Belfast Harbour awarded prestigious Silver Diversity Mark

Belfast Harbour has been awarded the prestigious Silver Diversity Mark in recognition of its commitment to promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion.

The accreditation from Diversity Mark, the awarding body which helps businesses build more inclusive workplaces, was presented to Belfast Harbour for the progress it has made in establishing a more diverse workforce, with particular emphasis on its achievements in creating greater gender balance.

The organisation was also praised for seeking to influence diversity among its partners and clients within the Harbour Estate.

Belfast Harbour was awarded the Bronze Diversity Mark almost five years ago, with the Silver accreditation being given following a review of its progress by Diversity Mark’s independent assessment panel.

Examples of its achievements in that time include:

Introducing Disability and LGBTQIA+ employee forums to engage more directly with colleagues about key issues within these areas

Developing a new ‘Women in Leadership’ programme

Establishing an Employee Menopause Support Group, as well as implementing a Menopause Policy and a Fertility Support Policy

Becoming a Disability Confident Employer

Launching a new Schoolgirl Mentorship Programme

Distributing over £100k to local communities through the Belfast Harbour Community Awards, including groups supporting people with learning disabilities and refugee organisations

Winning the ‘Advancing Diversity in the Workplace’ award at the Women in Business Awards in March 2024

Mike Dawson, people and digital transformation director at Belfast Harbour, said: “Being awarded the Silver Diversity Mark is a huge achievement for Belfast Harbour, and a fitting tribute to what we have accomplished over the past four years in developing further upon our Bronze status.

“This is a major milestone in a journey which Belfast Harbour has been on for many years, and a worthy recognition of the ways in which we have sought to make our organisation a more diverse and welcoming employer and partner.

“Not only is this a fantastic achievement in its own right, being an accredited Diversity Mark holder provides the structure and framework for us to continue making Belfast Harbour an even more diverse and inclusive organisation.”

Diversity Mark was founded in 2016 and assesses company commitment to diversity and inclusion across the UK and Ireland.

Christine White from Diversity Mark, added: "We are delighted to see Belfast Harbour achieve the Silver Diversity Mark accreditation. Their efforts in launching initiatives like the ‘Women in Leadership’ programme, the Employee Menopause Support Group, and their engagement with underrepresented communities is inspiring.

“Belfast Harbour’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment sets a powerful example for organisations across Northern Ireland, and we look forward to continuing to support their journey towards even greater diversity and inclusion."