The second Member Accreditation has taken place, which lasts for a three year period.  This involves a detailed audit completed by members covering a wide range of employment and service-related issues.  It is a challenging process for members to achieve accreditation.  The audits were analysed by EFDNI staff and we are delighted that 11 employers have achieved accreditation, with four obtaining Member of Excellence status.  Congratulations to all those who participated in this audit.  They demonstrate an ongoing high level of disability commitment and good practice for employees and service users.  A summary report will be drawn up and circulated to members to enhance learning, assist in benchmarking and encourage good disability practice.

Thanks to Daniel Fitzpatrick of Comerton and Hill Solicitors, Belfast for his work as an independent auditor during this process.

Members of Excellence (scored 90% or more on audit):

Belfast City Council

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Queen’s University

Ulster University

Accredited Members (scored between 70% and 90% on audit):

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

BBC Northern Ireland (absent from photograph)

CCEA

Dept of Enterprise Trade and Investment

NI Housing Executive

OFMDFM

Ulster Supported Employment Ltd

Our member representatives who received Member Accreditation with our Chair, Catherine Christy (centre)

From left: Dr Michael Wardlow – Equality Commission for NI, Lorna Parsons – LGSC (event sponsor), Dr Stephen Farry MLA – Minister for Employment and Learning, Catherine Christy – Chair EFDNI and HR Manager, Belfast City Council

Photo below left: Legal Advsor to EFDNI, Dan Fitzpatrick, Partner, Comerton and Hill Solicitors, who verified the accreditation process, with Dr Stephen Farry MLA and Catherine Christy

Tony Earley retires as Board Member after 24 years of service