Message from our Chair

It is a privilege to reflect on the transformative progress we’ve made this year at Deloitte, and the deep impact we've had on people - whether they be our clients, communities, or the people within Deloitte itself. At the heart of everything we do is our belief that investing in people is the most powerful way to shape the future. When we support and empower the individuals we work with, we create the conditions for meaningful, lasting change.

Over the past year, I’ve had many personal experiences that have reinforced this for me. A memory that stands out is when a woman I had spoken with during a Time to Talk session approached me in our Dublin offices to say hello. Time To Talk is a language skills programme we host in partnership with Business in The Community Ireland, supporting those who find themselves outside of the workforce for extended periods of time by helping individuals gain more confidence in their English conversational skills. During our conversations, we’d talk about the Irish jobs market, encouraging her to apply for work experience or internships. When the Deloitte Development Programme opened for applications, this woman had gained the confidence to apply. Today, she is one of our colleagues. Moments like these remind me why we do what we do - creating opportunities that change lives. Our initiatives, from supporting women in leadership to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, are not just corporate strategies. They are deeply personal commitments to empower every individual that walks through our doors.

At Deloitte, we place a high value on nurturing talent and ensuring that everyone can achieve their full potential. I’m particularly proud of the strides we’ve made in preparing our future female leaders to be Board Ready. Through our partnership with the 30% Club and initiatives like the Board Ready programme, we’ve supported over 150 women in their journeys towards board positions across various sectors. These programmes are about more than just technical training - they are about building confidence, providing access to networks, and ensuring that our future leadership reflects the diversity of our society.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." At Deloitte, we are striving to embody that change by creating tangible impact within our communities. Over the past year, we’ve positively impacted the lives of more than 119,000 people, moving us ever closer to our goal of helping 300,000 people by 2030. The Deloitte Impact Fund supports initiatives that promote social responsibility and inclusivity. Whether it's through education, social justice, or environmental stewardship, our focus on creating a better future for all is unwavering. The stories you’ll read in this report demonstrate our deep commitment to addressing the most pressing needs of our communities.

Our clients remain at the core of our efforts to drive positive change. By working closely together, we co-create innovative solutions that don’t just address business challenges but also contribute to broader societal impact. One of the exciting areas we've been focused on is the work our digital teams are doing. We are proud to be implementing cutting-edge technology, such as AI, to solve complex issues - from managing sustainable livestock practices to transforming court systems. These efforts may be our best-kept secret, but their impact is profound, demonstrating the breadth and depth of what Deloitte can achieve.

As we continue to respond to a dynamic and uncertain global environment, Deloitte’s commitment to addressing societal and environmental challenges only grows stronger. From the advancements in our pro bono work to our strategic relationships with charitable partners, we’re evolving our efforts to ensure they are meaningful and impactful.

Progress is also about building on our achievements to date and continuing to challenge ourselves. Whether it's through gender advocacy, as I’ve seen through my personal involvement with the 30% Club, or through technological innovation, we are constantly seeking new ways to create a positive, lasting impact. I’m so often impressed by the capabilities we have within Deloitte and the complex problems we help solve for people.

As we continue this journey, I’m committed to shining a light on those projects that make a real difference - because the impact we make isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people.

Lorraine Griffin, Chair and Social Impact Partner, Deloitte Ireland