Queen’s University recently witnessed a vibrant gathering of Northern Ireland’s business leaders for an insightful breakfast event hosted by Todd Engman from Diversity Mark and expertly organised by Queen’s University Belfast’s Business Engagement Team.
The atmosphere was one of shared purpose, with a resounding and resolute commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion echoing throughout the discussions. It was clear that now, more than ever, there is a collective determination and drive across sectors to ensure DEI remains an integral part of organisational focus, culture, and ultimately, business success in Northern Ireland. A key theme was the importance of safeguarding and building upon the hard-won progress already achieved in this crucial area.
Reflecting on the morning’s discussions, the importance of organisations actively embracing and implementing robust EDI policies and strategies was undeniable. Leaders from a variety of sectors shared compelling reasons for their commitment to Diversity Mark Accreditation, highlighting its role in establishing and validating their EDI strategies and programs.
The attendees heard from Queen’s Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Miles. He spoke eloquently about the tangible benefits of promoting a diverse working culture, powerfully stating that “a small pool of talent leads to poor results.”
Closing the session, Professor Judith Williams reiterated the critical importance of inter-organisational learning and collaboration in the EDI space. She stressed that “we should all share the wheel, rather than re-inventing the wheel,” when it comes to developing effective EDI strategies – a sentiment that resonated deeply with all present.
A heartfelt thank you to Queen’s University Belfast for hosting this significant event, with special appreciation to Conor Curran, Joanne Mallon, Jenny Torley, Carol Forster, and Ruth Glover from the QUB team for their exceptional organisation and warm hospitality.
The journey towards truly inclusive workplaces is ongoing, but events like these reaffirm the collective will and strategic imperative to keep DEI at the forefront of business in Northern Ireland.
If you would like to know how Diversity Mark can support your organisation in its EDI journey, please book a call here.
