About the NICS

Diversity and Inclusion

Within the NICS we strive to place diversity and inclusion at the centre of everything that we do.

We value diversity and are committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace. 

We recognise that inclusive working environments deliver better outcomes, as people perform better when they can be themselves in a collaborative, supportive and respectful environment.

To develop an inclusive culture and to promote and communicate the positive behaviours we expect of all our people, we have:

• established a Diversity Champions Network of senior colleagues representing each of our nine departments and the areas of Gender, Race & Ethnicity, LGBTQ+ and Disability;
  
  
• developed a Diversity Action Plan and Gender Action Plan to support a diverse and inclusive workplace culture;
  
  
• encouraged the set up of active staff networks across the areas of LGBTQ+, Gender (Women), Disability and Race & Ethnicity which are open to all staff and provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together to share experiences, information, support and learning;
  
  
• introduced a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to ensure that a guaranteed number of disabled applicants, who meet the minimum essential eligibility criteria for the role they have applied for, are offered an interview;
  
  
• undertaken benchmarking practices including the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index in respect of LGBTQ+ initiatives and Diversity Mark for gender diversity;
  
  
• been awarded the Onus Workplace Charter in recognition of the work undertaken in relation to domestic and sexual abuse which includes a policy and range of support, including designated colleagues who have been trained as Safe Place Advocates;
  
  
• taken part in events, such as International Men’s Day, International Women’s Day, Belfast Mela, Pride, Black History Month , International Job Shadow Day, Harkin Belfast 2022 and deliver a  programme of outreach activity to support under-represented groups;
  
  
• developed a range of guidance to support colleagues, including policies for menopause, domestic and sexual abuse, transitioning at work and family friendly policies to create a positive work life balance such as alternative work patterns, term time and flexitime; and
  
  
• signed up as a lead partner of Employers for Disability NI and are committed to being a Just A Minute (JAM) Card friendly organisation.