South East Technological University (SETU) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the inaugural Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) & Workplace Excellence Award at the 2024 Waterford Business Awards.
Organisers Waterford Chamber teamed up with partners WLR and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber to host the gala awards ceremony at the Tower Hotel on Friday, 8 November.
Ongoing commitment
SETU’s award win highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful and supportive work and learning environment for all staff and students and promoting diversity and inclusion in the region. SETU was shortlisted for the award along with Sunlife and The Viking Hotel, both of whom also excel in this area.
Welcoming the award win, Shauna Whyte, SETU Vice President (VP) for People, Culture and EDI said, “We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious recognition at the 2024 Waterford Business Awards. We are incredibly proud of the EDI Office’s achievements and the positive impact their work has had on our campus community.”
Dr Allison Keneally, SETU VP for EDI continued by saying, “At SETU, we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to the University’s success. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated EDI team and our entire community, who work tirelessly to create a welcoming, positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone. We want to especially thank the Irish Centre for Diversity for sponsoring this new category in the Waterford Business Awards.”
Positive impacts
Offering his congratulations to SETU, Andrew Campbell-Edie, Communications Manager – Irish Centre for Diversity, commented, “We are proud to have sponsored this award that recognises those making valuable progress in this vital area. SETU EDI unit's unique place in the community means that the benefits it drives will have positive impacts both in Waterford and across Ireland.”
SETU’s EDI office has been recognised for its comprehensive and impactful EDI strategies, action plans, policies and various committees working in collaboration with other local services to ensure that SETU supports a diverse student body and workforce, while advancing gender equality and promoting an inclusive culture in both the university and the wider community.
Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence and Harassment, Prevention and Response Manger said, “The EDI office remain committed to continuously improving and evolving our initiatives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background or identity, feel valued and empowered. This award serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is respected, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Wide range of initiatives
The EDI office has implemented a wide range of initiatives to promote EDI across the University including:
• Diversity and inclusion training: Ongoing training workshops designed to raise awareness and foster understanding of diversity issues including tacking sexual violence and harassment across the University.
• Inclusive recruitment practices: Policies aimed at ensuring equal opportunities in hiring, with a focus on attracting and retaining diverse talent.
• Support networks and resources: Initiatives that offer tailored support for underrepresented groups, including gender, ethnicity, disability, and LGBTQ+ communities.
• Employee well-being programmes: Initiatives that support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of staff, with an emphasis on inclusivity and work-life balance.
The EDI Office’s efforts are part of SETU’s broader vision to provide a learning and working environment that reflects the diverse society in which we live. The university’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is embedded in its core values, ensuring that all staff and students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
