An astonishing 90,000 people were nominated this year for the 13th National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. From these, 125 individuals, groups and organisations have been shortlisted in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
The finalists are extraordinarily diverse in their identities, causes and actions. Group nominations range from a transgender rugby club to a charity supporting older people with pets. Meanwhile, individual nominees include a sock enthusiast on a mission to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and an activist helping LGBTQ+ Afghans.
The winners will be announced at The National Diversity Awards 2024 on October 4th, 2024 at the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
A highlight in the diversity calendar, the National Diversity Awards unite UK citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture. Hailed as the ‘Golden Globes’ of the diversity world, this year’s event will be hosted for the second year running by world-renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE who, in her life and through her work, champions diversity, inclusion and equity.
“I’m honoured and delighted to return as host for these uplifting and inspiring awards. It’s so important to recognise individuals, organisations and charities going above and beyond to unite their communities, making them stronger, safer and happier,” says Clare Balding, CBE (pictured above) “The National Diversity Awards celebrate all that’s good and powerful in an inclusive society and bring much deserved attention to community heroes whose hard work and achievements might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Activist Katie Piper and 4 x Olympian and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Donna Fraser OBE were on this year’s judging panel, dedicating their time to help choose the highly anticipated shortlist in the following categories:
- Positive Role Model: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion
- Community Organisation: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion / Multi-Strand
- Lifetime Achiever
- Celebrity of the Year
- Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Diverse Company of the Year
Among the winners will be charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways. But who will be named the best of British diversity?
“Diverse communities are the backbone of British society,” says Ian Stuart, Chief Executive at headline sponsor HSBC UK. “We are incredibly proud to be the headline sponsor of the 2024 National Diversity Awards, helping recognise individuals and groups who are making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion across the UK. We look forward to celebrating the incredible role models and change makers nominated this year.”
Alongside HSBC UK are the following proud sponsors: Direct Line Group, Amazon, BT, The Open University, Auto Trader, OVO, Lush and Manchester Airports Group.
“These Awards honour the unsung heroes transforming lives and perceptions through their unwavering commitment,” says Paul Sesay (pictured above) CEO of Inclusive Companies, and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “They also serve to inspire the next generation of diversity advocates to be courageous, take a stand and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The full list of finalists is as follows:
Positive Role Model Award – Age
Fredi Nwaka, Seren Otters, Richie Bow-Grace, Ava Joliffe, Rossino Griffin, Lauren Wyatt, Theo Sankson, Lisa Mason
Positive Role Model Award – Disability
Simon Mckeown, Nicola Jayne Little, Joshua Hoskins, Bradley Riches, George Tappenden, Louise Farrington, Clarke Reynolds, Alex Partridge
Positive Role Model Award – Gender
Jess Rad, Mary Doyle, Abigail & Donna Otchere, Tania Stevenson, Errol Murray, Dawn Thornber, Jenni Stuart, Amy Bevington
Positive Role Model Award LGBT
Lucy Clark, Steven Braines, Sab Samuel aka Aida H Dee, Tom Payne, Bradley Baines, Katie Neeves, Pank Sethi, Pliny Sooccoormanee
Positive Role Model Award – Race, Faith, Religion
Taylor Mirkarimi, Raj Randhawa, Tashi Brown, Dharmesh Mistry, Sachin Patel, Nazim Ali, Aisha Thomas, Jonir Ali
Community Organisation Award – Age
SPACE Hertfordshire, SAFEquestrian, Cinnamon Trust Cornwall, #E Project, icandance, Reach Family Project, WCHG Youth Team, The K.A.Y.A.K.s Charity
Community Organisation Award – Disability
neurodiversikey®, Happy Smiles Training CIC, InclusAbility, 53Two, Level Best Enterprises, Natural Breaks Ltd, The Autistic Community of Cornwall CIC, The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis CIC
Community Organisation Award – Gender
CyberWomen Groups C.I.C, Refugee Women Connect, Endeavour project, Believe, OPOKA CIO, TechUp, Waves Wahines CIC, Amadudu
Community Organisation Award – LGBT
Leeds First Friday, G(end)er Swap, Transmanian Devils RFC, FunnyBoyz, Radical Weavers, Cornwall Pride, Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), Bristol Butch Bar
Community Organisation Award – Race, Faith, Religion
BAMRef Referee Support Group, Anime & Chill, Black Cultural Archives, Wolverhampton Grammar School Diversity Champions, BE.Xcellence CIC, Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics CIC, Africa Oye, Karoy Foundation
Community Organisation Award – Multi Strand
MyCWA, Migrant Leaders, Future Leaders UK, Ace Programme, Banburyshire Advice Centre, Safety Centre, Mortal Fools, Gateway 978
Entrepreneur of Excellence Award
Adrien & Pierre Gaubert, Victoria Emslie, Nic Ponsford, Ross Laing, Shada Lambert, Simon Sansome, Helen Cooke, Ian & Sue Rainford
Diverse Company Award
Brit Insurance, British Transport Police, Princes Group Ltd, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thames Valley Police, LinkedIn, Merseyside Police, AMS, Arla Foods, Bridgend College
Celebrity of the Year Award
Paddy Pimblett, Louise Thompson, Sam Thompson, Felix Mufti, Rylan Clark, Adele Roberts, Nikki Fox, Carol Vorderman MBE, Ashley Cain, Alex Scott MBE
