Other News In Brief

Citi Ranks 10th In Stonewall Workplace Equality Index

Citi has ranked 10th in LGBTQ+ inclusive employer for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer colleagues in the UK in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

Stonewall's Top 100 Employers 2023 list recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers.

Locally, Citi Belfast's Pride Network, an over 500 member-strong network of LGBTQ+ staff and allies from across Belfast's sites, has also been awarded a 'Highly Commended Network Group', celebrating their work in raising awareness, organising events, providing expertise and working closely with local communities and organisations on equality and workplace inclusion, whilst Odhrán Devlin, Business Manager, Citi Global Sourcing – Staffing Office based in Belfast, has been recognised for his exceptional leadership and awarded a Stonewall Changemaker of the Year Award, highlighting his continued dedication to growing the network as well as broadening engagement within the local community through outreach events and initiatives.

Leigh Meyer, Site Head of Citi Belfast, said: "Citi is proud to have been recognised again this year with several awards from the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2023, reflecting our continued commitment and efforts to be an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer. These awards come during LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK and add a special element to our celebrations and commemorations throughout the month. Over the past year Citi Belfast has continued to build on the success of being one of the lead signatories in the Businesses for Love Equality campaign in 2018, calling for the introduction of equal marriage in Northern Ireland.

"As part of the submission this year, the local network shared highlights from a range of activities that took place for colleagues across our Belfast sites, including partnership with local LGBTQ+ sector organisations including The Rainbow Project, Cara-Friend, and HERe NI.

"We are incredibly proud of the work taking place in Northern Ireland to advance the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ colleagues and wider community, and would like to thank Odhrán and the Belfast and London Pride Networks for all their important work, passion and dedication to making Citi a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work."

Salt Communications Marathon Fundraiser For Air Ambulance NI

Belfast-based secure communications company, Salt Communications, have set out to take part in the 8-Mile walk element of this years Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon to raise vital funds for Air Ambulance NI.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Senior Marketing Executive Nicole Allen said: "The Salt Communications team initially got involved with Air Ambulance NI back in September 2022 where the team carried out a 5K a day throughout the month of September, this was a great way for everyone to get out and about for both their mental and physical wellbeing. Working in the tech sector you can spend long periods in front of a screen, so this was a good way to break up the day and increase team communication outside of a work environment. This year we are taking part in the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon 8-mile walk – we are looking forward to doing something together as a team again as well as raising money for an amazing cause on our doorstep at the same time. I can’t express enough how great the charity has been to work with, and how excited we are as a team to continue to support them."

Colleen Milligan from the charity said: "This is the perfect opportunity to gather your work colleagues or family together to take part in a very special day to raise funds to help sustain this vital service. We realise that running 26.2 miles isn’t for everyone, nor may it be possible to take part in the Team Relay, but the 8-Mile Walk is a lovely way to get the team away from the desks, encourage communication and have a bit of craic while supporting your local charity. So, why not join the team at Salt Communications, don the trainers and sign up now at www.belfastcitymarathon.com – be quick as the middle price rate finishes at the end of February."

You can register now for the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon 8-Mile Walk, Team Relay, Half Marathon and Full Marathon at https://belfastcitymarathon.com/

Further information is also available from Air Ambulance NI www.airambulanceni.org/upcoming-events/belfast-city-marathon/, by calling the charity on 028 9262 2677 or emailing belfastmarathon@airambulanceni.org

DUP Welcomes UK Govt Move On Dáithí's Law in Northern Ireland

The DUP has welcomed the decision by the UK Government to use Parliament to fully implement Dáithí's Law in Northern Ireland.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "We commend Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family for the campaign they have led over this vital issue. Their commitment has been incredible and unwavering.

"I welcome this decision by the Secretary of State. This will now clear a path for Dáithí's Law to become fully operational this year as originally planned.

"It is regrettable that when the need for further legislation was first noted, some sought to use this important issue as a bargaining chip rather than immediately legislating in the House of Commons.

"The Government know the parameters for the restoration of devolved government therefore they should have always taken the necessary steps in Westminster to ensure Dáithí's Law was put in place."