Creating Opportunities Through Our Partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland, Ireland

At Hays Ireland, our community partnerships are shaped by what matters most to our colleagues. Following a colleague-led nomination and voting process, we partnered with Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) in 2024, with a shared ambition to create meaningful impact beyond fundraising alone.

Our partnership combines financial support, volunteering and employability expertise to help promote inclusion and opportunity. Colleagues have embraced a number of fundraising initiatives, including a 2025 challenge in which 30 colleagues climbed Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, alongside four additional peaks. In 2026, colleagues completed a two-day challenge involving a climb of Croagh Patrick followed by a 90km charity cycle, raising approximately €15,000. Additional funds were generated through colleague-led initiatives, including payroll giving and fundraising events taking us to just under €40k.

Alongside fundraising, we have focused on supporting DSI’s employment and skills programmes. Hays colleagues regularly volunteer at DSI’s Dublin headquarters and at Hays offices, delivering workshops on CV writing, interview preparation and workplace readiness through the organisation’s Getting Ready for Work initiative. By sharing our recruitment expertise, we help participants build confidence and develop practical skills for the world of work.

The partnership has also strengthened our commitment to inclusive employment. We work closely with DSI to support talent sourcing and advocate for opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome within the workforce.

By combining colleague passion, professional expertise and community engagement, our partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland continues to create lasting social impact while helping to build a more inclusive society.