Local Firms Urged To Celebrate Workplace Diversity

Employers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to showcase their commitment to diversity and enter the Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Awards 2020 before the application deadline of 06 December 2019.

Now in their fourth year, the Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Awards are organised by Antrim-based Legal Island, an award-winning, workplace compliance company that helps HR professionals understand employment law and how it applies to their workplace.

The awards are open to all organisations and individuals across the public, private and third sectors and provide a unique opportunity for employers in Northern Ireland to celebrate equality and diversity in the workplace and recognise those who advocate and drive diversity within their organisations.

The evening will showcase the advantages of equality and diversity to employers and the wider community, celebrating success stories of individuals, groups and employers.

Award categories include Best Employer for Equality & Diversity in NI; Best Gender Initiative; Best LGBT Initiative; Best Disability Initiative; Best Race Initiative; Individual Diversity Champion and two new categories for 2020, Best First Initiative; and Best Age Initiative.

The event is sponsored by Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors and First Trust Bank and supported by Diversity NI.

Barry Phillips, Chair of Legal Island, explained why it is important for companies to share best practice relating to diversity: "We are delighted to see the number of award entries growing significantly year on year. It has been truly inspiring to find out about the programmes and initiatives that individuals and organisations are delivering to promote diversity. The awards not only provide a channel for recognising the fantastic work that companies across Northern Ireland are doing in the area of diversity, equality and inclusion, but they also showcase it and help to share best practice and inspire others."

Last year's winning organisations include the likes of Action For Children, Sensata, Gilbert-Ash, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and Community Restorative Justice Ireland, Newry/Armagh.

These organisations were recognised for pioneering new standards of equality and diversity practices and driving the diversity agenda in Northern Ireland.

Explaining why organisations should apply, Mr Phillips continued: "There are of course basic legal requirements associated with diversity, but by really embracing and valuing diversity, businesses and organisations can thrive. Advocating for diversity in the workplace helps to promote it in the wider community and this can only be good for Northern Ireland."

Award sponsor, Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank, encouraged employers to apply and demonstrate their active support for equality and diversity: "By applying for these awards organisations can formally thank employees for their outstanding work. They can also demonstrate the impact equality and diversity has had on their business and reinforce their commitment to equality and diversity best practice. Participating in the awards can also help businesses to attract employees who want to work for an organisation that is a driver of diversity."

Fellow sponsor, Ciara Fulton, Senior Partner, Jones Cassidy Brett, a niche employment law firm based in Belfast, which is renowned for its expertise in employment and equality law, added: "At a time when equality and diversity issues are the focus of so much media attention, it is more important than ever to champion the good work that many employers in Northern Ireland are doing to demonstrate their commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace. These awards serve not only as a vehicle for celebrating the achievements of these employers and individuals but also as a mechanism for promoting and encouraging diversity in the workplace."

Diversity NI, a Belfast-based accredited Chartered Institute of Linguists Exam Centre, providing professional interpreting and translation services for a wide range of private and public sector clients, is also supporting this year's awards. Paolina Hawthorne, Founder at Diversity NI, said: "I am particularly passionate about diversity in opinion, background and outlook, as it's crucially important in order for companies to achieve their best potential. I am privileged to support this year's Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Awards. It provides a fantastic platform for organisations to celebrate and encourage the vast opportunities that cultural differences bring to the workplace."

The deadline for entries is 12 noon on Friday 06 December 2019. These can be submitted online.

All valid applications will be read, scored and shortlisted and applicants will be notified of results by 13 January 2020. Each shortlisted entry will be invited to meet with the judging panel for an interview on 31 January 2020.

Winners will be announced at the Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Gala & Awards 2020 on Friday 03 April 2020 at Titanic Belfast. Entertainment on the night will include the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2018, Lee Ridley, aka Lost Voice Guy.