Ireland launches pilot program to support people with convictions in the workplace

A new pilot program aims to support individuals with criminal convictions in securing and thriving in the workplace. This initiative, a partnership between the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Tosú, an organization dedicated to helping people with convictions build stable futures, was launched on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The program will involve HR professionals volunteering their time to mentor clients from Tosú. These mentors will guide individuals through the process of finding employment and support them in navigating the challenges of the workplace. Initially, the pilot will focus on working with individuals who have minor convictions.

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HR professionals are uniquely placed to help more vulnerable groups better navigate those first few months in a job and boost their chances of success. We have seen great results in the UK and we're delighted to see this initiative beginning in Ireland.

This partnership marks the first step in expanding the CIPD Trust, the charitable arm of the HR body, to Ireland. The Trust was established in the UK in 2022 to enhance social impact and promote diversity and inclusion. "HR professionals are uniquely placed to help more vulnerable groups better navigate those first few months in a job and boost their chances of success," stated Sally Eley, Head of the CIPD Trust. "We have seen great results in the UK and we're delighted to see this initiative beginning in Ireland."

Jacob Harmon, Operations Manager for Community-based Services at Tosú, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "Meaningful employment and career advancement are key pillars of stability for our clients," Harmon said. "We are delighted to partner with CIPD on this pilot initiative which will bring HR expertise to our network and provide valuable support for our clients."

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Meaningful employment and career advancement are key pillars of stability for our clients and we are delighted to partner with CIPD on this pilot initiative which will bring HR expertise to our network and provide valuable support for our clients.