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ESS Diversity Tool
Your Diversity Data
Welcome to the ESS Diversity Tool website.
- Read about Why is it important?
- To find out more about the tool, scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Fill in the ESS Diversity Tool to supplement and/or update your current employee data by selecting Fill in Your Diversity Data below (current UCC Staff only).
- All data records will be processed in line with the UCC Data Protection Policy and best practice. See Protection of Your Personal Data for details.
- Click on Diversity Data Categories to see what data is being collected.
NOTE: By selecting "Fill in Your Diversity Data", you:
- Confirm that you have read and understood the UCC ESS Tool Data Protection Notice (DPN) (link to follow).
- Consent to the University College Cork collecting and processing your data in line with the DPN.
Why is it important?
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) have been a central part of University life for many years. UCC's commitment to EDI is enshrined in the UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028, EDI Framework Action Plan 2023-2028, and the Athena Swan Silver Action Plan 2024-2029.
Our community comprises a diverse group of individuals with varied lived experiences and needs. We aim to reflect the richness of our community in how we operate and how people feel when studying, working, and engaging with us on our campus and beyond.
Data refers to any piece of information, whether in numerical, textual or in some other form. Data reveals something about some aspect of reality and can therefore be used for analysis, reasoning or decision-making.
EDI Data (term used interchangeably with Equality Data, or Diversity Data) is any piece of information that is useful for describing and analysing the state of equality and diversity. It usually differs from ‘data’ per se in that it disaggregates groups of people or information by e.g. gender, disability, age and any other characteristics that might contribute to e.g. inequalities or discrimination.
- EDI Data is indispensable for identifying, monitoring, and addressing inequalities and diversity-based opportunities.
- It allows the University to gain a more accurate overview of its staff profile.
- It will help us understand our staff, enhance our EDI (and beyond) offering, and successfully deliver our commitments, as outlined in aforementioned strategic plans.
- It enables the University to design targeted interventions to promote fairness and equal opportunities. For example, data on recruitment rates, leadership profiles, or educational attainment can highlight inequalities based on gender, race, disability, or other characteristics.
- Helps the University assess the real-world, and evidence-based impact of proposed policies, actions, or initiatives.
- It promotes accountability, as it can be used to hold the University accountable for its actions and ensure it meets its obligations to promote equality and non-discrimination.
- It assists the University in meeting its legal obligations.
- It ensures better EDI Data Collection and Monitoring
- It ensures better data quality for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESS Diversity Tool?
The ESS Diversity Tool is an extension to your Employee Self-Service (ESS) platform, allowing you to input your demographic diversity data, such as your gender, ethnic background, religion or belief system, caring responsibilities, and so on.
How do I submit my diversity data?
Go to Fill in Your Diversity Data. It takes less than five minutes to submit your information.
Where is the ESS Diversity Tool hosted?
The ESS Diversity Tool is hosted on the People and Culture system (PeopleXD), also known as the Core HR platform.
Who can use the ESS Diversity Tool?
The functionality to input diversity information has been rolled out to UCC staff, including those with both permanent and temporary contracts. Occasional staff are not included in this initial phase.
What is new to this data collection system?
The development of this tool marks a significant step forward for the University in the areas of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
This is the first time that UCC will collect staff data systematically through its central system across all nine equality grounds* as defined in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, and under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty as set out in Section 42 of the Act.
Are there any limitations to this data collection system?
Yes. The software is designed to meet current legal requirements, which recognise the categories listed in Diversity Data Categories. Its limitations originate from the current technical restrictions to the available PeopleXD version, and due to current legislation. Once more developed iterations of the software become accessible, and/or the legislation and the national data standards change, the tool will will be updated to reflect that.
What sort of data will be collected?
The tool allows you to supplement your employee information with data across nine equality grounds*. For more details go to Diversity Data Categories.
Why should I provide my diversity data?
By providing your diversity data, you help the University, as your employer, develop a culture that benefits and supports all employees. Your data, fully anonymised, will assist the University in:
- Gaining an insight into the true diversity of its workforce across as many equality grounds* as possible.
- Identifying areas of priority in terms of policy development, initiatives, or resources.
- Developing tailored policies and interventions, avoiding the ‘one-size-fits-all' solutions.
- Enabling evidence-based consideration where under-representation is evident and needs addressing.
- Providing a positive working environment where everyone can contribute and thrive, bringing their whole selves to work.
- Assessing the efficacy and impact of policies and initiatives.
- Meeting its legal reporting obligations to the Higher Education Authority, Department of Higher and Further Education, Innovation and Science, National Disability Authority, Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
Do I have to participate?
No. University staff are invited to update or amend their diversity data confidentially and voluntarily.
How will my data be protected?
University will treat your information with the strictest of confidence. All staff data collected by UCC are protected by the UCC Data Protection Policy and best practice rules and advice. Go to a dedicated website Protection of Your Personal Data for more information. This page explains in detail how your data will be used, who will have access to your information, and so on.
* Nine Equality Grounds
- Age
- Disability
- Family Status
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Membership of the Traveller Community
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual Orientation