Irish Sea Rim Principles and Values
The Irish Sea Rim is founded on a bold vision: Developing economic growth through collectively engaged and enriched communities. This vision is built upon purpose-led principles and values which feed into our strategies and operating models. By embedding these principles into every facet of our internally- and externally-facing work – from strategic partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and project co-design and delivery – we will drive sustainable socio-economic growth and environmental benefit and build a legacy for the entire Irish Sea Region.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES: OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Irish Sea Rim is built on five key principles, adopted from Nigel Catterson’s Utropia Foundation Principles Model, and adapted to create a set of professional behaviours which will underpin delivery of our vision and mission.
- VISION-LED LEADERSHIP: We will shape a more prosperous and sustainable future by investing in ambitious, future-facing strategies and projects to create a model of inclusive economic growth, societal benefit, and environmental sustainability.
- PARTNERSHIP: We are dedicated to creating and working in partnership with countries, organisations, communities, and individuals, to achieve our mission of creating cross border collaborations that transcend political boundaries and agendas.
- CONSIDERATION: We will create evidence-based strategies which give full consideration to the lessons of the past. Our planning and decision-making will be informed by rigorous analysis and open dialogue.
- VALUES: Self-worth is at the heart of all our values and interactions. We treat every individual and organisation with dignity, respect, and kindness, working with stakeholders to build partnerships and support transformational change based on mutual trust, integrity, and shared success.
- GOVERNANCE: We hold ourselves accountable to embedding our foundational principles and values into everything we do, with a spirit of learning and evolution. Through a true partnership approach, we hold ourselves and stakeholders accountable for delivering on commitments. Through robust impact reporting and transparent communication, every stakeholder can take ownership of delivering and celebrating results.
- ATMOSPHERE: We will create and operate within a holistic atmosphere of consciousness, transparency, inclusivity, acceptance, balance, transition, and excellence.
VALUES IN PRACTICE
The Irish Sea Rim will incorporate our values into all our activities. These values are not merely aspirational – they are the strategic tools which will guide our interactions, decision-making, and partnerships, ensuring co-production and integrity across the initiative.
- SELF-WORTH: We foster self-worth within our teams, communities, and partners, operating on the conviction that every stakeholder possesses inherent value and the capacity to make a significant contribution. We empower our partners and project teams with ownership and autonomy, creating an environment where individual leadership can drive regionally and nationally significant outcomes and impact.
- SUPPORT: We are dedicated to building a connected, resilient ecosystem across the Irish Sea Region, moving beyond transactional relationships to build partnerships founded on mutual trust and shared success, supporting partners and communities to achieve long-term benefit and growth.
- KINDNESS: We believe that demonstrating thoughtfulness and consideration is fundamental to building a positive and united innovation ecosystem, ensuring that all stakeholders feel valued and respected. Through transparent and inclusive communication we ensure that every individual and organisation has the opportunity to contribute and be acknowledged, fostering trust, collaboration, and community.
- MUTUAL RESPECT: We are committed to a deep appreciation for the diverse lives, experiences, and viewpoints of all project teams, stakeholders, and partners, and to treating others as they would like to be treated.
- INTEGRITY: We operate with integrity in everything we do, creating trust and reassurance among partners, stakeholders, and investors. We select and review suppliers based on value alignment, sustainability, and fair practice, alongside cost.
CATALYSING REGIONAL POTENTIAL
The Irish Sea Rim’s purpose is to create collectively engaged and enriched communities based on cultural understanding and acceptance by:
- ENLIGHTENING AND EDUCATING: Fostering shared learning, cultural understanding, and acceptance as the basis for innovative and prosperous communities.
- ENERGISING AND ENABLING: Acting as a catalyst for innovation and investment, empowering individuals, organisations, and communities to become self-sufficient and realise their full potential through innovation.
- ENTERTAINING AND ENRICHING: Promoting the unique cultural heritage of the countries, regions, and communities within the Irish Sea Rim to strengthen community identity and create a vibrant region.