Earlier this week we were delighted to host the EDI Leaders Forum in partnership with Business in the Community NI, bringing together leaders and practitioners committed to progressing equality, diversity and inclusion across their organisations.
We began the afternoon with a networking lunch, setting the stage for a collaborative and insightful session.
Our first speaker, Maira Jahangir from Deloitte, shared Deloitte’s journey to achieving the Gold Diversity Mark accreditation, becoming only the third organisation to reach this milestone. Maira outlined the seven key initiatives that supported their success, spanning gender diversity, ethnic minority representation, LGBTQ+ inclusion, disability, and neurodiversity. She emphasised the importance of strong measurement, data-driven decision-making, storytelling, and fostering respectful conversations throughout their EDI journey.
We then welcomed Paul Oakes from the Equality Commission, who explored emerging themes shaping the future of EDI. Paul touched on the growing influence of AI, approaches to building a strong business case for diversity and inclusion, and the critical focus on reducing workplace harassment as organisations navigate the road ahead.
The event concluded with an interactive session, where attendees shared what they want from the EDI Leaders Forum moving forward, ensuring the space remains meaningful, practical, and valuable as we plan for 2026.
Thank you to Susan Walker from Allstate for chairing the session and everyone who joined us today. Your engagement and insights continue to drive this community forward. We look forward to seeing you again at the sessions in 2026!
The EDI Leaders Forum, delivered with Diversity Mark and Business in the Community NI, is a quarterly, peer-led network for Diversity Mark signatory organisations and Business in the Community NI member organisations committed to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. Co-chaired by Susan Walker (Allstate) and Emma Patterson-Bennett (BBC NI), it provides a trusted space to share challenges, exchange best practice, and drive collaborative action that strengthens inclusive leadership.
