NI Charity in Running to be Top UK Employer

BCM (Belfast Central Mission) has been named as one of nine companies and organisations from across the UK in the running to be recognised as the top employer in its category.

The Investors in People (IIP) Awards celebrate organisations and individuals from around the world across various organisational, people, wellbeing, and leadership categories. Each year, hundreds of organisations from the UK and abroad battle it out to take home one of the sought-after accolades to showcase their commitment to investing in their people.

BCM has made the final shortlist for the UK Employer of the Year (Silver) in the medium sized company or organisation category. This recognition comes after winning the Silver IIP ‘We invest in people’ award in 2020.

Nicky Conway, BCM’s Chief Executive, said:

“We were delighted to achieve the Silver accreditation from IIP last year during the height of the pandemic. We put ourselves forward for assessment and secured the award, thus demonstrating our commitment to investing in our people at this challenging time.

“People are at the heart of everything that BCM does and full credit for this IIP shortlisting must go to our entire staff team who have continued to deliver excellent services with compassion, dedication and professionalism despite operating in the most difficult of circumstances”

Awarded to only 20% of the organisations assessed by IIP, a Silver accreditation recognises the active efforts being made by BCM’s people and leaders to ensure consistency and balance, allowing everyone in the organisation to benefit.

Gayle McGurnaghan, BCM’s Head of People and Organisational Development, said:

“BCM has close to 20 projects and more than 150 staff working in communities across Northern Ireland every day. The delivery of our services would not be possible without our staff, and we will continue to invest in the development of our workforce in this regard.

“Over the last 18 months there has been a marked rise in the demand for support services across our residential and community-based projects. In response to this demand, we are holding an information and recruitment evening for those interested in a career in social care to learn more about the myriad of services we provide.

“Our continued investment in our workforce serves to demonstrate that we value each and every member of staff who, throughout the pandemic, have shown unstinting loyalty and commitment.”

The winners of the IIP awards will be announced at an online ceremony on the 23rd of November 2021.

Belfast Central Mission was founded in 1889 as a response to inner city social issues and now operates almost 20 social care and housing projects across Northern Ireland, ranging from early years care to housing support for young people, families, and older people, including two care homes in east Belfast and Millisle.

For more information and to register for the upcoming recruitment information evening (with sessions at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30pm) on Tuesday, 12th of October at the Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards, visit www.belfastcentralmission.org or search ‘BCM Recruitment’ on Eventbrite.