Attendance at networking events, seminars etc

This work is led by the HR Department within Corporate Performance and Change Management to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment for Council employees and as such there are no plans to involve local businesses, schools or services.