The  National Framework Committee for Equal Opportunities at the level of the Enterprise is a social partnership committee with representatives of Government and the social partners, it operates an SME Scheme to assist Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to implement a planned and systematic approach to equality in their workplace and it is funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority.

As part of their programme the Committee has established a grant scheme for all SME sector employers to help them get access to premier consultancy support to integrate equality and diversity into their business plan.

At absolutely no cost to the business you can get:

• Assistance with developing equality policies and procedures (or reviewing in-place policies)

• Developing and delivering equality training (or reviewing in-place training programmes and materials or updating staff on latest trends and developments)

• Integrating Equality and Diversity into your business strategy (or reevaluating current plans)

What are the benefits?

• Know you have met basic requirements under the law

• Protect yourself from vexatious complaints

• Get and keep employees involved in policy development

• Let your staff know you’re interested in them

• Make a positive contribution to the work environment

• Enhance motivation and improve morale