In association with ITV News, The National Diversity Awards have recently opened this year’s nominations, but who will be crowned the best of British Diversity?

ITV News is working in conjunction with the National Diversity Awards to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels. Organisers are expecting an influx of entries with winners being announced at the breathtaking Liverpool Cathedral on 25th September.

Rachel Corp, Acting Editor, ITV News said:

“We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others have made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in our society. We look forward to introducing the 2020 nominees to our viewers across the regions and nation.”

Able Magazine are also supporting the awards, as they have done since 2013. This year, Able Magazine editor, Tom Jamison has been welcomed onto the judging panel. He said:

“I’m really honoured and excited to be given such a responsibility. Every year I’ve presented awards to people and organisations doing great things for the disability community. To be part of the judging panel is going to be hard work but a real privilege”.

A record breaking 28,000 people nominated last year alone, and as nominations for the 2020 National Diversity Awards are underway, previous award winners encourage the nation to recognise those from underrepresented communities.

Paul MacAlindin, Artistic Director, Musicians in Exile, said:

“Winning a National Diversity Award honoured the whole asylum and refugee community in Glasgow. For our most marginalised musicians to be projected into the limelight, and embraced by Britain’s Diversity tribe, lifted everyone’s spirits.”

The Josephine & Jack Project, previous winners of the Community Organisation Award for Disability hailed the awards for raising awareness and providing a vital platform for their cause.

“We were delighted with all the press and TV coverage we received – and honestly that is the gift that keeps on giving in terms of profile for our little charity. We contacted Sally Phillips directly after the awards and we are delighted to announce she is now a patron for Josephine & Jack. We’d definitely recommend getting yourself nominated for a National Diversity Award. Even if you’re not shortlisted or as lucky as us to win an award, each and every stage from nomination to the final awards ceremony is a chance to talk to a wider audience about the great work you do.”

With the ever increasing need for cohesion between communities from all walks of life, The National Diversity Awards is sure to deliver its grandest celebration of diversity.

The iconic awards has also attracted a growing list of endorsements from celebrities who are actively supporting the diversity agenda including, Sir Lenny Henry, Stephen Fry and Katie Piper, and have recently announced returning sponsors Direct Line Group and Nielsen.

Emmerdale actor, Ash Palmisciano has joined a powerful line up of judges who will help whittle down the nominees in time for the shortlist announcement in June.

“There are so many inspiring people working hard and doing extraordinary things to make positive changes in our world and they really deserve to be recognised.” Ash commented. “I’m looking forward to hearing about all the fantastic and much needed work happening across our country and I’m extremely proud to be a part of such an inspirational night.”

The pioneering awards have paid tribute to over 700 grass root charities and diversity champions since its inception. Paul Sesay, CEO & Founder, The National Diversity Awards said:

“As we enter our ninth awards season, The National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family. We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year”.

Nominations will close on May 18th – To nominate, please visit www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate