Trinity Signs EU Diversity Charter Promoting Equality and Inclusivity
Posted on: 17 July 2015
Trinity College Dublin has joined leading organisations in 11 countries in signing a 7-point Diversity Charter to support and promote equality and inclusivity.
At a special event to mark National Diversity and Inclusion Week in June, Trinity officially joined Diversity Charter Ireland, a network of 24 organisations who have signed the charter to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is a European initiative, supported by the EU, and is managed in Ireland through IBEC.
Diversity Charter is a voluntary diversity initiative aimed at encouraging companies and organisations to implement and develop diversity policies. It consists of a short document voluntarily signed by a company or a public institution outlining the measures it will undertake to promote diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace. In signing this charter, organisations in Ireland join their counterparts across Europe in publically stating their commitment to diversity.
Trinity sees the provision of a liberal environment, where independence of thought is highly valued and where all are encouraged to achieve their full potential, as a key component of the University’s mission.
“Membership of the Diversity Charter supports Trinity’s commitment in the University’s Strategic Plan 2014-19 to the creation of a positive environment in which all can participate and be fully recognised for their contributions, in a very tangible way,” explained Trinity’s Director of Diversity & Inclusivity, Tony McMahon. “We see the Diversity Charter as a progressive development in highlighting diversity and inclusion as fundamental principles driving excellence within Trinity College. We are delighted that this commitment and effort is recognised and strengthened through our membership of the Diversity Charter.”
Recognising diversity and promoting equality is vital in order to strengthen the competitiveness of European research. For example, in relation to gender, a greater involvement of women in STEMM research will contribute not only to an increased number of skilled researchers in our institutions, but will also add a different perspective to STEMM research, promote diversity and lead to enhanced creativity and innovation. It is on this basis that Trinity College has been instrumental in the launch of the Athena SWAN Charter in Ireland, and membership of Diversity Charter will complement that ongoing effort.
