Heritage Council Launches New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

The Heritage Council has launched its new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy, setting out a practical framework to ensure that everyone who calls Ireland home can engage with, contribute to and benefit from Ireland's heritage.

The policy reflects the Heritage Council's belief that heritage belongs to everyone. It recognises heritage as a shared, dynamic and evolving part of Ireland's story, shaped by the many voices, experiences and cultural traditions that make up our society today.

As the national body supporting and championing heritage, the Heritage Council hopes the policy will contribute to a more inclusive heritage sector and encourage wider participation in heritage across communities throughout Ireland. The policy is guided by three principles: embracing diversity, promoting inclusion and empowering communities. These principles will inform the Heritage Council's work across research, education, community engagement, partnerships and programmes.

Speaking at the launch of the policy today, Maria Cagney, Curator of Education & Outreach at the Hunt Museum, said:

“Heritage is for everyone, but achieving meaningful inclusion means understanding and removing barriers to participation. With support from the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme, the Hunt Museum began working directly with autistic people and people who are blind and visually impaired to co-create accessible experiences, including the Seeing Without Sight exhibition and associated events, one of which was awarded a National Heritage Week Award for excellence in inclusivity in 2023. We have since expanded this work with neurodiverse and d/Deaf communities. By listening to lived experience and designing with, and not for communities, museums will become more inclusive and equitable spaces.”

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, added:

"Ireland's heritage is enriched by the many cultures, traditions, experiences and perspectives that make up our society today. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can engage with, contribute to and benefit from Ireland's heritage.

This includes working with communities whose stories and experiences have not always been fully represented, improving access to our programmes and supports, and building a better understanding of the barriers that can prevent participation. By taking these practical steps, we can help create a heritage sector that is more accessible, representative and welcoming for all."

Beyond the Heritage Council itself, the policy is intended to support heritage organisations, local authorities and community groups in creating more accessible and inclusive opportunities for people to engage with heritage. Through ongoing work with partners and communities, including a National Study of Access to Heritage, the Council will identify barriers that prevent people from engaging with heritage and help ensure that heritage is accessible to more people.

The policy is supported by a DEI Action Plan, which sets out specific actions, responsibilities and timelines across the organisation. These include measures to improve accessibility in communications and grants, DEI training, and actions relating to recruitment, professional development and community engagement.

A key action under the policy is the development of a National Study of Access to Heritage, informed by DEI representative bodies, sector stakeholders and Heritage Council representatives. The study will identify barriers to participation and help inform future heritage policy, programmes and partnerships.

The policy recognises the importance of engaging with communities that are currently underrepresented in heritage, including the Traveller community, and of understanding how different barriers can affect people's ability to participate. It will inform the Heritage Council's work with communities, heritage organisations, representative bodies and other partners across the country.

DEI is embedded across the Heritage Council's Strategic Plan 2023-2028, Our Place in Time, including its work in leadership and stewardship, research, partnership, education and engagement, and communities.

The policy also supports the Heritage Council's responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, set out in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.

The Heritage Council will monitor and review progress through its work planning, consultation and engagement with communities and stakeholders, using what it learns to inform future work and decision-making.