Northern Ireland Equality and Diversity Gala & Awards 2020

Programme

Testimonials

"I was just writing a wee email of thanks for the invite and congratulations on an excellent event. There was a real buzz around the place and many new and indeed younger faces!" Dr Michael Wardlow, Chief Commissioner, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

"I had a ball and it was a fantastic event. You’ve got it just right in terms of entertainment, speeches and format for awards - the atmosphere was the highlight for me - you’ve managed to get some of the true Belfast greats involved!" Conor Houston, Director, Houston Solutions

"It was a brilliant evening - we were so well looked after by both L-I and Titanic staff and the atmosphere was lovely - relaxed and fun. You certainly know how to put on an event. We were delighted to win the best small company award - a real tribute to our staff who are so honest and open about who they are on such a range of issues and so genuinely welcoming to new starts. We've been celebrating this today. Wonderful programme, wonderful food and drink and wonderful inspiring content. so thanks again for putting this together and giving us the opportunity to apply." Alison Logan – NIO

"Thanks for a truly special evening.  It was an excellent event and all credit to you and the team for organising.  Each element was fantastic.  We were absolutely thrilled to have been so successful in our categories and it goes to prove that the hard work pays off." Paul Gillen, Partner, Pinsent Masons LLP

“Great ambience in the room, people were buzzing all night! Another milestone achieved in promoting equality and diversity in Northern Ireland. Thank you for the opportunity to become part of it.” Maciek Bator, Project Manager,  For Your Freedom & Ours CIC

Presenters

• 

  David Johnston Passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

  Retired

  A Human Resources professional for over 24 years, and interested in equality and diversity matters, most of his career has seen him working in complex and high profile public service organisations, including: Inland Revenue, Police Ombudsman’s office, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. 

• 

  Ciara Fulton Partner, Head of Office

  Lewis Silkin LLP

  Ciara Fulton is partner and Head of Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP.

  Ciara is dual qualified and advises on all aspects of employment law in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. She has significant experience of advising clients on the full range of employment issues including complex discrimination issues, bullying and harassment claims, disciplinary and grievance matters, business reorganisations, senior executive severances, restrictive covenants, employment related litigation and TUPE.

  Ciara’s approach is to partner with clients providing practical, commercial advice to resolve HR issues whether contentious or non-contentious. Ciara works with a variety of sectors with particular experience in the construction and infrastructure sector.

  Ciara regularly speaks on a range of employment issues at internal and external events and delivers bespoke training to clients on the differences between NI and ROI employment law. Ciara is a member of the Employment Lawyers Group and the NI Representative for the Employment Lawyers Association. Ciara is also a legally qualified member of the Appeals Tribunals NI.

• 

  Fergal McFerran Client Account Manager – Northern Ireland

  Stonewall UK

  Fergal McFerran works for Stonewall UK, Europe’s largest LGBT rights organisation. He is responsible for delivering the Diversity Champions programme in Northern Ireland, in partnership with The Rainbow Project. Through this work, Fergal provides tailored advice, guidance and strategic support to employers which allows them to shape truly inclusive workplace environments allowing lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees to experience acceptance without exception.

• 

  Heather Stewart Head of Sales & Service Enablement

  AIB (NI)

  Heather is the Senior Sponsor for Diversity & Inclusion in AIB (NI) and is, in particular, involved in supporting their Pride & Women Matters networks.

  AIB are committed to embedding diversity across their organisation to help be the best that they can be in their thinking, their decisions and their outcomes. AIB’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to colleagues, customers and the communities they serve.

  Heather has over 15 years’ banking experience working across products, channels, IT and project management related roles. Most recently, Heather has been working as Head of UK Digital Channels where she has led the development of our digital offering for our personal & business customers. She holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Ulster.

• 

  Deepa Mann-Kler Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist and CEO of Neon

  Commissioner at the Equality Commission for NI

  Deepa brings 23 years Executive leadership experience of delivering high-level diversity and inclusion strategies, implementing anti-discrimination policy and improving socio-economic disadvantage in society. She has 13 years of Non-Executive leadership experience with a cross-sector exposure and has been appointed as Commissioner to the Equality Commission for NI. Deepa is CEO of Neon, an immersive healthcare technology company. As a thought leader Deepa regularly keynotes on the intersection of diversity, inclusion, creativity, technology, innovation, health and wellbeing and was delighted to speak at TEDx on “Being Human”. She is Visiting Professor In Immersive Futures with Ulster University. As an artist, she has a focus on public art neon installations, notably Lumiere Durham 2019, London 2016 and 2013 in Derry/Londonderry UK City of Culture. Deepa authored the first report on racism in Northern Ireland in 1998 "Out Of The Shadows."