NINE businesses and individuals were recognised at the fourth Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity gala and awards hosted by Antrim-headquartered employment law and workplace compliance firm Legal Island.
The awards, sponsored by AIB and Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors, provide the opportunity for employers to showcase the efforts they put into making their workplace a setting that is rich in equality and diversity.
They also recognise organisations and individuals who advocate and drive diversity while shining a light on the advantages of doing so.
This year the gala event took place online over a period of three weeks. Host and broadcaster Sarah Travers invited short-listed organisations to log in online and enjoy entertainment from artists who would have ordinarily have performed at the event in Titanic Belfast.
Professional services firm Herbert Smith Freehills won two awards - best employer for equality and diversity (small) and best LBGT initiative, while Bank of Ireland NI took the gong for best employer for equality and diversity in Northern Ireland (large).
Danske Bank was highly commended in both the latter category and disability initiative while Donna Feenan from Danske won the individual diversity champion category.
Other winners included Age NI (best age initiative), Habinteg (best disability initiative), Gilbert-Ash (best gender initiative), Queen's University (best race initiative) and Hutchinson Care Homes (best first initiative).
Barry Phillips, founder and chairman of Legal Island, said: “What a strange turn the awards have taken, but we are thrilled that we could still celebrate those winners who highlight and excel in promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
“In 2020, we’ve been through a lot of challenges, with more still to come however, if anything, these challenges remind us that, more than ever, employers need to take care of their workforce.
“An equal and diverse workplace is a happy and productive one and against a backdrop of exterior obstacles, the workplace should be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
“It’s important to remember that every business and individual shortlisted in this year’s event has a right to feel proud. I wish to congratulate those who have continued to reinforce the element of equality and diversity, especially our winners and highly commended.”
Heather Stewart, head of sales and service enablement at headline sponsor AIB said: “Harnessing the talent and diversity of every individual helps businesses and employees thrive and we are proud to support this event, which shines a spotlight on those organisations who develop leading inclusion agendas.”
Ciara Fulton, senior partner at fellow headline awards sponsor Jones Cassidy Brett, added: “These awards allow us to recognise the fantastic work employers are doing to promote equality and diversity in the workplace. They also provide a wonderful opportunity to share best practice and acknowledge the efforts staff are making to drive forward the equality and diversity agenda.”
