WIDE Framework
AHEAD are developing a new collaborative national framework, the WIDE (Widening Inclusion of Disability in Employment) Framework which commenced in August 2023 and is funded by the Department of Social Protection through AHEAD's WAM Programme.
The aim of the WIDE Framework is to support employers in reducing barriers to hiring, retaining, and promoting more people with disabilities, and to create more inclusive working environments.
The WIDE framework will be a set of structured principles and actions that will have guidance notes and resources to support employers. All actions contained within the WIDE Framework will be supported by evidence arising from legislative obligations and national policy, good practice from organisations and academic literature. It will also be informed by extensive consultation and engagement with key stakeholders including disabled people, employers, relevant organisations and representative bodies. It is expected that the WIDE Framework will launch in September 2025.
A Core Advisory Group of key sectoral stakeholders has been established to provide advice and guidance throughout the project's lifecycle. Employers for Change are collaborators on the project with the role of Co-Chair of the Core Advisory Group alongside AHEAD.
Core Advisory Group Members
- AHEAD
- AsIAm
- Chambers Ireland
- Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Dept. of Social Protection
- DFI - Disability Federation of Ireland
- Employers for Change
- ESRI – Economic and Social Research Institute
- HEA - Higher Education Authority
- Ibec
- ICTU - Irish Congress of Trade Unions
- IHREC - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
- ILMI - Independent Living Movement Ireland
- ISME - Irish Small Medium Enterprises Association
- NAO - National Apprenticeship Office
- PAS - Public Appointments Service
- Pobal
- SOLAS
Consultation Phase
As part of the project, we are opening a series of consultations (a discussion where you will share your views) to help us shape the framework output. These will be with the following groups.
- The Lived Experience - Disabled People - August 2024
- Employers - October 2024
- Disability Organisations - November 2024
- Other Relevant Organisations - November 2024
To find out more, click on the relevant links above or the boxes below.
