Adam Harris

Webinar today 1pm. where we will be focusing on the governance failures of the Irish State Broadcaster - RTE, with Co Founder and Chair of The Corporate Governance Institute, David W Duffy. Join us for this webinar to understand the important role that you can play in improving governance on a board. Register now to secure your place: Register now: https://lnkd.in/evbs6pSx #CorporateGovernance #Leadership #Webinar

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I am proud to share our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission paper. 🙏 This our second pre-budget submission for Community Therapy Ireland. I would like to thank our members for giving their valued time and insights to this paper. We join sector colleagues in calling on the government to recognise the enormous potential of investing in the community and voluntary sector. Every day we hear stories of people across Ireland who cannot access the basic services they need. These are stories of vulnerable people. A person experiencing abuse in their own home. A person struggling to pay bills and manage their mental health. A person whose child needs support which they cannot find. Our sector reaches out to these people. Our sector focuses on developing creative ways we can bring marginalised and excluded people in and support them in their challenges. That is worth investing in. #Budget2025 is a chance for our government to put a stop to the chronic underfunding of our sector and enable us to do the valuable work we do without worry. The Wheel Mental Health Reform #mentalhealth #investincommunity #investinmentalhealth

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A Vision for North South co-operation? Strand 2 – a generation on. I was pleased to join North South CEOs Sharon McMahon (Loughs Agency) and Margaret Hearty (InterTradeIreland) at a symposium organised by the Irish Association for Cultural, Economic, and Social Relations (IACESR) in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. The IACESR was formed in 1938, and its principal objective is the promotion of communication, understanding, and co-operation between all the people of Ireland, both north and south. Keynote speakers were Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland and Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec who spoke on Shared Economic Prospects & Challenges – the business perspective. Session two ‘The Joint Bodies at 25’ focused on the North South Implementation Bodies in the 25th anniversary year since their foundation. Each of the NS CEOs spoke of the past, the now, and the future showcasing the impacts which have been delivered whilst pointing to future strategies. The diversity of the ongoing activities and projects across the island of Ireland (and beyond in the case of Loughs Agency) certainly captured the attention of a well-informed audience many of whom have had previous experience of the NS Bodies. I shared a recent update of our quantitative research which highlighted the 3.5m visitors to our waterways in the last 12 months. Significantly, almost 25% or 800,000 of these visitors can be categorised as cross-border visitors. This is a larger segment than I had appreciated, and I am looking forward to examining the quantitative output in detail. Through another lens 3.5m visitors is 49% of the island of Ireland’s population leaving a huge opportunity to grow participation further with the remaining 51%. Growing participation on and along our waterways is a strategic priority in our 10-year plan. We will do this by developing awareness, enhancing the customer proposition, and reimagining the experiences. My thanks to Brian Walker, President IACESR for the invitation to be part of the event and to moderator Michael D'Arcy for his stewardship of the panel discussion. Waterways Ireland Gina McIntyre Sean Ó Coinn Gary Kearney Alice Mansergh

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I was at the Fine Gael Small Business Conference at the weekend where speakers included Minister Paschal Donohoe, Minister Peter Burke, Minister of State Emer Higgins. I spoke about the way current supports for business incentivise Winner takes all Behaviour, that it is welcome that eligibility for grants is improving, but that the nature of grant supports need to evolve to meet the 21st century challenges that these businesses face. At the moment the vast majority of government supports for businesses are for individual businesses in isolation, employment grants, feasibility grants, capital grants etc. This approach incentivises ‘winner take all’ behaviour, one business’s survival at the expense of others or the ecosystem, is unintentionally incentivised by this long established approach. We are now in an era where the efficient use of scare resources is more important than ever, pooling of resources between businesses where appropriate, rather than duplication, is now a priority. In the past state agencies were mandated not to support indigenous businesses addressing local or national markets due to a fear of displacement (i.e. we give money to Car Dealer A who grows their business and undermines Car Dealer B down the road). Now is the time to recalibrate these supports not to provide funding directly to individual business A or B in an area but to incentivise them to pool suitable functions and thereby increase productivity. Yes, they are in competition however there are certain back end functions that do not enhance competitive differentiation. And indeed most indigenous business sectors have representative organisations, the ethos of which is to promote their sector and internal cooperation amongst their members. The European Union has a forcing mechanism built into all grants to incentivise such collaboration, to be eligible to apply the applicant must be part of a collaborative consortium of partners across different regions and states, so it is not an alien concept! To navigate the Green and Digital transition at the level of locality communication needs to increase amongst micro businesses, this can help raise cooperation and over time real collaboration to jointly tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. However a new entity is needed at the grass roots level to facilitate this collaboration. I believe that this entity is the local hub, there are over 400 hubs across Ireland that are members of Connected Hubs. These hubs are ideally placed to deliver for communities at the level of the High Street through what we at the Dargan Institute call ‘Digital First Communities’, a model which harnesses technology to put people and places first.

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The power of National Voices membership in how issues that impact people everyday can be identified and used to influence change - right here!

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🚍 Next week, we’re hitting the road with our Youth Panel the NI Youth Forum and Translink Youth Forum on our Youth-Led Road to Rights Bus Tour! Young people across Northern Ireland will join us for interactive workshops on their rights, youth voice, climate, and transport—topics that are essential to their future and the future of our society. This tour is just the beginning of our journey toward incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into domestic law. Incorporation means real, enforceable protections for young people, ensuring their rights aren’t just ideals but everyday realities. Why does this matter? • Youth Homelessness: With more young people facing homelessness, incorporation can help ensure the right to safe, stable housing is prioritised. • Children in Care: Growing numbers of children are in care, and the UNCRC enshrines the right to family and care protections that meet their needs. • Child Poverty: With child poverty levels rising, UNCRC incorporation can drive policies that combat inequality and protect every child’s right to thrive. Let’s build a future where young people’s rights are recognised and respected in every aspect of their lives. #UNCRC #YouthVoice #RoadToRights #ChildrensRights #ForEveryChildEveryRight

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🚨 New Polling Data on Youth Issues Ahead of General Election 🚨 The National Youth Council of Ireland has just released crucial polling data conducted by RED C, revealing a significant disconnect between politicians and young people. 📊 The findings reveal that: * 67% of respondents believe that politicians do not fully consider the impacts of their policies on young people. * 72% agree that there is a lack of awareness about youth work services among politicians. * 82% of the electorate believe the housing crisis disproportionately impacts young people, with 78% stating that current policies fail to make homes affordable. As we approach the general election in November, it’s more important than ever for political parties to take these findings seriously. The data highlights the urgent need for policies that genuinely address the concerns and aspirations of young people in our community. Ignoring these issues could further alienate a vital segment of the electorate, their families and the communities to which they belong. Let’s ensure that youth issues are front and centre in election manifestos! 🗳️ https://lnkd.in/eC8Q5JeE

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Ireland’s employment market showed more positive signs in the second quarter of the year, as vacancies remained steady compared to the previous quarter. This was the first time that quarterly vacancies have not declined since 2022, and 19 sectors showed gains.

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SCI's report ‘Reducing Inequalities and Improving Wellbeing’ offers insights into global policies that could be adapted for Northern Ireland. From legislative duties to innovative work methods, discover pathways to reshape public policy and improve services. Access the report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/drZCDuDd

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Great to attend the launch of the 2into3 Giving Report 2022 which highlighted a significant 18% increase in funding, rebounding from the declines experienced in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. While Non Profits predominantly rely on state funding, there is a pressing need to acknowledge and support smaller local organizations for their vital community contributions, especially considering their notable income reductions. Earned income now contributes to a third of sector funding. The sector faces challenges and intricacies in data management after the closure of Benefacts and ongoing issues related to abridgement. It is imperative to initiate a collective dialogue and align expectations with funders regarding the essential core funding costs, high governance standards, and reporting obligations. The insights shared by Iseult Ward, |Dennis O'Connor, Ivan Cooper and John-Mark McCafferty offer valuable perspectives on the sector's dynamic https://lnkd.in/dGZZQuCZ. Rethink Ireland FoodCloud The Wheel Threshold Housing Society

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Social care is a diverse and rewarding field that provides essential support to individuals and communities. In Ireland, social care professionals work across a wide range of specialisms, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. From child protection to mental health services, all areas offer professionals the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives. In this blog, we will examine some key social care specialties and the impact they have on those they serve. 1. Protection and Welfare of Children Child protection is one of the most important areas of social care, focusing on the safety and well-being of children at risk of abuse or neglect. Social workers in this area are tasked with identifying children in vulnerable situations, intervening when necessary, and working with families to ensure that children grow up in a safe and supportive environment. Main Responsibilities: Assessing the safety and well-being of children in family environments. Develop intervention plans to protect children and improve family dynamics. Collaborate with schools, health services, and legal authorities. Provide support for foster care and adoption processes. Challenges: The emotional toll of working with abused or neglected children. Complex, sometimes dangerous family dynamics. High caseload and administrative pressures. Rewards: The opportunity to make a direct impact on a child’s life, helping them grow up in a safer environment. A strong sense of fulfillment from seeing families reunited or children succeeding in alternative care settings. Career growth through continuing professional development in child protection practices. 2. Mental Health Social Care Mental health social care focuses on supporting individuals with mental health challenges. This field requires professionals who are not only trained in clinical social work but also have a deep understanding of mental health issues and the social factors that affect the well-being of individuals. Social care workers in this area support patients through different stages of mental health treatment, providing practical, emotional and therapeutic support. Main Responsibilities: Assessing the needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises. Provide therapy and support through counseling and case management. Supporting individuals within healthcare, legal and education systems. Coordinate with health care professionals to ensure holistic care. Challenges: Working with individuals who may be stigmatized or reluctant to seek help. Emotional stress from supporting those in crisis or with long-term mental health conditions. Navigating complex systems to obtain resources and services for clients. Rewards: The ability to make a significant difference in a person’s mental health and quality of life. Long-term positive effects on recovery, with many clients continuing to live happy lives. Opportunities to specialize in areas such as addiction

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Economies only remain successful when they continue to adapt and grow, this manifesto offers a positive engagement on how to do this

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BELFAST - A groundbreaking study reveals both challenges and opportunities in implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across Northern Ireland's post-conflict society, with innovative technology solutions emerging as key drivers of change. Research indicates that the majority of Northern Ireland residents have their first substantial interactions with people from different religious or political backgrounds between ages 18-21. However, new EDI technology platforms are helping to bridge these divides earlier and more effectively. With approximately 15% of children in Northern Ireland schools now from the Global Majority, organizations are increasingly recognizing the business imperative of embracing diversity. According to recent studies, companies with diverse leadership teams are 33% more likely to outperform their industry peers financially. Deep-Rooted Challenges and Technological Solutions "While the legacy of trauma and division continues to impact community relations," says the report, "innovative EDI technology platforms like EDIT are helping organisations address these challenges systematically." Success stories are emerging across various sectors, with organisations like Salesforce, WikiMedia, and the Oireachtas reporting significant improvements in workplace inclusion and employee engagement. The technology's ability to mitigate unconscious bias in hiring and talent development processes has proven particularly valuable in addressing historical divisions. Organisations implementing these solutions report reduced staff turnover and improved employee wellbeing. Measurable Impact on Business Performance The business case for EDI technology is compelling. Research by PwC found that 85% of financial services CEOs believe promoting inclusion and diversity enhances business performance. Organisations utilizing EDI platforms report: a) Increased innovation and competitiveness b) Enhanced employee wellbeing and retention c) Improved representation of diverse customers d) Better compliance with regulatory requirements Path Forward Educational institutions are leading the way, with St Patrick's, Down High, and several Gaelic schools successfully implementing EDI technology to create more inclusive learning environments. These early adopters are setting new standards for cross-community engagement. "Success in building a more inclusive society requires sustainable frameworks and modern tools," the report concludes. "Organisations that embrace EDI technology are not just meeting social responsibilities – they're securing their competitive advantage in an increasingly diverse marketplace." While challenges remain in Northern Ireland's journey toward full integration, the combination of committed leadership and innovative technology solutions can create unprecedented opportunities for positive transformation. #EDIT #Healing #Technology #Unconsciousbias #Education #Inclusion #Diversity #knowledge #politicalwill

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1 day to go to #budget25 and we are asking Government to support foster care. We are asking for pension security for foster carers, deliver the suite of supports the Minister committed to last year, access to therapeutic supports and interventions for children in care and finally deliver a cross Govt approach to supporting foster care. By committing to these actions, the Government of Ireland can make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of children and families. This is an opportunity to ensure that no one foster family is without the resources required to adequately respond to the needs of the child in their care; Government must act with compassion and foresight now to create a brighter, more equitable future for all. #timetodeliver https://lnkd.in/eSTJAEaN

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✅ Power Up Grant for Retail and Hospitality Businesses - Update As part of Budget 2025, the Government announced a new €4,000 grant called Power Up, to assist businesses in hospitality, retail, and beauty sectors. Please see details at enterprise.gov.ie/powerup

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Last week, The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland launched the results of its quarterly FDI Insights survey. This survey highlights the views of members on Ireland as an investment and growth location. Key findings of AmCham’s FDI Insights survey include: - 97% of respondents said that Ireland is competitive when compared to other advanced global economies. - 56% said they expect the number of employees in the Irish operations of their organisation to increase over the next 12 months. - 9 in 10 said their corporate headquarters have a positive view of Ireland as an investment or growth location. - 40% said housing is the most important challenge for Ireland to overcome for their company to invest and expand here. 19% identified cost competitiveness as the most important challenge with 12% saying skills shortage was the number one challenge. - 52% of respondents said Ireland’s highly educated and skilled talent pool is its main competitive advantage. Full detail on the key findings from this survey are available here: https://lnkd.in/e2ZVJUcT

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…and we’re delighted to be one of those 93 organisations!! A big thank you to The Ireland Funds & their supporters for investing in our #socialenterprise Speedpak Group 👏 This investment will be used to install #solarpanels on our premises in Clonshaugh Business & Tech Park. It will improve our #sustainability while we continue to deliver commercial work experience & industry led training to long term unemployed people who need extra support (for lots of reasons like #health, #education, #disability etc) in securing & retaining a job. #SDG’s #ESG’s

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Carers are key for delivering integrated care to people who needs it. During ICIC24 we could listen to this interesting panel on this topic

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