Inclusive employment pathway opens paid roles at ICC Belfast
Mount Charles Group launches initiative to support people facing barriers into paid employment
Mount Charles Group has launched a new inclusive employment pathway aimed at helping people who face barriers to work into paid employment.
The scheme, a partnership with Stepping Stones NI, employs staff at ICC Belfast, a client organisation of Mount Charles. It has recently recruited six employees as part of the cleaning team, with several more appointments set to follow in the coming months. All recruits will be supported to settle into frontline roles and build confidence over time.
The pathway is aimed at people who can find it harder to access employment, including disabled people, those furthest from the labour market, ethnic minorities and others who need additional support.
The programme builds on the strategic partnership between Mount Charles and Stepping Stones NI, launched last year, which created a co-designed Employment Academy that prepares candidates for real vacancies and guarantees an interview at the end of each programme.
ICC Belfast was selected as the preferred site for the expanded rollout due to its established relationship with Mount Charles and the venue’s ability to provide consistent, day-to-day support on the ground.
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, is passionate about serving the local community and providing fair access to good jobs.
“We need talented people to deliver great events, and we want more people to have a genuine opportunity to join our team,” he said.
“This partnership puts support in place from day one, and we’re already seeing the difference, with six new colleagues now in post.”
Mark Dorman, Group Learning and Development Manager at Mount Charles Group, said the initiative is about creating real opportunities, with the right support to help people succeed.
“ICC Belfast has the culture to make this work, while Stepping Stones NI brings specialist expertise that helps colleagues settle in and thrive,” he said.
Simon Alexander at Stepping Stones NI said they champion meaningful, paid work for people with disabilities, additional needs and others who face barriers to employment.
“The focus is on ability, supported by tailored training and job coaching to help people progress,” Simon said.
“This partnership offers a clear route into a paid job, with ongoing support to succeed.”
With a busy period ahead, ICC Belfast, Mount Charles Group and Stepping Stones NI plan to grow the pathway over the coming years, including exploring routes into additional event roles. As of March 2026, Mount Charles has placed 19 applicants in roles across the Group, highlighting its commitment to partnering with social enterprises
L-R: Simon Alexander, Employment Services Manager, Stepping Stones; Elizabeth McComb, ICC Belfast cleaning team, Mount Charles; Gavin Annon, CSO, Mount Charles; Rob McConnell, CEO, ICC Belfast; Lee Agnew, ICC Belfast Contracts Manager, Mount Charles; Mark Dorman, L&D Manager, Mount Charles and Declan Walsh, ICC Belfast Cleaning Team, Mount Charles
