13 March 2026
Business Services Organisation (BSO) are delighted to announce that Claire Hamilton (Head of Interpreting Services) won the award for Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the Women in Business Awards in Belfast.
Claire has managed the Health and Social Care (HSC) Business Services Organisation (BSO) Interpreting Service since 2015. The Service, commissioned by the Department of Health, provides region-wide, 24/7 interpreting support to HSC Services and Patients across Northern Ireland. Provision of Interpreters assists HSCNI to provide safe, responsive and person-centred care, demonstrating HSCNI’s commitment to equality of opportunity, inclusion and diversity. Claire’s Team of Staff and Interpreters ensure that language is not a barrier to health care, that Patients can be understood and heard, and that Health Staff have the ability to accurately assess, diagnosis and treat Patients of all ethnicities.
Claire has revolutionized inclusive healthcare in Northern Ireland. Under her leadership, the BSO Interpreting Service has become a lifeline for thousands of patients, ensuring language is never a barrier to safe, person-centred care. By embedding diversity into service delivery, Claire has empowered HSC staff to communicate effectively, reduce clinical risks, and build trust with patients from all ethnic backgrounds. Her strategic recruitment and training of interpreters have expanded access to over 50 languages, driving cultural awareness and compliance with equality legislation. Claire’s vision and dedication have transformed patient experiences and positioned the service as a cornerstone of equitable healthcare.
On her win at the awards Claire said, “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award. It reflects the hard work, dedication and positive impact that the Interpreting Team and Interpreters have made to HSCNI Services and Patient care. I’m proud to share this achievement with them.”
Congratulations Claire. An outstanding achievement!
To learn more about the Interpreting Service, please follow the link: https://bso.hscni.net/directorates/operations/regional-interpreting-service/
