Three Belfast venues have been awarded a Bronze accreditation by Diversity Mark, showcasing their commitment to gender diversity.
The venues, ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, have been awarded the accreditation by creating a 50:50 male:female balance at executive level, with senior management roles throughout the business also now approaching a 50:50 gender split.
Julia Corkey, chief executive, ICC Belfast, 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 all of 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.”
