The 'S' in ESG

Partnering for Social Impact: A Guide to ESG and CSRD Success for Irish Businesses

Irish companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate meaningful contributions to society and the environment. The 'S' in ESG, representing the social pillar, extends beyond social responsibility to include diversity, inclusivity, and climate action, all of which directly influence communities, workforces, and the broader Irish landscape. IDA Ireland's recently launched Climate Action Plan exemplifies our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, aiming to guide Irish companies toward a low-carbon future and positioning environmental stewardship as a cornerstone of our mission.

Why Social Impact, EDI, and Climate Action Matter for Irish Businesses

For businesses operating in Ireland, whether multinational or indigenous, mobilising social impact and diversity initiatives is not optional. Here’s why the ‘S’ in ESG should matter to every business today:

• Consumer Trust: Today’s consumers favour companies that demonstrate clear commitments to social and environmental goals.
• Talent Attraction and Retention: Employees increasingly seek purpose-driven workplaces that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability, helping businesses attract and retain skilled talent.
• Investor Appeal: Investors are prioritising companies with robust ESG credentials, and a strong social strategy signals sustainable, risk-resilient growth.
• Community Goodwill: Companies that invest in their communities build trust and reputation, setting themselves apart in competitive markets.
• Alignment with Global Goals for MNCs: For MNCs, aligning Irish operations with parent company sustainability strategies strengthens consistency and impact across global operations, reinforcing a unified commitment to ESG.

Ireland offers a robust ecosystem of EDI and social impact organisations ready to support businesses in making a difference. Here’s a practical breakdown to help companies start their journey.

Key Organisations Supporting the 'Social' and EDI Aspects of ESG in Ireland

Ireland is home to a variety of organisations that can help businesses build impactful social and EDI initiatives. Grouped by area of impact, each organisation provides specialised support to help companies advance their social, environmental, and EDI goals.

1. Workforce Diversity and Inclusion

These organisations connect employers with underrepresented groups, helping to build inclusive workplaces:

• Back to Work Connect: Supports mid-career professionals re-entering the workforce, enhancing age and gender diversity. Website
• Generation Ireland: Trains and places adults in entry-level roles, with mentoring for employees and support for employers. Employers | Generation Ireland
• Specialisterne: Matches neuro divergent jobseekers with roles suited to their talents, helping employers foster inclusivity. Website
• Willing Able Mentoring (WAM): Supports graduates with disabilities, offering guidance for both employers and employees. WAM for Employers - AHEAD
• The Open Doors Initiative: Connects marginalised individuals with job opportunities, including refugees, disadvantaged youth, and individuals with disabilities. Website
• DT4E - Displaced Talent for Europe: Connects skilled refugees with employers, supporting workforce integration. Displaced Talent for Europe (DT4E) | IOM Ireland

2. Skills Development and Youth Engagement

These organisations build talent pipelines by offering training and work experience for young professionals and adults transitioning into new roles:

• Fastrack to IT (FIT): Provides tech apprenticeships, training, helping companies develop a digitally skilled workforce. Website
• IWish: Inspires young girls to pursue STEM careers, fostering long-term gender diversity in technical fields. Website
• Bowsy: Connects university students with employers for project-based work, offering companies cost-effective solutions while giving students real-world experience. Website

3. Community and Social Enterprise Support

These organisations provide opportunities to engage with community initiatives and social enterprises, expanding a business’s social impact:

• Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI): Offers CSR consulting, volunteering programmes, and the Business Working Responsibly mark for sustainable business practices. Website
• The Wheel: A national network supporting charities and social enterprises, providing CSR training and partnership opportunities. Website
• Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI): Supports social enterprises tackling societal issues, allowing companies to collaborate on impactful projects. Website

4. Environmental and Biodiversity Initiatives

These organisations provide partnerships, resources, and funding for sustainable practices, helping companies focus on environmental stewardship and biodiversity:

• Business for Biodiversity Ireland (BFBI): Assists businesses in managing biodiversity impacts, aligned with the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Website
• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI): Offers grants and training for energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy projects. Website
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland: Provides programmes for waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable practices. Website

5. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resources

These organisations offer guidance, training, and resources for building comprehensive EDI strategies, ensuring workplaces are inclusive and equitable:

• Irish Centre for Diversity: Provides support to help organisations create inclusive workplaces and improve EDI practices. Website
• Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC): Offers guidance on equality and human rights obligations for businesses. Website
• National Disability Authority (NDA): Provides expertise on creating inclusive environments for people with disabilities. Website
• Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI): Offers resources and training to foster inclusive workplaces for transgender employees. Website
• National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI): Advocates for gender equality, offering resources for gender equity in the workplace. Website
• Age Action Ireland: Provides guidance on creating age-inclusive workplaces, supporting positive ageing policies. Website
• Immigrant Council of Ireland: Supports the integration of immigrant employees, promoting a culturally inclusive workplace. Website
• Irish Deaf Society: Offers resources for creating accessible environments for Deaf employees and customers. Website

6. IDA Ireland Programmes

IDA Ireland provides targeted financial and strategic support to help companies invest in workforce skills and achieve their sustainability goals, supporting broader ESG objectives:

• Training Grants: Co-funds workforce upskilling in organisational agility, leadership development, change management, green skills, digital skills, developing resilient, skilled workforces.
• Sustainability Leaders Programme (SLP): Delivered by the Climate Ready Academy and fully funded by Skillnet Ireland ?Sustainability Leaders Programme with IDA Ireland | Climate Ready Academy Skillnet Ireland
• Climate Action Plan: IDA’s recently launched Climate Action Plan outlines our commitment to a low-carbon economy, helping companies align with national climate goals and sustainability standards. By integrating climate goals with social responsibility, IDA Ireland is empowering clients to make meaningful environmental contributions. IDA Ireland Climate Action Plan | IDA Ireland

Taking the First Steps: A Practical Guide for Businesses

For companies just starting out, here are practical steps to help you build a meaningful social and EDI strategy:

1. Define Your Vision Assess your current social impact and EDI practices, and identify the areas where your business can make the most difference. Set clear goals that align with your company’s values.
2. Identify Strategic Partnerships Review the organisations listed above to find partners who align with your social and EDI objectives. Leverage their expertise to build effective, sustainable programmes.
3. Start with Pilot Programmes Test initiatives on a smaller scale first. This approach allows you to gather feedback, make adjustments, and measure impact before a full rollout.
4. Track and Communicate Results Establish metrics to track progress, including both quantitative data (e.g., diversity statistics, energy savings) and qualitative feedback (e.g., employee and community responses). Share your outcomes to build credibility and inspire continued support.

Imagine a Sustainable and Inclusive Ireland

With the resources and partnerships available, Irish businesses can play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through thoughtful EDI, social, and environmental initiatives, companies can help build a resilient Irish economy and community. The question isn’t whether to act but how to begin.

Angela Mitchell Client Transformation Team, IDA Ireland

Connect with me to discuss how your organisation can start its social impact journey.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of IDA Ireland.