The Opening Doors initiative will help Northern Ireland employers to implement and improve their inclusive employment practices.
Business in the Community (BITC) has launched the Opening Doors initiative. This initiative identifies five key commitments to unlocking employment opportunities that ensure jobs are accessible to all. Opening Doors aims to change business behaviours and provide a comprehensive support programme for organisations committed to ’opening the doors on all floors’ in companies.
Employ underrepresented groups
The underrepresented groups that will be supported by the Opening Doors initiative include
- multigenerational talent
- people from ethnically-diverse backgrounds
- refugees
- people with convictions
- disabled people
- people who are neurodivergent
Five key commitments to inclusivity
By signing up to the campaign, employers commit to at least one action across five key commitments within the Opening Doors blueprint
- Create partnerships that connect untapped talent to your jobs
- Show candidates that you are committed to inclusion
- Use comprehensive job adverts with inclusive language
- Focus on the skills needed to do the job versus qualifications
- Prioritise accessibility and eliminate bias
The five commitments have been developed in consultation with a broad range of charities that support the underrepresented groups targeted by the campaign.
Why get involved in Opening Doors?
Businesses will be provided with a programme of support, developed in consultation with a broad range of charities that support the disadvantaged groups targeted, and can avail of BITC-led webinars, connected events, toolkits, and best practice case studies.
Who can get involved?
Opening Doors is open to businesses in Northern Ireland of any size and from any sector.
Become an Opening Doors employer
There is no cost to becoming an Opening Doors employer.
Read further details and sign up to become an Opening Doors employer.
First published 6 March 2025
