Inclusive Insights: Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace

In partnership with Diversity Mark, we are thrilled to announce a new series of monthly online sessions that aim to support businesses in creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

By sharing best practice and raising awareness, we will explore a variety of themes including race, age, gender, and social mobility, and examine how these themes intersect.

---

Inclusive Insights: Cultural Competency in the Workplace – From Hiring to Belonging | Tuesday 29 September | 10.00 - 10.45AM | Teams

Creating an inclusive workplace requires thinking beyond diverse recruitment. It needs an understanding of how cultural differences, communication styles, lived experiences and workplace expectations can influence an individual's experience of entering and progressing within an organisation.

This session will explore the concept of cultural competency in the workplace and highlight practical actions organisations can take to create more inclusive recruitment practices, foster a sense of belonging, support career progression and build workplace cultures where diverse talent feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

Through expert insights, lived experiences and employer case studies, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that can affect the employee journey – from recruitment through to retention.

What attendees will:

• Develop a greater understanding of cultural competency and its relevance in the workplace.

• Learn about common barriers that ethnically diverse candidates may encounter during recruitment.

• Explore how cultural expectations, communication styles and unwritten workplace norms can create misunderstandings for both employers and employees.

• Identify strategies to make recruitment processes more inclusive and accessible.

• Hear real-life experiences from both employer and employee perspectives.

• Discover practical actions to support the attraction, retention and progression of diverse talent within their organisations.

Speakers:

• Linka Lin: Employability Executive, Business in the Community

• Ashley Millar: People Operations Analyst, SONI

---

Inclusive Insights: Neuro-Inclusion in Practice - Employer Insights and Strategies | Tuesday 20 October | 10:00 - 10:45 AM | Teams

Following our Opening Doors event in September, this interactive session will bring employers together to share practical experiences and learn from one another about creating neuro-inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent employees can thrive.

Through case studies and peer discussion, employers will explore the approaches, workplace adjustments and support strategies they have implemented to help neurodivergent employees perform at their best and build successful careers. Participants will have the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of what has worked well, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned along the way.

This peer-learning webinar will examine a range of workplace practices, including recruitment, onboarding, workplace adjustments and management approaches. Attendees will gain valuable insights from organisations at different stages of their neuro-inclusion journey and leave with practical ideas that can be adapted and applied within their own workplace.

Whether you are just beginning to explore how best to support neurodivergent employees or are looking to strengthen existing initiatives, this session offers an opportunity to learn from fellow employers and discover effective approaches that are making a positive impact in workplaces across Northern Ireland.

---

Inclusive Insights: The Seasonal Shift – Strategies to Support Employees to Beat the Winter Blues | Wednesday 18 November | 9:30 - 11:30 AM | In-Person (Venue TBC)

In this two-hour interactive, evidence-based session, we'll explore how winter impacts everyone differently and share simple strategies you can implement to support yourself and your employees to stay well over the season.

About this session

Winter can be a challenging time for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Culture, ethnicity, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities and individual circumstances can all influence wellbeing, energy and a person’s sense of connection during the darker months.

In this two-hour interactive, evidence-based session, we'll explore how winter impacts everyone differently and share simple strategies you can implement to support yourself and your employees to stay well over the season.

What we'll cover:

• Interactive self-assessment for winter blues or Season Affective Disorder (SAD)

• The science behind winter blues, how reduced daylight and the colder months affect mood, energy and motivation

• How winter impacts everyone differently.

• The power of movement, sleep and morning light to support your body clock and boost mood.

• Supplements and key nutrients for winter wellness

• Creating a personalised winter wellbeing toolkit

• Panel Discussion: How to support employees to stay well this winter

The session will be held in-person. You’ll receive a calendar invite with event details following sign-up.

---

If you’re planning to book this session, please note that AI note-takers won’t be permitted. If you need note-taking support for accessibility reasons, we’re more than happy to help – just let us know.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. If you have any specific requirements, feel free to reach out to us in advance at katherine.mcknight@bitcni.org.uk

---

Events are free-of-charge and attendees must be a member of Business in the Community and/or a Diversity Mark Signatory.