The National Diversity Awards
The National Diversity Awards is an awards ceremony which honours positive role models, entrepreneurs and community organisations across several different strands within the equality and diversity sector. It is held annually in various venues across the United Kingdom.
Founded by current CEO, Paul Sesay, who is also the founder and CEO of I Spoil U Media, The Diversity Group and The Excellence in Diversity Awards, The National Diversity Awards launched in 2012.[1]
The National Diversity Awards 2015 took place at The Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool on the 18th September 2015.[2]
Award Strands and Categories
The awards are honoured to individuals, charities and community organisations across five different strands: Age; Disability; Gender; LGBT; and Race, Faith and Religion.
The National Diversity Awards consist of the Positive Role Model award, the Entrepreneur of Excellence award, the Community Organisation award, the Diverse Company award and the Lifetime Achiever award.
The Positive Role Model and the Community Organisation award categories are split across each of The National Diversity Awards’ five strands, whilst the Community Organisation category also consists of a multi-strand award.
The Entrepreneur of Excellence award "recognises individuals who have best demonstrated managerial expertise in assembling resources, creating an organisation, decision making under uncertainty, being forward looking, and creatively solving problems." [3]
In addition to this, the Diverse Company award is an individual honour which recognises a company’s commitment to encouraging “people from the most deprived areas to further their careers” [3]
The Lifetime Achiever award is another individual honour which recognises a person’s “significant, innovative and cumulatively outstanding contributions to enhancing the practice of equality and diversity, devoting a major portion of their professional career to the cause." [3]
Nominations and Judges
Nominations for the National Diversity Awards typically run between January and July of each year, with the awards being held later in September.
The National Diversity Awards are judged each year by leading figures in diversity across the United Kingdom. Judges include Jane Czyzselska of DIVA, Dr. Rob Berkeley MBE of Runnymede Trust, Theresa McHenry of Microsoft, Yazir Mirza of The Guardian, Heather Melville of RBS, Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE and Mark Shrimpton of Disability Rights UK, who participate in an evaluation of nominees. Their recommendations for winners in various award categories are announced annually at the National Diversity Awards ceremony.[3]
Hosts
2012 saw the launch of The National Diversity Awards and was hosted by Irish television presenter and winner of the second series of Big Brother, Brian Dowling.
In 2013, Dowling was invited back to host the awards and was joined by co-host and CBeebies presenter, Cerrie Burnell, who was previously a celebrity patron of the event in 2012.
Dowling and Burnell were the official hosts of The National Diversity Awards 2014.[4]
In 2015, Dowling was invited to yet again host the awards and was joined by co-host and ITV presenter, Charlene White.
Venues
The National Diversity Awards are hosted in a different venue across the United Kingdom each year. The Awards launched at The Midland Hotel in Manchester on 21 September 2012,[5] before moving to The Queens Hotel in Leeds on 20 September 2013.[6] The Awards were then taken to the city's capital where the 2014 ceremony was held in The Hurlingham Club in London on 26 September.
The National Diversity Awards 2015 took place in The Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool on 18 September.
Celebrity Patrons
Since its launch in 2012, The National Diversity Awards has attracted support from several celebrity patrons who either represent or support the equality and diversity sector.
Amongst The National Diversity Awards celebrity patrons are contemporary R&B and hip hop artist, Misha B,[7] Peter Tatchell;[8] wheelchair Paralympic Quad double Gold medallist, Peter Norfolk OBE; Paralympic Gold medallist, cyclist and former swimmer, Jody Cundy;[9] Paralympian volleyball player, Claire Harvey; stars of Channel 4 television documentary, My Transsexual Summer, Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham [10] and Lewis Hancox;[11] and transsexual beauty queen, Jackie Green.[12]
Television presenter, Cerrie Burnell, was also a celebrity patron of The National Diversity Awards before taking on co-hosting duties with Brian Dowling in 2013.
Celebrity Endorsers
The National Diversity Awards has received a number of endorsements from celebrities across the United Kingdom, including Stephen Fry, who said:
“The UK is becoming more and more diverse. It is valuable that a national event is being held to celebrate our differences. Even now in today’s modern society we are still tackling issues of prejudice and discrimination so it is important to come together and focus on those who have demonstrated an outstanding work ethic in order to enhance equality, diversity and inclusion. I am sure The National Diversity Awards will have nothing but a positive outcome for years to come, I wish the event every success.” [3][13]
R&B and soul singer, Beverley Knight, is also an endorser of The National Diversity Awards, who supported the event by saying, “I love the idea that there is an awards ceremony that celebrates our differences and their positive effect on all our lives.” [3][13]
Other celebrities to give public backing towards The National Diversity Awards include Brian Blessed,[8] Katie Piper,[2] Trevor Nelson, Meera Syal,[14] Gareth Thomas,[15] Javine Hylton, Gina Yashere, Saira Choudhry, Lemar, Ross Adams, Philip Olivier, Tessa Sanderson, Chris Boardman, Ade Adepitan,[7] Danny Crates, Karen Darke, Sarah Storey,[13] Barney Storey [16] Lenny Henry, Tom Daley, Ashley Walters, Letitia Hector, Alex Beresford and Amal Fashanu.[3][7]
Sponsors, Media Sponsors and Associates
The National Diversity Awards has been supported by current headline sponsor, Microsoft, since its launch in 2012.[17]
Other organisations to have supported The National Diversity Awards through sponsorship include The Diversity Group, I Spoil U Media, Lloyds Banking Group, MI5 Security Service,[18] Penna plc, The Army, PwC, Barclays, London School of Academics, Liverpool City Council, Mouchel/Kier Group, Financial Ombudsman Service, The Open University, Transport for London, ThoughtWorks, Riverside Housing, Easy Internet Solutions,[19] Veredus, PSS, Cardiff School of Education, Merseyside Police Authority, The Co-Operative, Sky, The Excellence in Diversity Awards and Q Hotels.
The Awards have also been supported through several media sponsors including Gaydio,[20] Gay Star News,[18] The Voice (newspaper), Asian Lite, Gay Times and Able Magazine.[2]
Associates and judges of the Awards have included Platform 51, The Fawcett Society, Runnymede Trust, DIVA, ENEI and Disability Rights UK.[16]
History
The National Diversity Awards was founded by current CEO, Paul Sesay, who launched the awards in 2012. It is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise and honour individuals and organisations for their achievements within the equality and diversity sector.
2012
The first ceremony was held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester on 21 September 2012 and was hosted by Brian Dowling. The Awards were held in association with Microsoft, with entertainment from Esco Williams, and first series semi-finalist of The Voice UK, Ruth Brown.
2012 winners
- Positive Role Model Age: Michael Burton
- Positive Role Model Disability: Liam Mackin
- Positive Role Model Gender: Bekezela Nsingo
- Positive Role Model LGBT: Paris Lees
- Positive Role Model Race: Zita Holbourne
- Community Organisation Age: Northampton Youth Forum
- Community Organisation Disability: Disability Online
- Community Organisation Gender: Amadudu
- Community Organisation LGBT: MindOut
- Community Organisation Race: Anthony Walker Foundation
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Age: Julie Robinson, founder of Move it or lose it
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Disability: Dom Smith, founder of Soundsphere Magazine and co-founder of Disabled Entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Gender: Sheila Singh, founder of London School of Academics
- Entrepreneur of Excellence LGBT: Tris Reid-Smith, co-founder of Gay Star news
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Race: Mark Esho, founder of Easy internet Services and Solutions
- Diverse Company: The Co-operative Group
- Lifetime Achiever: Peter Tatchell
2013
The 2013 Awards were held in association with Microsoft at The Queens Hotel in Leeds on 20 September and were hosted by Brian Dowling and Cerrie Burnell. The night’s main entertainment came from Misha B, who is also a patron of the event, whilst Sol Campbell presented the Lifetime Achiever award. The National Diversity Awards 2013 was later televised on The Community Channel courtesy of Sky on 8 November 2013.[1][21]
2013 winners
- Positive Role Model Age: Aaron Anderson
- Positive Role Model Disability: Rachel Gadsden
- Positive Role Model Gender: Vivienne Hayes
- Positive Role Model LGBT: Grace Cardozo
- Positive Role Model Race, Faith & Religion: David Michael
- Community Organisation Age: Bristol Older Peoples Forum
- Community Organisation Disability: Taking Flight Theatre Company
- Community Organisation Gender: West End Women and Girls Centre
- Community Organisation LGBT: Birmingham LGBT
- Community Organisation Race, Faith & Religion: UK Black Pride
- Community Organisation Multi-Strand: Chase against Crimes of Hate
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Age: Carly Ward
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Disability: Dave Thompson MBE
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Gender: Jessica Elliott
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Race, Faith & Religion: Jessica Huie
- Diverse Company: Farnell element14
- Lifetime Achiever: James Partridge OBE
2014
The 2014 Awards were held in association with Microsoft at The Hurlingham Club in London on 26 September. The ceremony was hosted by Brian Dowling and Cerrie Burnell. The evening’s main entertainment came from Lemar, whilst former paralympian, Ade Adepitan, presented the Lifetime Achiever award. The evening also contained appearances from Adam Hills and Alex Brooker. The National Diversity Awards 2014 was later televised on The Community Channel courtesy of Sky at on 21 December 2014, 26th December 2014 and on 30 December 2014.
2014 winners
- Positive Role Model Age: Mohammed Zafran
- Positive Role Model Disability: Sarah Chapman
- Positive Role Model Gender: Karen Ingala Smith
- Positive Role Model LGBT: Aderonke Apata
- Positive Role Model Race: Sonia Meggie
- Community Organisation Age: All Sorts Youth Project
- Community Organisation Disability: Shabang!
- Community Organisation Gender: Working With Men
- Community Organisation LGBT: London Friend
- Community Organisation Race: African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust
- Community Organisation Multi-Strand: The Give Em Hope Campaign
- Entrepreneur of Excellence: Rioch Edwards Brown
- Diverse Company: Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Lifetime Achiever: Dilys Price OBE
- Special Recognition Award: Steve Sutton MBE
2015
The 2015 Awards were held in association with Microsoft at The Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool on the 18th September. The ceremony was hosted by Brian Dowling and Charlene White. The evening’s main entertainment came from Revelation Avenue, and MD Productions. Lemar presented the Lifetime Achiever award. The evening also contained appearances from Philip Olivier, Ross Adams and British actor Saira Choudhry.
2015 shortlisted
- Positive Role Model Age: Jake Watts, Bilal Awan, Elly Barnes, Rebecca Parkin, Adnan Davod, Tunji Akintokun, Louise Liddle-McGhee, Nadia Clarke
- Positive Role Model Disability: Simon Green, Oliver Hellowell, Suzie Jones, Monique Craine, Sam Cleasby, Nicola Miles-Wildin, Christopher Malpass, Jonathan Andrews
- Positive Role Model Gender: Cindy Edwards, Polly Harrar, Sonia Bate, Debra Searle MBE, Shane Ryan (social activist), Nat Goldthorpe, Funke Abimbola, Placida Acheru
- Positive Role Model LGBT: Sanjay Sood-Smith, Gary Zetter, Jude Woods, Jake Graf, Kathy Caton, Megan Key, Samantha Truelove, Phil Forder
- Positive Role Model Race: Nathaniel Peat, Vicky Beeching, Myira Khan, Mike Chappell, Phillip Leong, Fred Suadwa, Indy Hothi, Naheed Nazir
- Community Organisation Age: Crosshill School, Active Impact, Include Me Too, Young Identity, North City Play, ACE Aspiration Creation Elevation, Tyler's Trust, Diversity Role Models
- Community Organisation Disability: Focus Liverpool, AnnaKennedyOnline, Havering Dementia Action Alliance, FND Hope, Disability Rocks, ChAPS, CASPA, St Andrews Healthcare
- Community Organisation Gender: JAN Trust, Aurora New Dawn, Saheli, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, Asian Women Mean Business, Nyasa Daughters of Nottingham, Cervical Cancer Support Group, Muslim Women's Network UK
- Community Organisation LGBT: Trans Men Support & Advice UK, No Going Back, Planet London, Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus, Foyle Pride, Mermaids, Broken Rainbow, Out & Proud Diamond Group
- Community Organisation Race: Nubian Jak, Hikmat Devon, 3FF Three Faiths Forum, Polish Expats, Merseyside Network for Change, ArtsEkta, Ujima Radio, UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group
- Community Organisation Multi-Strand: Liverpool Homeless FC, Result CIC, SELF, Buddy Buddy Scheme, Darlington Independent Advisory Group, BollyGOOD, Leeds Beckett Student Union, BCfm Radio
- Entrepreneur of Excellence: Luke Rodgers, Lina Naima, Craig Grimes, Amar Latif, Byron Cole, Stephanie Wright, Justin Edgar, Mavis Amankwah
- Diverse Company: Calico, Staffordshire & West Midlands CRC, Steve Biko Housing Association, Royal Navy, British Transport Police, West Midlands Police, Office for National Statistics, Circle Housing, Contracts IT, Victim Support
- Lifetime Achiever: Liz Kelly, Dr Nasser Siabi OBE, Dr Neville Brown, Jenny Sealey MBE, Marion Aslan, Caron Drucker, Sally Carr, Carol Steele
2015 winners
- Positive Role Model Age: Tunji Akintokun
- Positive Role Model Disability: Oliver Hellowell
- Positive Role Model Gender: Funke Abimbola
- Positive Role Model LGBT: Megan Key
- Positive Role Model Race, Faith & Religion: Philip Leong
- Community Organisation Age: Include Me TOO
- Community Organisation Disability: Havering Dementia Action Alliance
- Community Organisation Gender: Aurora New Dawn
- Community Organisation LGBT: Trans Masculine Support & Advice UK
- Community Organisation Race, Faith & Religion: Ujima Radio
- Community Organisation Multi-Strand: Result CIC
- Entrepreneur of Excellence: Luke Rodgers
- Diverse Company: The Calico Group
- Lifetime Achiever: Dr Nasser Siabi OBE, CEO of Microlink PC
References
- 1 2 "National Diversity Awards 2013 – who will you nominate?". The Open University. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Hurlingham Club to Host National Diversity Awards". Able Magazine. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The Awards Categories". The National Diversity Awards. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "Nominate for the National Diversity Awards!". Gscene Magazine. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "PRESS RELEASE: DISABILITY ONLINE WINS A NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARD". Disability Online. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "West End Women and Girls Centre- Winners of Community Organisation Gender National Diversity Award 2013". West End Women. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- 1 2 3 "National Diversity Awards Shortlist Announced". The Voice Newspaper. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- 1 2 "Nominations for the National Diversity Awards". The-Villager.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "UK Celebrities applaud National Diversity Awards". Able Magazine. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ↑ "National Diversity Awards Announces 2012 Patrons". DIVA Magazine. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ↑ "lewishancox.com/press". lewishancox.com/press. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "UK celebs come out in force to celebrate diversity". Gay Star News. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Celebrities come out in force to support The National Diversity Awards 2012!". Percy Hedley Foundation. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "Nominations open for Diversity Awards". Asian Lite Magazine. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "UK Celebrities Applaud National Diversity Awards". The Yorkshire Times. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- 1 2 "Two Manchester Paralympians praise National Diversity Awards, as nominee shortlist released". Mancunian Matters. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "MICROSOFT SPONSORS DIVERSITY AWARDS IN 2013". Gay UK News. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- 1 2 "British spy service MI5 gets licence to thrill at diversity awards". Gay Star News. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "Sponsorship". Easy Internet Services and Solutions. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "Peter Tatchell Wins Lifetime Achievement Award". DIVA Magazine. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "National Diversity Awards 2013". Community Channel. Retrieved 31 January 2014.