Diversity Mark and Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITCNI) explore how organisations can create truly inclusive workplace cultures
In September, Diversity Mark and BITCNI welcomed our joined networks to another Inclusive Insights webinar, exploring the important topic of Cultural Competency in the Workplace – From Hiring to Belonging.
The session brought together perspectives and lived experiences to explore how organisations can move beyond diverse recruitment and create workplace cultures where people feel valued, respected and able to thrive.
From hiring to belonging
The discussion highlighted the importance of cultural competency throughout the entire employee journey — from recruitment and onboarding through to progression, retention and everyday workplace experiences.
While attracting a diverse workforce is an important first step, creating genuine inclusion requires organisations to consider what happens once people join. This means taking the time to understand different experiences, recognising and removing barriers, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection and belonging.
A key message from the session was that inclusion is not a single initiative or one-off activity. It is a continuous practice that requires curiosity, commitment and action.
Hearing different perspectives
We were delighted to be joined by three speakers who brought valuable professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation:
- Linka, Employability Programme Manager at BITCNI
- Simon Fernandes, participant of the Community Connections Programme delivered by BITCNI in partnership with GEMS NI
- Ashley Millar, People Operations Analyst at SONI
Their openness, insights and experiences helped bring the topic of cultural competency to life and gave attendees practical considerations for strengthening inclusion within their own organisations.
The session also reinforced the value of creating space for different voices and experiences. By listening to people and seeking to understand perspectives that may differ from our own, organisations can take meaningful steps towards building cultures where everyone has the opportunity to belong.
Continuing the conversation
At Diversity Mark, we know that creating inclusive workplaces is an ongoing journey. Our Inclusive Insights programme provides an opportunity for our network to come together, learn from different perspectives and explore practical approaches to advancing diversity and inclusion.
We would like to thank BITCNI, our speakers and everyone who joined us for contributing to such an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
We hope the session provided useful insights and practical ideas that organisations can take forward in their own diversity and inclusion journeys.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations with our Signatory community through our upcoming Inclusive Insights sessions.
October Inclusive Insights
Neuroinclusion in Practice – Employer Insights and Strategies
