After another inspiring Belfast Pride on Saturday, I have been reflecting on the importance of events like Pride and the role they play in bringing people from different parts of our community together.
This weekend, I was delighted and moved to see a crowd of around 75,000 people. I was marching and dancing alongside 150 members of our LGBTQ+ network, ‘Proud at Deloitte’, and allies from our Deloitte community. You might have seen us in a sea of colour through the city centre, with banners celebrating identity and inclusion.
Taking part in Pride each year is more than marching in solidarity — it’s a reminder to the community about how far we have come together and how far we have yet to go. I’ve been thinking back to Pride from 30 years ago, when it was a markedly different experience compared to today. But it’s incredible how it continues to grow in strength and love every year — and it is undoubtedly the highlight of my calendar each year.
As someone who has championed diversity and inclusion throughout my career and has watched the parade grow every year, I am encouraged by the way attitudes are changing and how companies are making community and inclusion a priority. One of my proudest moments in my career at Deloitte and in business was in 2018 when, together with other companies in Northern Ireland, we called for the introduction of the equality marriage act.
When businesses prioritise creating inclusive environments that value diversity, they are also investing in their communities. And the benefit of building a greater connection with your people has a knock-on effect of attracting top-tier talent and delivering excellent work.
Read more
I know from my professional experience that having a range of perspectives in a team helps everyone to challenge preconceptions and embrace new ideas. For Deloitte, this is really valuable to help us develop more innovative solutions for our clients. At its core, our business is about human interaction, and making sure everyone feels included and supported is central to everything we do.
Employers across Northern Ireland are recognising the benefits that a diverse team brings to their business. They have realised that to attract top talent of a younger generation it has become increasingly important to demonstrate that you are walking the walk on diversity, equity and inclusion, and not just paying it lip service.
This is going to be increasingly important as we welcome new generations into the workplace. This year, Deloitte’s GenZ and Millennial Survey found that 90% of young people in the UK said it is very important to them that their employer shares their values and ethics. And many would consider leaving if they don’t measure up to their expectations, explaining that not being aligned would lower their workplace satisfaction and wellbeing.
It’s part of my remit to make sure we’re doing all we can so that everyone feels able to be their true authentic self at work and reaches their full potential.
Our diversity networks play a huge part in helping to create this inclusive workplace environment. All of our staff receive training and have access to resources that help give them insights into the lived experiences of colleagues from under-represented groups. I have no doubt that our commitment to diversity and inclusion was a key contributor to Deloitte being listed in this year’s Sunday Times Best Places To Work list.
Colleagues in our Proud network make it clear how important allyship is, and I am always incredibly proud myself to see people from all backgrounds supporting the rights and wellbeing of their LGBTQ+ colleagues at Pride marches across the UK and Ireland.
Pride in Belfast is a joyful event. But for those employers who take part, it must be about more than just marching in solidarity — it’s about making a real, tangible commitment to enhancing our community as a whole.
Jackie Henry is UK managing partner for people and purpose and office senior partner for Belfast at Deloitte