We were delighted to welcome a selection of business leaders from different sectors to our latest Diversity Mark CEO Breakfast in partnership with Belfast City Council, generously hosted by John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council in the Boardroom at Belfast City Hall.
Attendees heard from John about the Council’s long-standing and visible commitment to drive equality, diversity and inclusion, which spans more than two decades. As one of the first organisations to join Diversity Mark in 2017, Belfast City Council has since been awarded the Diversity Mark accreditation, progressed to Silver, and is now actively working towards Gold – a powerful example of sustained leadership and ambition over time.
We also heard from Christine Sheridan and Catherine Christy from the council, who shared many of the impactful initiatives developed over the past decade to build a truly inclusive organisation – work that extends beyond the workplace and feeds directly into a more vibrant, inclusive city for Belfast.
Our Director Christine White outlined the Diversity Mark accreditation journey and reinforced the critical role leadership plays in driving meaningful and sustainable change. This was followed by insights from Judith Gillespie, Co-Chair of Diversity Mark’s Assessment Panel, who spoke about the robustness and independence of the assessment process, and how we meet organisations where they are on their EDI journey.
The morning concluded with a rich and engaging discussion, with representation from Translink, Chief Executives Forum, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Arthur Cox, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Radius Housing – highlighting the shared commitment across sectors to advancing EDI in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed so openly to the conversation. These breakfasts continue to be a powerful space for leaders to learn from one another and to reaffirm their role in shaping inclusive organisations and communities.
If you would like to know how Diversity Mark can support your organisation in its EDI journey, we would love to talk to you. Please book a call here and be the change you want to see.
