Information for Disabled Staff Members
The Code of Practice Applying to the Employment of People with Disabilities is the core document which outlines the University's commitment to supporting disabled staff members. The code of practice describes entitlements and duties regarding disabled staff members. It also describes manager's obligations to implement the code.
These guidelines are designed as an information resource: they are by no means exhaustive or prescriptive. For further guidance please refer to the Code of Practice or sources of contact.
The Disability Service is responsible for carrying out an needs assessment for staff with disabilities in Trinity. Disability needs assessments determine the level of support that staff require. Based on appropriate evidence of disability and information obtained from the staff on the impact of their disability and their work, the Disability Staff member will identify supports designed to meet the staff members disability support needs.
The following areas are addressed:
- Nature of disability or condition, to include: functional impact on work, severity, hospital admissions etc.;
- Previous support: what arrangements were made in their workplace previously, if any;
- Current difficulties: what difficulties does the staff member anticipate they may have with their work;
- Access to equipment and IT facilities;
- Appropriate reasonable accommodations which may be recommended. These might include, for example, ergonomic furniture, assistive technology, adaptations to working hours, etc.
The Needs Assessment process also helps determine whether or not the staff member requires funded supports that will be supported via a staff with disability cost code in Trinity Human Resources.
Staff Disability Liaison Officer
As of 2026, the Trinity Collee Dublin Disability Service has established an exciting new role — the Staff Disability Liaison Officer (Staff DLO) — within Trinity College Dublin.
This role will be taken up by Jen O’Connor (Staff profile), who will work directly with the Disability Service, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion office, and Human Resources to provide an equitable employment experience for all disabled staff in Trinity.
We hope all in our community will recognise the momentous importance this role holds for expanding the ethos of inclusion across Trinity. We hope that this post will mark the beginning of an exciting journey for the disabled community across Trinity's growing and diverse campus!
Where can I get more information?
Please email staffdisabilitysupport@tcd.ie with all queries and I will be happy to get in touch.
HR Partners play an important role in supporting disabled staff by helping to ensure that workplace arrangements, policies, and processes are fair, inclusive, and applied consistently across the University. They can provide guidance on reasonable accommodations, adjustments to working arrangements or duties, and HR‑related processes that may be affected by disability or long‑term health conditions.
HR Partners also work closely with line managers, supporting them to understand their responsibilities and to put agreed supports in place in a practical and appropriate way. This includes advising managers on policy, helping them navigate processes, and supporting conversations where disability‑related workplace needs arise. By working with both the staff member and the manager, HR Partners help ensure that supports are implemented effectively and reviewed as needed, while balancing individual needs with operational requirements.
You can contact your HR Partner at any stage if you need HR guidance related to disability‑related workplace matters, or if you and your manager need support in progressing or reviewing workplace arrangements.
Who Can I Talk To?
If you have any queries about disability-related issues in Trinity, please contact:
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Staff Disability Officer in Trinity | Jen O'Connor Tel: (01) 896 3475 E-mail: staffdisabilitysupport@tcd.ie www.tcd.ie/disability |
| Human Resources |
David Hurcombe |
| Equality Officer |
Joel McKeever |
| Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) |
Inspire Workplaces Counselling Services |
| Trinity Health Centre |
Dr. David Mc Grath, |