A Belfast based provider of global talent which outsources advisory services has been awarded the Silver Diversity Mark from awarding body Diversity Mark NI. The award recognises the organisations commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and follows a number of initiatives launched by the business to achieve this status. AMS (formerly Alexander Mann Solutions Solutions), provides services including a maternity / paternity programme to support working parents back into employment, a mentoring programme and a number of awareness initiatives such as Pride events and diversity inclusion days.

The ‘Diversity Charter Mark’ will demonstrate that organisations are committed to building a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Their mission statement is simple. They will deliver diversity & inclusivity across organisations by addressing, in the first instance the gender imbalance that exists in Northern Ireland.

Diversity is a reality created by individuals and groups from a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences. It is extremely important to support and protect diversity because by valuing individuals and groups free from prejudice and by fostering a climate where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic, we will create a success-oriented, cooperative, and caring community that draws intellectual strength and produces innovative solutions from the synergy of its people.

Marcella McKeever, Head of the Belfast Global Client Service Centre at AMS commented on the award:

“Having previously been awarded the Bronze Diversity Charter Mark for our gender diversity and inclusivity actions, AMS took action to drive new diversity targets across the business, which included addressing disability and social mobility in the workplace. In addition to continuing to champion our initiatives across our gender diversity objectives, our aim is to become a Disability Confident Employer and provide an impact on our communities by accessing and progressing talent from all socio-economic backgrounds with the aim of improving social equality in our workplace. We believe that a diverse, equity and inclusive workforce is not only the right ethos to have but crucial to the development and success of our people.”

Christine White, Head of Diversity Mark added:

“We are thrilled that AMS have been awarded the Silver Diversity Mark in recognition of their progress and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our independent assessment panel congratulated AMS on their proactive and positive approach with excellent progress demonstrated against their Gender Diversity targets. They were also commended on their new focus and commitment to addressing Inclusion for people with Disabilities and their worthwhile work around Social Mobility in the workplace. We congratulate everyone at AMS on their innovative and progressive approach and we look forward to supporting them on their Diversity and Inclusion journey over the coming years whilst they maintain the highly robust Silver Accreditation and strive towards the Gold Diversity Mark.”

The mark will help the company stand out amongst others for the good values in the services it provides. Since the award is for diversity, this will mean that they cater for people no matter what age, gender or ethnicity they are. This will help build a more equal society which is very much needed in the world today. No body should be discriminated against due to their age, gender or ethnicity.

Over the next three years, Diversity Mark NI aim to have enough companies and organisations signed up so that it will become the norm rather than the exception for all significant organisations to carry the mark. This will help promote a drive equality through mainstream society and ensure that as few people as possible are excluded because of their values or beliefs.

In being recognised for the work they do and the values they believe in, the company can now continue to provide services which benefit the all of society and don’t discriminate against anyone. This will help us build a more equal society in which everyone can get along with each other.