Siobhan Cullen, a Donegal-based consultant and mediator, has launched Cullen Consultancy (EDI Solutions).
The company works with businesses, community organisations and the public sector to facilitate training in equality, diversity and inclusion, design and development of equality policies, as well as mediating conflict.
EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) is currently an essential aspect of organisational success to support employees and the provision of services to customers and clients. This involves considerable legal compliance and also creating a sense of belonging to ensure that all staff and clients feel welcome, safe and understood. This includes, for example, making reasonable accommodations for staff and clients with disabilities as well as ensuring equality in relation to gender, age, race, religion and sexual orientation.
Siobhan believes that it is important that we now progress from diversity and inclusion to pro-active anti-discrimination which demands real commitment and systemic change in some instances. To do this effectively, some organisations require research and data collection to be undertaken, for example, to assess gender equality or the cultural needs of staff and clients. This data analysis informs the development of policies which are essential to ensure regulatory compliance, funding success and overall good practice.
Siobhan has previously worked as a legal aid solicitor and was a law lecturer, and later Head of Law Department, at ATU for many years. For the past two years, she has worked with the Open University law school where she was appointed Athena Swan/ gender equality lead.
As an EDI Associate with Advance HE (Ireland) Siobhan facilitates training across the Higher Education sector including Unconscious Bias and Active Bystander workshops.
Siobhan Cullen – EDI Consultant
Siobhan also currently serves as a commissioner with Equality Commission Northern Ireland (ECNI – Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (equalityni.org) and Chairs the Statutory Duties Investigations Committee which has provided her with a broad understanding of public sector equality duties and enhanced her investigative powers.
She has a particular interest in supporting neurodiversity, mental health and well-being, and she is also a Tribunal member with the Mental Health Commission and a member of the Patient Advice Liason Committee (PALS) at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Siobhan values community organisations and the charities sector and she currently Chairs Donegal Women’s Centre Board of Trustees and is on the Board of Donegal Sports Partnership.
In terms of enhancing EDI, Siobhan is of the firm belief that communication is the key factor and she strongly advocates consultation to guide policy and strategic development as well as eliminating conflict. Siobhan states, “I emphasise the importance of staff training to ensure adherence to legal requirements but also facilitating discussions to ensure everyone’s voices are heard.”
This a significant new service available in Donegal and engagement with Cullen Consultancy(EDI Solutions) demonstrates a strong commitment to equality and fair processes to support inclusivity and diversity at ground level. The list of services is available via the website www.cullenconsultancy.com and includes research, training & facilitation, policy development, strategic planning, mentoring and mediation.
Siobhan states, “as an accredited Mediator, in the event of conflict related to any inclusivity issues, including but not limited to, gender, disability, age, race or sexual orientation, I will mediate the conflict or deliver restorative practice group sessions which are particularly useful in large organisations and within the public sector, including education. If there is an allegation or even a prospect of discrimination whether in the workplace or involving service-provision, the best solution is to mediate a discussion and resolve matters by agreement. As well as the mediation services, training in conflict resolution skills is also available to all organisations. “
If you would like to know more about the available services or discuss the needs of your organisation, Cullen Consultancy (EDI Solutions) may be contacted at siobhancullen03@gmail.com or visit www.cullenconsultancy.com
Siobhan Cullen LLb Msc Solicitor Mediator