At HEAnet, we recognise that our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive work environment is embedded in our strategic direction and reflected in the initiatives we champion. With the launch of our new strategy, we continue to place a strong emphasis on our core value: People. Through regular updates, we aim to celebrate the contributions of our staff, share progress on our inclusion journey, and strengthen our workplace culture through meaningful engagement.
Empowering Our Workforce: Highlights from EDI & ESG Initiatives – Q1 2025
Advancing Equality and Inclusive Practices
- Launch of the Gender Equality Plan (29 January): In a major milestone, HEAnet unveiled its Gender Equality Plan 2025–2030. This forward-thinking framework outlines a clear roadmap for achieving a more balanced and fair working environment, supporting all employees regardless of gender, and promoting leadership diversity.
- EDI Staff Survey and Feedback Loop (February): To ensure our initiatives are informed by real experiences, the EDI Council conducted an in-depth staff survey. The strong participation and insightful feedback have provided valuable guidance for shaping inclusive policies and practices that reflect the needs of our teams.
- Inclusion and Diversity Awards Attendance (7 February): HEAnet was represented at the prestigious Inclusion and Diversity Awards, hosted by the Irish Centre for Diversity. This engagement reaffirms our position as an organisation that values visibility, dialogue, and allyship across the broader diversity landscape.
Celebrating Cultural Identity and Promoting Wellbeing
- Chinese New Year Workshop (5 February): As part of our cultural celebration series, colleagues participated in a vibrant Chinese paper-cutting workshop led by Syueping Ma. The session provided a hands-on opportunity to explore cultural heritage while fostering a deeper appreciation of the traditions that enrich our diverse workplace.
- Menopause Awareness Training (24 February): HEAnet took a proactive step towards normalising health-related conversations in the workplace. Directors and managers engaged in menopause awareness training, receiving practical insights on how to support colleagues experiencing this life stage with empathy and understanding.
- Neurodiversity Week Webinar (19 March): Staff joined an eye-opening session on neurodiversity led by Louis Taylor from Lexxic. The training focused on inclusive communication, workplace adjustments, and the value of cognitive diversity—reinforcing our aim to build an environment where all neurotypes are respected and empowered to thrive.
Supporting Women in Technology
- Women in Tech Event (11 March): In support of gender equity in the tech industry, HEAnet proudly hosted a “Women in Tech” event. This initiative connected aspiring and established women professionals with employers and mentors, highlighting career opportunities and strengthening networks across the digital ecosystem.
These initiatives are more than standalone events—they reflect our ongoing effort to embed equity, respect, and belonging into the fabric of our organisational culture. By focusing on the lived experiences of our employees and listening actively to their needs, we are building a more resilient and people-centred workplace.
As we progress through 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to champion the people who drive our success. Our next update will be shared in Summer 2025, where we will continue to spotlight the voices, stories, and achievements of our teams—because at HEAnet, our people are, and always will be, our greatest strength.
