The Diversity Mark accreditation is a mark of progress that allows organisations to demonstrate to their own people, as well as clients, a commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The framework has been designed to help businesses set up realistic targets and actions plans, which are then ratified by an independent panel that also provides feedback and support.

As part of the submission, TLT demonstrated significant progress against three gender-focused targets, which the firm will be building on by committing to two new gender targets and developing two new areas of focus, race and social mobility.

TLT is the first organisation to achieve the accreditation on its first application and joins 13 other businesses in Northern Ireland accredited Silver.

In 2021, TLT launched a new robust ED&I strategy, which has seen the firm introduce a number of people-focused initiatives including a flexible approach to working, new family-friendly benefits, employee networks (including LGBTQ+ and a BAME network), and mental health and wellbeing champions.

Earlier this year, TLT reached 31 per cent female partnership bringing the firm a step closer to achieving its target of 33 per cent by 2025.

Nuala Murphy, director at Diversity Mark, said: “Congratulations to TLT on achieving the Silver Diversity Mark accreditation in recognition for their progress and ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“The independent assessment panel noted that TLT are passionately pushing in all the areas it is addressing, showing a true commitment to improvement. We look forward to continuing this challenging, but exciting journey with you, in the years ahead.”

Katharine Kimber, partner and Belfast location head, said: “This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and builds on everything we’ve achieved in the last couple of years in Belfast and now, more widely across the firm.

“Naturally, we’ve got a way to go, but achieving the Silver Diversity Mark is positive part of that journey, as we strive for even more in the diversity space at TLT. I’m looking forward to continuing on and being a part of that journey in the next few years.”