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Open Doors Initiative Launches Employers Toolkit for LGBTQ+ Inclusion at ESB Headquarters

We were delighted to launch the Employers Toolkit for LGBTQ+ Inclusion at ESB’s head office on Wednesday morning, 22nd of October. This research was supported through the Energy for Generations Fund and marksan important milestone in advancing equity and belonging across Irish workplaces. 
 
Download the Toolkit Now
 
Authored by Dr Vanessa Lacey, Director of Gendercare, the new toolkit is an evidence-based guide for employers seeking to create inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees and jobseekers. Building on ODI’s 2023 publication Inclusive Recruitment of Trans and Non-Binary Candidates, this expanded resource offers actionable guidance on: 

  • Using inclusive language in policies and communications 
  • Recognising and reducing microaggressions 
  • Tackling homophobia and transphobia 
  • Supporting effective allyship and leadership visibility 

The toolkit draws on lived experience and extensive consultation with LGBTQ+ professionals, HR leaders and inclusion experts, ensuring that recommendations are both grounded and achievable. 
 
We were delighted to have Minister Jerry Buttimer open the event, who emphasised the toolkit’s importance in helping employers on this journey. 


Sinéad Kilkelly, ESB’s Director of HR, highlighted the role of ESB in this work through funding and hosting the launch, as well as celebrating ESB’s partnership with the Open Doors Initiaitve. 
 
Presenting key findings, Dr Vanessa Lacey shared insights from the research underpinning the toolkit. Dr. Lacey and Minister Buttimer joined us for a panel discussion alongside David McKeon, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist, ESB and Alex Jegorovs, Finance Strategy and Enablement, People Program Delivery Lead, Accenture. The panel was moderated by ODI’s Head of Programmes, Talita Holzer. 


 
This toolkit gives employers the tools to make inclusion real in everyday practice. It’s about ensuring that every person, regardless of identity, can grow, thrive and succeed.” 

The Employers Toolkit for LGBTQ+ Inclusion is available now here.

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