Dr. Sinéad Flannery, Assistant Professor in Behavioural Science in Agriculture and Rural Development and School Professional Work Experience Co-Ordinator has received the UCD Values in Action Award 2025.

Dr. Sinéad Flannery, Assistant Professor in Behavioural Science in Agriculture and Rural Development and School Professional Work Experience Co-Ordinator received the UCD Values in Action Award 2025 at a ceremony in the University Club.

The UCD VIA (values in action) Awards recognizes colleagues who bring our values of Collegiality, Creativity, Inclusion, Engagement, Excellence and Integrity to life. 

The VIA's celebrates individuals or teams/committees who; act as ambassadors for the UCD Values through their daily work, establish initiatives that bring the UCD Values to life and lead voluntary initiatives associated with the UCD Community, demonstrating the University Values in action.

Sinead received the award for the incredible work she has done in developing professional work experience equality, diversity and inclusion and dignity and respect training for all students in the (opens in a new window)UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science embarking on their work placement.

Sinead established a pilot programme in 2022/2023 on foot of a number of EDI/Dignity & Respect related issues/incidents encountered by students previously in the School. These incidents highlighted the need for better support and preparation of students regarding issues related to EDI as well as dignity and respect. The training programme was designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate EDI, dignity and respect issues effectively as well as to promote a culture of inclusion and respect with SAFS. Feedback from students who completed the pilot training was extremely positive and so a decision was made to incorporate this training into the PWE preparation programme for all students, and it is now a mandatory element for all students prior to embarking on PWE. The workshops were designed in collaboration with the UCD Dignity & Respect department. 

Many congratulations to Sinead on this fantastic initiative and award.