Legal Island is on a mission to help organisations in Northern Ireland publicly recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
As you know, research firmly indicates that organisations that practice diversity and inclusion for their staff, their customers, their contacts and suppliers are best placed to excel and outperform their competitors.
That’s why we have created Northern Ireland's first Diversity and Inclusion Charter Mark covering all nine of the protected characteristics in equality legislation – Sex; Pregnancy or Maternity; Gender Reassignment; Married or Civil Partnership; Religious (or similar Philosophical) Belief or Political Opinion; Race; Sexual Orientation; Disability; and Age.
Not only that, our Chairman Barry Phillips BEM has agreed to underwrite the cost of the application (up to £995 + VAT) for existing Legal Island customers PLUS the first 10 new customers that apply. So your organisation can be recognised in this fundamental area and it won’t cost you a penny – but you’ll need to apply quickly...
This Diversity and Inclusion Charter Mark is suitable for both small and large organisations, and successful applicants will understand the business case for greater workplace diversity but also accept and cherish the uniqueness of each and every employee.
Would you like your organisation to be recognised as a diverse and inclusive workplace, and celebrated as an early adopter of this brand-new initiative?
Click here to get the application form
What evidence will I need to provide as part of the application?
This Award requires employers to satisfy our assessors that your organisation has three key elements present and relevant to maintaining an acceptable level of equality, diversity and inclusion in your workplace. To achieve the Charter Mark (Awareness level) employers will need to show evidence of:
- An up-to-date Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- The Policy’s application in the workplace
- All staff training on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion issues
How does the application process work?
You complete, sign and submit your application form. Our panel of experts will then scrutinise your submission. Within 28 days of receipt of your application, you will be informed of the success or otherwise of the application.
What are the benefits of achieving the Charter Mark?
Successful applicants will receive:
- Certificate of Diversity Awareness
- Signage for front entrance door
- The Diversity Awareness logo (for use on website, email signatures, letterheads, social media etc.)
- Exposure on the Legal Island website and materials
- BONUS: Legal Island will recognise all successful applicants at the Northern Ireland Equality & Diversity Awards 2020, taking place on Friday 3rd April at Titanic Belfast.
Your organisation will also receive a detailed feedback report. This will include any recommendations, action points or helpful suggestions to enable you to continue to strive towards excellence in this area.
For how long is the certification valid?
The Diversity and Inclusion Charter Mark is valid for two years.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
Any unsuccessful candidates will be informed of relevant shortcomings and receive advice on how to strengthen their application for re-submission at a later stage. Organisations can resubmit anytime in the following twelve months at no extra cost.
You will receive written feedback on your application with any suggestions for improvements and also general information on how to excel in diversity and inclusion as an employer in Northern Ireland.
Price
Remember: The assessment fee for this application is currently being underwritten by Barry Phillips BEM, for current Legal Island customers as well as the first 10 applications from new customers.
Thereafter, the pricing will be:
- £495 + VAT for organisations with 50 employees or fewer
- £995 + VAT for organisations with 50+ employees
Congratulations to the successful organisations so far, including:
