Northern Ireland Screen Wins Best EDI Initiative at CIPD NI Awards 2025 for Creative Industries New Entrants Scheme
Date Posted: March 8, 2025
Northern Ireland Screen is proud to announce that it has won the Best EDI Initiative award at last night’s CIPD Northern Ireland Awards for its Creative Industries New Entrants (CINE) programme. The award recognises the exceptional efforts made to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within Northern Ireland’s creative industries.
The Creative Industries New Entrants (CINE) programme was designed to provide access and opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities to enter and thrive within the creative industries. Funded by the Department for Communities and working in partnership with BBC Northern Ireland, the initiative has successfully connected 93 talented new entrants with mentoring, training, and paid employment opportunities across film, television, animation, and games sectors, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
The CIPD NI Awards, held at The Titanic, Belfast, on 6 March 2025, celebrated over thirty of Northern Ireland’s top employers and HR talent, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to shaping better work and working lives across the region.
Paula Campbell, CINE Lead at Northern Ireland Screen, commented on the win:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received the Best EDI Initiative award at the CIPD NI Awards. The Creative Industries New Entrants programme is a vital part of our mission to make the creative industries more accessible and inclusive, offering valuable pathways for individuals who may not otherwise have the chance to break into the industry. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our new entrants, our industry partners and everyone involved in the scheme, and we look forward to continuing to expand opportunities for talent in Northern Ireland’s creative industries.”
This award comes at a time when Northern Ireland’s creative industries are evolving, and initiatives like the CINE programme are helping to drive this progress by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, can participate and succeed in the sector.
The CIPD NI Awards recognise the achievements of organisations that are committed to creating positive change in their workplaces, empowering employees, and contributing to the overall success of the business.
To find out more about the CINE programme check out this video.
