Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
Over 150 people from the business sector attended this first ever showcase event and it proved to be a very beneficial day for all. The Chair of BITCI, Kieran McGowan kicked it off and congratulated all the businesses on their tremendous impact in their local communities as a result of being involved in the Schools’ Business Partnership.
Nessa MacDonagh, Head of HR, Generali Link Ltd. gives her feedback on the event:
“Thank you so much for a wonderful day today. Kerrie, Aideen and I were bowled over by the level of thoughtful planning. The panel discussions were so interesting and it was lovely to hear about Marks & Spencer’s involvement. I had heard you both speaking when you visited us last year how low key their involvement has been. It can be a cynical world, so they provide a great example for us in witnessing a corporate’s selfless involvement in community based activities.”
Maurice Pratt, Board BITCI moderated the interesting plenary panel which discussed the future of such engagement and we had different views from the panellists: Mr Seán O’Foghlú, Secretary General, Dept. of Education & Skills; Lauren Keegan, New Relic; Jennifer Aherne, Kirby Group; Gerry Kane, State Street Global Services and George Roche, Retired Principal, Nagle CC, Cork. The audience were very engaged and had great questions for the panellists which got everyone thinking.
Three breakout sessions took place:
Fiona Meehan, Senior CSR Executive with Three shared all that they have done in recent years supporting St. Joseph’s SS in Fairview, Dublin including the fun bit – their longest serving volunteer Nigel Wakeham was recently made an honorary student of the school and presented with the Joey’s school tie!