CIPD and Tosú launch Irish pilot to bring people with convictions into work

Ireland's professional HR body has launched a pilot scheme to mentor people with criminal convictions into employment, marking a significant step for diversity and inclusion practice in Irish workplaces.

RTÉ reported that the CIPD has commenced the project in partnership with Tosú, an Irish organisation that supports people with convictions to build stable futures, with Tosú's work spanning employment, housing, education, and self-esteem.

The initiative will see HR professionals volunteering to mentor a Tosú client who has a conviction into employment and support them to navigate the workplace. The pilot will initially focus on people with minor convictions.

The partnership represents the first expansion of the CIPD Trust to Ireland. The Trust is the charitable arm of the CIPD and was first launched in Britain in 2022, with a mission to support those facing the greatest barriers to employment by harnessing the expertise of HR professionals.

Sally Eley, head of the CIPD Trust, said: "We know that having a job is one of the key things that helps people turn their lives around and secure a better future after leaving prison. HR professionals are uniquely placed to help more vulnerable groups better navigate those first few months in a job and boost their chances of success."

Eley added: "We have seen great results in the UK, and we're delighted to see this initiative beginning in Ireland."

Meg Dunphy, the CIPD's HR policy and engagement lead, called on HR professionals to get involved. She said: "The world of work is changing rapidly for everyone, but that pace of change makes it even more daunting for someone with a conviction who may have been out of work for years. We hope that through this project we will be able to give people the confidence, emotional, and practical support they need to succeed."

Jacob Harmon, operations manager with Tosú, said meaningful employment is a key pillar of stability for the organisation's clients. He said: "We are delighted to partner with CIPD on this pilot initiative, which will bring HR expertise to our network and provide valuable support for our clients."

Get the full details on the CIPD and Tosú pilot initiative.