EFD Members

Employer Recognition Awards

The Employers' Forum on Disability held a Gala Awards Ceremony on Thursday 22 April 2004 in Belfast City Hall, to announce the winners of the inaugral Employer Recognition Awards celebrating disability best practice.  Over 200 people, representing employers and service providers across Northern Ireland and including guest speakers and dignitaries, were in attendance at the event which was hosted by Lynda Bryans from UTV. 

There were five main award categories, with ten awards presented in total.  A special edition of our Ability First newsletter has been created featuring case studies from all of the 2004 award winners.  Should you wish to obtain a copy please contact the office and we will send one to you.  The winners were as follows:-

Employer of the Year Award

This was the main and most prestigious award of the night.

This award, given to two organisations, one public and one private sector, was based on:

• Outstanding achievement and success demonstrated by an organisation addressing disability issues
• A serious commitment to disability throughout all levels of the business

Winners:- Public Sector, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)

Private Sector, Northbrook Technology

Other shortlisted organisation:

1. Special EU Programmes Body

Best Recruitment Practice Award

Best Large Organisation

Winner:- South & East Belfast Health & Social Services Trust

Best Medium Organisation

Winner:- Ballymena Borough Council

Best Small Organisation

Winner:- Knock Travel

Promoting Disability Awareness Award

Winner:- Hilton Hotel Group

Other shortlisted organisations:

1. Royal Group of Hospitals
2. Craigavon Banbridge HSS Trust
3. Belfast City Council
4. Armagh Dungannon Trust
5. Staff Commission for Education & Library Boards
6. Shopmobility
7. Libertas Solutions

Best Customer Services Award - two winners

Winners:- BT NI 'Age & Disability'

                Queens' University Belfast - Access to Quality

Other shortlisted organisations:

1. Craigavon Borough Council
2. Craigavon Banbridge HSS Trust
3. Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)
4. Shopmobility

Best Participation Award - two winners

Winners:- Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)

                Proteus (NI) Ltd

Other shortlisted organisations:

1. University of Ulster
2. Northbrook Technology
3. Knock Travel Agency
4. La Mon House