A GROUP of banks in the north have joined together to launch a new initiative aimed at promoting the inclusion of LGBT+ professionals across the financial services industry.
The Financial Services Inclusion Network, (FuSIoN) for Northern Ireland was launched on Thursday night and follows creation of the origianl organisation in the Republic by key players in the financial sector back in 2017.
The Belfast launch, which was hosted by Bank of Ireland UK, focused around the theme of ‘Inclusion and Allyship’ and represents FuSIoN’s first steps in promoting a more supportive community for LGBT+ financial professionals across Northern Ireland.
The event included a number of speakers from member banks including; Bank of Ireland UK, Halifax, Ulster Bank, First Trust, Citi, PWC, Ernst & Young and Barclays, along with a panel discussion and a performance from celebrated singer Conleth Kane.
Gregory Mallon, team manager and LGBT+ regional lead at Lloyds Banking Group in Northern Ireland said he was "incredibly proud" to help bring FuSIoN to the north.
"I see FuSIoN as a place where members of our sector’s community can grow and learn from one another to support others to become the best they can be," he said.
“We will do this through meetings with all networks, quarterly events and encourage the sharing of best practices between member banks. I want to say a huge thank you to our 15 member firms who have been incredibly supportive and hands-on in driving this initiative in Northern Ireland. Further banks are in the process of joining the initiative so I look forward to seeing how the group develops and grows here.”
Ian Sheppard, Managing Director NI, Bank of Ireland UK added:
“We are honoured to have hosted the launch of FuSIoN Northern Ireland. This is a vital initiative that represents significant progress towards a more inclusive working environment in the financial services industry.
“At Bank of Ireland UK our purpose is to enable our customers, colleagues and communities to thrive and it’s important that we reflect the diversity of our customer base and foster a safe and inclusive culture for all of our colleagues. We are proud to be working with each of the member organisations to make the Northern Ireland financial services sector a great place to be for our LGBT+ colleagues.”
A total of nine Northern Ireland banks were present at the launch, including First Trust Bank, Ulster Bank and Lloyds Banking Group.
To find out more about FuSIoN’s work or to get involved, email gregory.mallon@lloydsbanking.com or check out the group on Twitter @Fusion_NI.
