Leaders at three of Northern Ireland’s best-known venues have
been recognised for helping to create gender-balanced workplaces.
ICC Belfast,
Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall - owned by Belfast City Council - were together
awarded a bronze accreditation by Diversity Mark showcasing the venues’ ongoing
commitment to gender diversity.
The venues, which employ almost 300 people, have achieved a
50:50 male-female balance at executive level, with senior management roles also
approaching a 50-50 gender split.
CEO Julia Corkey said: “Receiving our Bronze Diversity Mark
is a very important milestone as it cements our commitment to diversity and
inclusivity. We’re proud that the appointment of new board members has
supported this, along with changes to our senior management. To remain
world-class, we need build a workplace culture where everyone feels represented
and valued - an environment that creates opportunities and reduces barriers across
our teams. We thoroughly enjoy working with Diversity Mark to strengthen and
build on our gender diversity and continue improving on our inclusive
leadership to support recruitment and retention.”
The organisation has set a target to develop a robust
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Strategy by May 2024 involving feedback from
all staff.
Steve Daniels, chairman of the board and board diversity champion,
said: “We’re proud to set and deliver on solid targets as we continue to
develop a workplace where our employees thrive. Our venues make a significant
contribution to Belfast and Northern Ireland – both socially and economically –
so we cannot underestimate how important it is that our employees feel valued
and can express their creativity to support idea-sharing and innovation.
Furthermore, we want our patrons to recognise that we are committed to
contributing positively to the future and continuing to create a world-class
stage where great things happen.”
Emma Lytlle, head of engagement at Diversity Mark, visited
members of the team from ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall and
joined a ‘Knowledge Hub’ on June 19th sharing her insights into creating
positive workplaces.
She said: “The team at ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and
Ulster Hall have done a wonderful job in committing to setting, actioning, and
achieving annual targets. The feedback from our independent assessment panel
will support you as this journey continues.”
Nuala Murphy, head of Diversity Mark, added: “Your
investment in diversity and inclusion will see your organisation continue to
make a positive impact on our society. You have recognised that a D&I
Strategy will deliver better engagement with existing and potential employees,
paving the way for a successful future.”
Formerly Belfast Waterfront, ICC Belfast is the city’s only
purpose-built international convention centre. A £29.5m extension, unveiled in
2016, significantly increased the venue’s capacity and put Belfast in a
position to compete globally for business events, an arena that has proved to
be a critical driver for the region’s economy. It’s currently estimated that
the industry could deliver £209m direct economic impact, and up to 2000 new jobs
by 2030.
Earlier this year, all three venues were awarded an Autism
NI Impact Award recognising the standards upheld and improvements being made to
ensure that visitors with autism feel fully supported by staff.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
