Cavan and Monaghan ETB has shown commitment to diversity and inclusion. That's according to a recent survey by the ETB which collected data on diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and religion within the organisation.
The results of the survey were discussed at the recently held ETBI education conference in Carlow. It found that most staff and management are white, Irish, heterosexual, Catholic, and neurotypical with no physical disability while ETB learners are increasingly diverse.
Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of ETBI, said it was important for those working in the organisation to look at themselves and deepen the understanding of where everyone was at and how far they now had to go. "We need to do this if we are to make real progress in promoting diversity in the ETB sector and have staff teams that reflect and represent wider Irish society,," he continued.
"It's important that we look at ourselves and develop our understanding of where we are, and how far we have to go. This survey is an important first step on this journey.
"Education and Training Boards want to provide inclusive education and training and it's heartening to see that so many ETB staff in Cavan and Monaghan ETB and ETBs across the country value equality, diversity and inclusion but we recognise that there is more to be done.
Ireland is now a diverse country, and our ETB learners reflect that diversity, but our staff - like much of the education, public and civil service sectors - is not. We know that people working in education can be incredibly influential and be role models for the people with whom they work.
"We need to recognise the importance of diversity for those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in targeting resources on those who need them and prioritising a culture of inclusion."
