RCSI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognised at the 2024 National Diversity and Inclusion Awards. The annual awards celebrate and recognise advances in diversity and inclusion in institutions and companies across Ireland.

RCSI’s award, for Company of the Year, celebrates the impact of the RCSI community to making meaningful progress and ensuring that RCSI is a place of education and work where everyone can thrive, and the commitment of the university’s senior leadership to promoting diversity and inclusion.

The judges commended RCSI’s work on race equality and bystander intervention, saying: “The winner has shown significant progress with diversity and inclusion by putting resources and senior leadership behind the great work. The strategy for diversity and inclusion progress was led from the very top of the organisation down and the NDIA judges were struck by the strength of the culture of dignity, respect and inclusion.”

Liz Hughes, Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit, RCSI commented on the win, saying “I am honoured to accept the Company of the Year Award on behalf of the RCSI community. As a healthcare university with an international outlook, we have always championed a culture of equality and fairness in RCSI. From our role in welcoming students from South Africa to complete their studies during the apartheid regime through to being the first HEI in Ireland to launch a Race Equality Action Plan, we are committed to delivering positive, inclusive change for all.

“We are currently focused on bystander intervention and empowering everyone in our RCSI community to become an active bystander. We can all make a difference and make our communities better and safer places to work and study.”

Organised by the Irish Centre for Diversity, the event is the only dedicated celebration and recognition of advances in diversity and inclusion in Ireland. This year’s awards saw over 150 submissions received, with six finalists chosen in 11 categories. The judging panel featured leaders and experts in the diversity and inclusion field and was chaired by Margot Slattery, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at ISS.

More information about RCSI’s work in the areas of equality, diversity and inclusion including our EDI Strategy and Action Plan is available here.