Bank of Ireland UK recognised as best large employer for equality and diversity in Northern Ireland

Hosted by Legal Island, the awards honour local companies and organisations that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This year’s winners were announced virtually by video.

In applying for the award, Bank of Ireland UK provided detail on a range of practises, policies, learning and development opportunities and activities the Bank carries out to promote diversity and inclusion. Examples include unconscious bias training, LGBT ally training, Parenting NI Sessions, completion of an Age at Work Audit and the roll out of the Bank’s Gender Identity and Transitioning in the Workplace Policy.

The Bank also highlighted that positive sentiment toward diversity and inclusion has increased by 9% among employees since 2017, and also that when asked if Bank of Ireland UK has a diverse workforce, 94% of employees responded positively, a 23% increase since 2017.

Barry Phillips, Chairman of Legal Island and curator of the Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Awards, added: “I know the judges were very impressed by the range of diversity and inclusion measures currently in place at the Bank. It seems Bank of Ireland is leading the field and is genuinely striving to be an inclusive employer where every type of employee feels welcome. I’m sure customers also feel this same sense of belonging in the Bank. Well done, Bank of Ireland.”

Kerry Hinks, Senior HR Business Partner, Bank of Ireland UK said: “We are delighted to have been named the best large employer at the Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Awards as diversity and inclusion is of utmost importance to everyone at Bank of Ireland UK. Our purpose is to enable our customers, colleagues and communities to thrive so we have been committed to a number of policies and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace and our wider community. We want Bank of Ireland UK to be a great place to work for everyone in Northern Ireland and we are honoured that our commitment to equality and diversity has been recognised.”

In addition to the Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Award, Bank of Ireland UK has also received the Bronze Diversity Mark by Diversity Mark NI, a not-for-profit awarding body that celebrates organisations and their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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