The awards, organised by Employers for Childcare, recognise employers who assist their employees to achieve a balance between their work and family lives.

Nominations will be opened next month in four categories: Public Sector Organisation; Large Private Sector Company; Small Medium Enterprise/Micro Business; and Charity/Social Enterprise.

Maxine Orr, head of the firm’s employment department, said: “Workplace equality can only improve if we support parents and give them, regardless of their gender, an incentive to return to work.

“A diverse and happy workplace is a productive one therefore it should be recognised and rewarded - this is exactly what the Childcare Voucher Scheme and the Family Friendly Employer Awards promote.”

Ms Orr will serve on the judging panel, joining Colin Jess, director of Social Enterprise NI; Gavin Walker, editor of Business First; Julie Taylor, MD of Integrity NI; and Jeanette Harrison, senior lecturer in human resource management at Ulster University.