Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody (ALG) has become the first company in Northern Ireland to announce a partnership with Platform55, the organisation focused on creating more inclusive workplaces for parents.

ALG said that through the partnership, Platform55 will offer a programme of live workshops, group coaching and expert sessions to ALG’s Belfast office, including bespoke management training sessions for the firm’s leadership team and tailored sessions for working parents, delivered by experienced facilitators both on site and virtually.

ALG said it will also benefit from a wealth of resources, how-to guides and checklists for managers and employees through Platform55’s online membership platform.

Gregory Martin, diversity partner at ALG’s Belfast office, explained that the partnership will form a key strand of the firm’s commitment to being an employer of choice for working parents.

“This new partnership with Platform55 is a further demonstration of ALG’s drive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace for our current and prospective employees,” said Martin.

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“We see this as an important opportunity to provide support around some of the key challenges facing any working parent today, be it balancing the demands of work and home, or returning to work after parenting leave, for example.

“We are committed to embedding a culture where all working parents are supported and encouraged to succeed in their careers in parallel with managing family life,” Martin added.

“Our partnership with Platform55 will see our 18 partners in Belfast trained in providing ongoing support to employees who are parents – including before, during and after parental leave – as well as having empathetic conversations around sensitive matters such as miscarriage, fertility and other family matters.”

Platform 55 co-founder Michelle O’Keeffe commented: “From the outset we’ve been impressed with ALG’s commitment to creating an inclusive culture for parents right from the very top. 

“Navigating the tricky tightrope of balancing work and home isn’t always easy, but with the right support we believe individuals can have both a fulfilling family life and career.”

ALG’s Belfast office is also backing a scheme aimed at supporting social mobility and increasing diversity in the legal profession. Partnering with Aspiring Solicitors, the firm will deliver a mentoring scheme throughout 2022 aimed at developing participants’ confidence, awareness and understanding of what is required to become a lawyer in NI.

Platform55 resulted from the merger of Parenting Institute and Mumager which collectively have over 20 years’ experience working across all sectors. Other clients include AXA, Irish Life, Ornua, Matheson and Merit Medical.

Meanwhile, Vodafone Ireland has today announced new fertility and pregnancy policies that include extended leave for those dealing with fertility treatment and pregnancy loss as well as their partners.

The company has also altered its maternity leave policy, offering the same maternity leave for surrogacy.

CEO Anne O’Leary stated: “This announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting our employees through all life stages. We know the road to parenthood may not be easy, and so we have developed these additional policies for our employees here in Ireland.

“Our approach encompasses both the highs and lows, ensuring we are there for our employees through fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, surrogacy as well as maternity and parental leave. Inclusion for all is a key pillar of our purpose and by creating these enhanced policies, we hope to build a culture of openness and break down the stigma associated with fertility treatment and pregnancy loss.”

Main photo (l-r) Greg Martin, Sarah Dugdale, John Tougher of A&L Goodbody Belfast.