Diversity Champions and Inclusive Employers shortlisted for Pioneering Diversity Awards
Throughout the year, there are some individuals who work tirelessly to remove barriers and put diversity at the very heart of everything they do.
This year, on May 12th, The Excellence in Diversity Awards will once again celebrate those who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of others in their communities and workplaces around them.
Thomson Reuters are just one of the brands supporting a sky fall of inclusive talent – diversity champions, inclusive employers and pioneering campaigns from all aspects of diversity have been shortlisted for this year’s ceremony.
An overwhelming amount of nominations were received paying tribute to inspirational individuals and diverse companies nationwide, that have showcased their incredible achievements to the equality agenda.
This elite pick and mix of diversity ambassadors will gather in Leeds at The Queens Hotel – reuniting a spectacular array of equality leaders.
A panel of judges including Andy woodfield PwC, Miranda Wayland ITV, and Dianah Worman OBE gathered to finalise the widely anticipated shortlist. The full list of finalists are as follows:
Diverse Company Charity: Touchstone, Action for Children, St Mungo’s Broadway, Disability Equality North West, Family Mosaic
Diverse Company Education: The University of Manchester, The University of East London, The University of Aberdeen, Royal Holloway, University of London, Manchester Metropolitan University
Diverse Company Housing: Orbit Group, Merlin Housing, London & Quadrant Housing Trust, RCT Homes, Trust Housing Association
Diverse Company Private: British Airways, Simmons & Simmons, Allianz, Connect Group, Asda, Thomson Reuters
Diverse Company Public: Leeds & York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Air Force, Transport for London, South Wales Police, Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Diversity Champion Charity: Wendy O’Carroll – Ups and Downs, Sarah Ismail – Same Difference, Maurice Ostro OBE – Collaboration House, Christine Locke – Diversity House, Mohammed Zafran – All 4 Youth & Community CIC
Diversity Champion Education: Benjamin Ackim – Sports City London Ltd , Neil Coad – Weston College, Shaun Dellenty – Inclusion for All, Anna Kennedy OBE – AnnaKennedyOnline, Rev. Chris Howson – The University of Sunderland
Diversity Champion Housing: Tim Seward – Circle Housing Group, Brenda Metcalfe – Anchor, Tim Sigsworth – The Albert Kennedy Trust, Graham Welch – London and Quadrant Housing Trust, Paul Doyle – London Housing Trust
Diversity Champion Private: Dean Ridgewell – Empiric, Joanna Abeyie – Shine Media, Claudine Adeyemi – Mishcon de Reya LLP, Victoria Silverman – Thomson Reuters, Fay Sharpe – Zibrant
Diversity Champion Public: Shirley Farthing – St Andrew’s Healthcare, Megan Key – National Probation Service, Ellie Ablett MBE – Royal Navy, Tara Hewitt – University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Chief Superintendent Kerrin Smith – Durham Constabulary
Head of Diversity & Inclusion: Marcel Vige – Mind, Siobhan Corria – Action for Children, Janet Hill CBE – UK Civil Service, Jiten Patel – The Open University, Sarah Maskell MBE – Royal Air Force
Employee of the Year: Emma Jones – Big Lottery Fund, Modupe Adefala – Mitie, Katie Shaw – Asda, Gary Zetter – Mitie, Katie Whittam – Big Lottery Fund
Diverse Marketing Campaign of the Year: Transport for London – 100 Years of Women in Transport, Freedom To Donate Campaign, Bolton CVS – Breastfeeding Friendly Bolton Campaign, EDF Energy – Pretty Curious Campaign, Scope – End The Awkward Campaign
Best Diversity Resource: PwC, Aspiring Solicitors, Talent Media, HMRC, Bernard Matthews
Outstanding Diversity Network: Mott MacDonald Advance Network, L&Q Spectrum Network, Dell’s MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) Network, Legal Aid Agency Diversity Champions Network, Warwickshire Police & West Mercia Police Diversity Delivery Group
Lifetime Achiever: Professor Uduak Archibong MBE, Karin Woodley, Ann Norris, Brenda King MBE, Kevin Bowsher
The exclusive awards ceremony will applaud the extraordinary contributions of those that have gone above and beyond their corporate social responsibility, tackling issues internally and externally to influence change in the field of equality and diversity
Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the Excellence in Diversity Awards said “There is still so much to change and fight for, but the Excellence in Diversity Awards continue to be an exceptional way to celebrate the courageous actions of individuals, companies and organisations, who are already striving for inclusion. Let’s celebrate the tremendous feats of our incredible shortlisted nominees, Congratulations to all!”
The event is definitely one to mark down on your calendar and provides recognition for excellence regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, faith, religion and culture.
ITV News Presenter Charlene White will take to the stage to host the evening, stating “It’s an absolute pleasure to be presenting The Excellence in Diversity Awards this year. I’ve worked alongside many organisations over the years with the aim of improving the level of diverse faces and talent in our workplaces. So it’s great to be part of the awards. Congratulations to all of this year’s shortlisted nominees, I look forward to meeting and celebrating you on the night!”
CIPD, PwC and ITV are amongst those supporting the campaign to reward organisations that operate across all aspects of diversity.
There is no doubt that the impact made by this prominent array of diversity patrons is unprecedented. Winners will be announced at The Queens Hotel Leeds on May 12th 2016.
To view a full list of nominees please CLICK HERE