Ibec: Proudly empowering Ireland’s public sector

Over many decades, Ibec has proudly developed deep and trusted partnerships with a large and diverse community of public organisations and state enterprises, encompassing some of the largest individual employers in the country.

­Ibec, the organisation representing Irish employers, has long been a driving force in fostering economic growth and prosperity. Recognising the intrinsic link between enterprise and public services in shaping a resilient economy, and the commonality of challenges faced by all Irish employers, Ibec’s membership extends far beyond private business.

With over 320 dedicated employees, Ibec supports thousands of employers across Ireland and is active locally, nationally and internationally through its Dublin headquarters and six regional centres, as well as a Brussels-based team and a growing global footprint.

Over recent budget cycles, Ibec’s policy activities and campaigns have reflected a much broader ambition and focus on Irish society as a whole. The organisation has been an increasingly strong advocate for increased investment in bigger and better public services, which underpin our communities, our quality of life and our continued attractiveness as a location of choice for global business and investment.

Established in 2019, Ibec Public Sector exists as a dedicated relationship hub for Ibec’s public sector partners, ensuring their unique needs and interests are met through Ibec’s core functions and services, as well as maximising their overall membership experience through a complimentary suite of bespoke activities, workstreams and events of particular value to public bodies. Ibec Public Sector also works to enshrine the voice and profile of the public sector in the organisation’s wider campaigns, engagements and advocacy activities.

Ibec’s public sector membership is large and diverse, spanning Ireland’s universities, technological universities, and higher and further education and training providers; voluntary hospitals, and allied health, disability and social care providers; state agencies – both commercial and non-commercial; a number of other public, statutory and regulatory authorities; and representative bodies of public organisations.

Ibec Public Sector members are first and foremost Ibec members, with full access to the organisation’s entire suite of services and supports. Ibec membership empowers public sector organisations through our expert Employer Relations services, our impactful public policy activities, our tailored supports and our unrivalled networking and learning opportunities.

Ibec’s employer relations (ER) service acts as an extension of your own HR, ER, and IR functions. These teams provide dedicated support throughout the employment lifecycle, up to and including representation at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court, with in-house employment law solicitors available to provide specific advice or guidance in even the most complex scenarios. Regular HR-focussed forums and clinics, both online and in-person across the country, profile the latest HR policy and legislation and explore wider workplace trends, including those with a specific public sector dimension.

Ibec thrives on collaboration, addressing shared challenges with unified solutions. Ibec Public Sector members have access to cross-sectoral Ibec Networks, a regular series of practical learning forums on topics as diverse as risk and compliance; facilities and estate management; health and safety; health and social care; recruitment and the newest addition, sales, marketing and customer experience. Recent public sector-specific workshops have focussed on supporting members to understand, implement and comply with significant new obligations under both the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate and the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021. A key element of these workshops, as well as the overall Ibec membership experience, is the degree to which peer-to-peer access is prioritised, allowing public sector professionals to engage, learn and share directly with each other, as well as their counterparts in industry.

Ibec membership also allows exclusive access to cutting-edge resources designed to address complex organisational challenges. For example, in response to the growing emphasis on sustainability and transparency, Ibec has recently developed two comprehensive toolkits: a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) toolkit and a climate action toolkit, both of which are designed to equip members, public and private alike, with the practical guidance, knowledge and actionable insights needed to navigate and thrive in a highly complex and ever evolving regulatory landscape.

Ibec advocates for policy changes which benefit all Irish employers. Ibec Public Sector members have access to Ibec’s national and regional policy committees, with a seat at the table in shaping and driving the organisation’s overall lobbying and campaigning priorities. Recent lobbying successes include the unlocking of the National Training Fund, which will release €1.5 billion over the next six years, and a welcome €1.6 billion increase in capital spending. Additionally, new resources have been ringfenced for infrastructure development, ensuring consistent and strategic investment in the country’s future.

Ibec’s public sector offering will continue to evolve and expand in response to changing landscapes within the public sector, ensuring that Ibec members are well-positioned to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities, individually and collectively.

To explore more about how Ibec membership can benefit your organisation, contact us:
E: membership@ibec.ie
W: www.ibec.ie/publicsector