THE Rainbow Project has launched a workplace first with a new diversity and inclusion employment programme, Diversity Champions NI.
This is the first and only programme to be introduced for the public and private sector across Northern Ireland and will allow organisations to be recognised as having robust equality and diversity policies and practices.
This includes demonstrating best practice in taking steps to ensure that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) employees can be themselves and open about who they are, with colleagues, clients and service users.
Law firm Pinsent Masons and Belfast City Council are inaugural members of the programme, alongside Lloyds Banking Group and Allen & Overy.
John O’Doherty, director at The Rainbow Project, said: “The programme will assist employers to become more open and diverse. It will also ensure that organisations are better able to recruit the best people and retain good talent, making them more competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.
“We know that by creating a workforce which is more engaged, organisations gain through increased productivity, lower staff turnover, better recruitment and retention of staff and an enhanced reputation,” he said.
Paul Gillen, head of employment law (Ireland) at Pinsent Masons said: “Our commitment to diversity reflects our values and we are committed to ensuring that everyone in the firm feels respected and included. Our active LGBT group has introduced a Straight Allies initiative to cement inclusion for our LGBT staff. We are a top 100 Stonewall employer and one of the first Diversity Champions in Northern Ireland”.
Peter McNaney, chief executive of Belfast City Council, said: “Being part of the Diversity Champions programme means that we have unlimited access to expert advice, consultancy support and first-class training. It also allows us to showcase our own best practice and learn from an ever-growing network of progressive, creative employers”.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry has met with training officials from EUC Syd, one of the largest regional vocational training centres in Denmark.
The officials were on a study tour of Northern Ireland to explore collaborative vocational learning within the further education sector.
During the meeting at Parliament Buildings, the minister said: “I recently examined the vocational training model in Denmark as part of my department’s ongoing review of youth training in Northern Ireland. I am keen to continue to internationalise the debate about further education here and am pleased to be able to engage with delegates from Denmark.”
He continued: “Experts from the OECD have recommended Denmark as a model of best practice for Vocational Education and Training provision and as a world-class example of how the use of mandatory and accredited work placements in vocational training can help move young people close to labour market into employment.”