The Open Doors Initiative (ODI) has established itself as a leading voice in Corporate Social Justice (CSJ), bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape a more inclusive and equitable economy. Through its annual Leaders’ Summit, ODI is driving a national conversation on how businesses can move beyond traditional CSR to become active agents of social change.

At summits hosted in prestigious venues including the House of Lords and IDA Ireland, ODI has convened senior leaders from government, industry, and civil society to explore the future of inclusive business. Keynote speakers have included Ministers Simon Coveney TD, Paschal Donohoe TD, and Dara Calleary TD, alongside CEOs from organisations such as ESB, Indeed, Circle K Ireland, and IDA Ireland.

Defining Corporate Social Justice

ODI CEO Jeanne McDonagh has positioned Corporate Social Justice as the next evolution of corporate responsibility:

“Corporate Social Justice is not simply about giving back. It is about taking a stand and using business as a force to transform society for the better.”

ODI’s framework challenges organisations to embed social justice into every aspect of business - from leadership and recruitment to supply chains, workplace culture, and public advocacy. It places the lived experience of underrepresented communities at the centre of business decision-making and calls for CEO-led, organisation-wide commitment to measurable social impact.

Research, advocacy, and impact

ODI’s thought leadership is grounded in evidence and action. In 2026, the organisation launched the landmark report From Awareness to Action: Ireland’s Business and Policy Roadmap to Closing the Disability Employment Gap, developed in partnership with EY. The report highlighted that Ireland has one of the widest disability employment gaps in the EU and outlined a practical roadmap for business and government to drive systemic change.

Shaping the future of inclusive business

Across its summits and publications, ODI consistently advances a clear message:

• Inclusion is a strategic business imperative, not a charitable add-on.
• Diversity, migration, disability inclusion, and social equity are central to economic resilience and innovation.
• Consumers and employees increasingly expect companies to lead on social issues with authenticity and courage.
• Businesses that align profit with purpose will build stronger organisations, attract talent, and earn lasting trust.

As Paschal Donohoe reflected at the 2025 Summit:

“Openness and diversity are strengths not just of an organisation, but of a country and an economy…"I'm absolutely certain that we are better off devoting our lives, our energy and our work to causes that can unite and that can pull together societies, that can recognise that diversity is strength and recognise that we all have far much more in common than we have what separates us."

ODI’s vision

The Open Doors Initiative is working to make Corporate Social Justice the benchmark for business leadership in Ireland and beyond. By convening influential leaders, producing evidence-based policy recommendations, and championing practical inclusion initiatives, ODI is helping organisations move from awareness to action - and positioning Ireland as a global leader in socially responsible business.

Open Doors has worked with thousands of participants from marginalised backgrounds, helping connect them with meaningful work, education, and mentorship. The true measure of our impact is best told through the voices of those we serve. Here are some of their stories.

Precious Olawuyi

After two years of searching for a job in Ireland, Precious Olawuyi reached out to Open Doors and was soon connected with SIRO, an Open Doors partner.

“I'm from Nigeria. I had been looking for a job for about two years. Someone told me about The Open Doors and I got in touch with them and they connected me with an employer, who had a job that seemed to be perfectly fitted for me. Throughout the process I was always supported by them about steps to do, asking for advice or how to go about the interviews and I got the job. Even after I got the job, they didn't leave me alone. They supported me and I'm really happy to work with them. Thank you Open Doors, it was such a pleasure working with you together!”

Brandon King

Brandon King was juggling two jobs, feeling overworked and unsure of what the future held. With no clear path forward, he turned to Open Doors and was introduced to our mentoring programme.

“I grew up in a council housing. I would have been around a lot of people that didn't have long-term planning. So I went from being in a position where I was overworking myself and not in a healthy relationship with myself or the people around me. I'm now working in a job where I'm the top performer and had two promotions over the space of seven months.”

Nijat Ahmadi

Nijat Ahmadi arrived in Ireland in 2024 with hopes of working in his field. He contacted Open Doors, who introduced him to a research team at UCD.

“They connected me with research team in UCD and then I got a job as a clinic research assistant. My biggest achievement is a gaining experience in clinical research project and completed my Master in Clinic Research in Dublin University. If you are struggling to find a job or have problem in getting back to education, just get contact with The Open Doors. They are very supportive and helpful. They can help you with your dreams and your future plans.”

Finn Lyons

Finn Lyons took part in a Sodexo work experience programme where he developed real-life skills.

“My name is Finn. I’m from Knocklyon, Dublin 16. I wore a special uniform. At about 12 pm, I’d go over to the big kitchen and get lunches over to the  coffee shop and I serve food to the children. (Working in the kitchen) I put salad in the serving bowls. I cleaned the tables, I checked the fridge temperature and the hot food temperature too. Every Wednesday about 4 o’clock, I’d open the shop. I’d sell hot chocolate, sweets, drinks and all different stuff. I really want to work. Thank you, Open Doors!”

This work led to a position in the Guiness Storehouse, where he now works one day a week and is a valued employee, featuring in the Failte Ireland video about his ambition to work and take part.

Chantelle Connolly

Chantelle Connolly, a 26-year-old from Cork City and member of the Travelling Community, discovered Open Doors through a photography project.

“I have a dream, like, I love the idea of photography. I’m always taking pictures, but I’ve never been able to afford to go to college to photography course or lessons. So it was a big opportunity for me. Also, they put me forward for Second Chances, a TW series, which is going to give me a chance to show Travellers in a better light. As a member of the Travelling Community who is a makeup artist, who’s in two different colleges and who is out achieving her dreams and taking a different path rather than the traditional way.”

At the Open Doors Initiative (ODI), we believe in delivering innovative research that is informed by lived experience and carried out by experts in the field. As thought-leaders in the area of corporate social justice, ODI strives to provide its members and stakeholders with insight that will positively impact on business and those who are experiencing barriers to employability in Ireland.

We aim to develop our research that is practical and actionable so we can provide business with solutions to challenges and remove barriers that might exist in their processes.

Informed by research carried out by Atlantic Technological University, our Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit is shaped by the voices of those with lived experience including people with disabilities, migrants, Travellers, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and intersectionality amongst these groups. This piece of research explores the experiences of those facing barriers to employment in Ireland across rural and urban areas with representation from a diverse age group.

Despite the diversity amongst those who took part in our focus groups, there was a  common thread when it came to the challenges and barriers faced during recruitment processes. This is what led ODI to develop our Inclusive Recruitment Training as we understand the significance in providing employers and business with solutions to these challenges.

Inclusive recruitment isn't just good practice but it provides business with a strategic advantage. That belief was echoed powerfully in 2023 when AIB partnered with us in the development of our Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit and decided to bring our Inclusive Recruitment Training to over 1,200 of their team members involved in the hiring process to ensure they were embedding these measures.

“We were delighted to support the launch of ODI’s Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit, and felt it was important to lead by example and use it ourselves to educate AIB hiring managers.”

David McCormack, Chief People Officer, AIB

Our training offers a practical, evidence-based approach to inclusive hiring.

Determined to lead by example, AIB rolled out ODI’s Inclusive Recruitment Training across their teams throughout 2023. Their commitment didn’t stop at participation, reasonable accommodation became a focal point of their efforts as well as updates in recruitment policies to inclusive job ad language.

• 11 training sessions delivered
• 1,204 hiring managers trained
• Increased awareness of inclusion and diversity across the business
• Enhanced focus on eliminating bias in recruitment processes

“We successfully rolled out the training, with great support from ODI… it has certainly helped to create the right mindset and practices when it comes to ensuring our recruitment is as inclusive as possible.” 

David McCormack, AIB

Since then, ODI has provided Inclusive Recruitment training to over 15 employers and over 350 employees.

Diverse teams are more engaged, innovative, and aligned with the values of modern businesses. Our training dives into the six key stages of recruitment job description, advertising, application, selection, interview, and onboarding, equipping your team with the knowledge and tools to:

• Recognise and remove systemic barriers
• Implement reasonable accommodations with confidence
• Reduce bias
• Attract a broader, more diverse talent pool

Are you ready to take meaningful steps toward equity in recruitment? Whether you're starting your inclusion journey or deepening your existing commitment, our Inclusive Recruitment Training is a valuable, actionable way to positively impact on your processes and procedures. Diversity is a reality. Inclusion is a choice.

Interested in booking a session for your team or collaborating with ODI on new and innovative research? Contact us at

info@opendoorsinitiative.ie