ICC Belfast,
Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall have been awarded a Bronze accreditation by
Diversity Mark showcasing the venues’ ongoing commitment to gender diversity.
The organisation, which employs
almost 300 people across its three Belfast venues, is led by chief executive
Julia Corkey, and has achieved a 50:50 male:female balance at executive level,
with senior management roles throughout the business also now approaching a
50:50 gender split. The accreditation recognises the organisation’s progress
and marks the beginning of its commitment to further improving diversity and
inclusivity across a wider set of targets in the coming years including more
gender initiatives to drive equality.
Julia Corkey said: “Receiving our Bronze Diversity Mark is a very important milestone as it
cements our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We’re proud that the appointment
of new board members has supported this, along with changes to our senior
management. To remain world-class, we need build a workplace culture where
everyone feels represented and valued - an environment that creates
opportunities and reduces barriers across all of our teams. We thoroughly enjoy
working with Diversity Mark to strengthen and build on our gender diversity and
continue improving on our inclusive leadership to support recruitment and
retention.”
The organisation has set a target
to develop a robust diversity, equality, and inclusion strategy by May 2024
involving feedback from all staff.
Steve Daniels, chairman of the board and board diversity champion, said: “We’re proud to set and deliver on
solid targets as we continue to develop a workplace where our employees thrive.
Our venues make a significant contribution to Belfast and Northern Ireland –
both socially and economically – so we cannot underestimate how important it is
that our employees feel valued and can express their creativity to support
idea-sharing and innovation. Furthermore, we want our patrons to recognise that
we are committed to contributing positively to the future and continuing to
create a world-class stage where great things happen.”
Emma Lytlle, head of engagement at
Diversity Mark, visited members of the team from ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall
and Ulster Hall and joined a ‘Knowledge Hub’ on Monday 19 June sharing
her insights into creating positive workplaces.
She said: “The team at ICC
Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall have done a wonderful job in
committing to setting, actioning and achieving annual targets. The feedback
from our independent assessment panel will support you as this journey
continues.”
Formerly Belfast Waterfront, ICC Belfast is the city's only purpose-built international convention centre. A £29.5m extension,
unveiled in 2016, significantly increased the venue’s capacity and put Belfast
in a position to compete globally for business events, an arena that has proved
to be a critical driver for the region’s economy. It’s currently estimated that
the industry could deliver £209 million in direct economic impact, and up to 2000
new jobs by 2030.
Meanwhile, entertainment venues
Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall make a significant contribution to a £345
million economy, according to 2019 research commissioned by Fourth Pillar, and
supported by Northern Ireland Screen and Department for Communities.
Earlier this year, all three venues
were awarded an Autism NI Impact Award recognising the standards upheld and
improvements being made to ensure that visitors with autism feel fully
supported by staff.
