The 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/songwriter Conleth Kane.
Gregory Mallon, Team Manager and LGBT+ Regional Lead at Lloyds Banking Group NI, has been a driving force in bringing the network to Northern Ireland, along with other founding members. Speaking after the event, he said:
“I am incredibly proud to bring FuSIoN’s mission to Northern Ireland, where our goal is to promote and drive the inclusion of LGBT+ professionals across the financial services industry. 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.
“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.”
Nine Northern Ireland banks were present at the launch, including First Trust Bank, Ulster Bank and Lloyds Banking Group.
Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank said: “Embedding diversity across our organisation helps us to be the best that we can be in our thinking, our decisions and our outcomes. At First Trust Bank, our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve, so we are extremely proud to be a part of the FuSioN family.”
Sandra Wright, Senior HR Business Partner, Ulster Bank said:
“At Ulster Bank we are passionate about creating a workplace where people feel comfortable being their true selves, knowing we’ll support them. We are delighted to be part of FuSIoN to share best practice and learn from other Financial Services organisations to help drive LGBT+ inclusivity across our industry.”
Jim McCooe, Lloyds Banking Group Ambassador for Northern Ireland added:
“At Lloyds Banking Group, we know how important it is that the Group is a place where everyone feels able to be their true self. Allies have a critical role to play in creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces and have been key to advancing fair treatment and inclusion of LGBT+ colleagues.”
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.
Pictured in the foreground is: Gregory Mallon, FuSIoN N.I and Lloyds Bank; Niall Devlin, Bank of Ireland UK. Pictured in the background Left to Right is: Heather Stewart, First Trust Bank; John O’Doherty, The Rainbow Project; Kerry Hinks, Bank of Ireland UK; Johnny Cox, Bank of Ireland; Kelly Clifford, First Trust Bank; Kirsty Mulholland, Bank of Ireland UK; Shirley-Ann McGoran, Ulster Bank and Conleth Kane, singer/ songwriter.
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