The award recognises the University’s commitment to advancing gender diversity, and the progress made at Queen’s in gender, race and disability equality, and its ambitious plans to do more in these spaces.

Nuala Murphy, Interim Head of Business, Diversity Mark said: "We are delighted that Queen’s University Belfast have been awarded the Silver Diversity Mark in recognition of their progress and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion and we congratulate all the team on this very significant achievement.

The independent assessment panel noted their submission included many considerable strengths and evidenced an ambition in the organisation to strive for further excellence in diversity and inclusion. We look forward to them continuing their progressive and innovative initiatives moving forward."

The Diversity Charter Mark accreditation is awarded to organisations following an independent assessment process which ensures they have reached the required standard of commitment and continuous progression to advancing Diversity and Inclusion.

It is also a visible commitment of an organisation’s commitment to building and supporting a more diverse and inclusive workplace for all employees.

Queen’s is one of only 10 organisations to achieve the Silver Diversity Mark sharing a platform with other leading employers such as Belfast City Council, Danske Bank, FinTru and Liberty IT.

Speaking about the award, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said:

"We are committed to ensuring that Queen’s University is a welcoming and inclusive place for our staff, students and visitors. We are extremely proud of the diversity of our staff, students and community and of the work that continues to be done by them to embed equality and inclusivity at our University.

Our 2030 Strategy places significant emphasis on the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. It resonates with our students, our staff and our focus on internationalisation, positive culture change and sustainability.

This award will also ensure that we continue to hold ourselves to a high standard of achievement in this important area and continue to attract the students and staff from around the world to study, research, work and live in Belfast."

Professor Karen McCloskey, Director of Queen’s Gender Initiative said:

"The Silver Accreditation reflects significant progress since the University was awarded Bronze almost three years ago. This award not only reflects the progress made at Queen’s on gender, race, and disability equality, but also recognises our ambitious plans to do more in these spaces."

Conor Curran, Head of Diversity and Inclusion said:

"We are delighted to be one of only 10 employers in Northern Ireland to have achieved Silver Award status now.

It reflects the significant progress which has been made since we were awarded Bronze almost three years ago, and the important work by carried out by many colleagues on campus, in various faculties, schools and directorates.

It also gives us added determination to push on and address many other equality and diversity issues over the next few years."

For more information on progressing gender equality at Queen’s please visit the Queen’s Gender Initiative website.

For information on Diversity and Inclusion at Queen’s, including the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (2020), please visit the Diversity and Inclusion Website.

Alternatively, follow the Diversity and Inclusion Unit on Twitter @QUBEqualDiverse for information on upcoming events and other activity.