NIE Networks has developed enhanced policies for their employees aimed at promoting and safeguarding a fair and inclusive workplace – including dignity in the workplace, shared parental leave, flexible, agile and home working.
The company has introduced new guidance documents in areas such as menopause, fertility, breast feeding and post-partum depression. These were all developed through strong engagement with employees many of whom have had these personal experiences.
Supporting this has been a focus on gender diversity, for which NIE Networks is accredited with the Bronze Diversity Charter Mark by Diversity Mark NI.
Diversity Mark NI has commended the company for a range of “innovative initiatives” – including their Female Circuit networks to support, help and encourage females across the organisation, and their female mentor programme, delivered by a panel of 16 women in senior leadership roles.
Diversity Mark NI has also recognised “real improvements in the female representation at Senior Manager, Line Manager and Graduated/Apprentice levels” – with a notable 46% increase in female representation within the company’s Senior Leadership Team recorded in recent years.
Year-on-year as part of a focussed outreach programme NIE Networks is seeing an increase in promotions and applications from women. Women now account for 21% of the company’s graduate intake, 15% of their technical apprentices and 25% of their current Electrical Engineering Scholars.
The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is enhanced further through a range of valued external partnerships – including Women in Business NI, Business in the Community NI, Skills NI and the Sisters In programme. NIE Networks also undertake a programme of careers outreach events and communications in primary, secondary and grammar schools across Northern Ireland, aimed at showcasing the diverse range of career opportunities for all within NIE Networks.
“Women now account for 21% of the company’s graduate intake, 15% of their technical apprentices and 25% of their current Electrical Engineering Scholars.”
