A record breaking 72,000 people nominated this year alone and the results are finally in for the National Diversity Awards (NDA), with an astonishing 126 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide.

Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral once again on 16th September 2022 for the 11th annual National Diversity Awards.

Amongst those being honoured are charities, campaigners and activists from all walks of life, but who will be named the best of British diversity?

Direct Line Group, Kantar and The British Army have recently been announced as sponsors of the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to over 1,100 grass root groups and diversity champions since its inception. ITV News are also listed amongst a host of companies showcasing their support to recognising diverse talent, providing a platform to our unsung heroes.

Helen Robinson, D&I & Community Engagement Manager, Auto Trader UK, said;

“We are delighted to partner with the National Diversity Awards for another year and celebrate the magnificent people and community groups that are making the UK more diverse and inclusive. We want to recognise their efforts, share their stories far and wide to encourage others to support their work as well as inspire them to take action”

Designed to highlight the country’s most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA’s continue to gain endorsements from high profile figures such as Sir Lenny Henry CBE and Graham Norton. Activist Katie Piper, Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano and Paralympic Gold Medallist Danny Crates were on this year’s judging panel, dedicating their time to help choose the highly anticipated shortlist.

The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker, said;“If ever there was a time to unite and celebrate the best of British diversity, it is now. It’s so important to recognise the achievements of role models and community organisations across the UK and provide a platform to vital causes that don’t receive the praise that they deserve!”

Previous winners include Black Girls Hike Founder Rhiane Fatinikun, domestic abuse charity WAVES Counselling Project, and actor Warwick Davis. 

Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards added, “What an incredible year it has been for nominations, we received more than ever before showcasing the UK’s role models in all their glory. Producing this shortlist was extremely difficult due to the vast amount of invaluable work being carried out. The UK has truly embraced the spirit of The National Diversity Awards by uniting through adversity to create a host of incredible initiatives. The profound impact made by all our nominees is life changing, and I feel humbled to know that so much goodness is all around us.

After weeks of deliberating and thousands of heartfelt testimonials later, I am delighted to finally present to you with our finalists. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees, it is an honour to recognise your fearlessness, resilience and humanitarian efforts with the rest of the world. Let’s continue the fight for justice, unity and equality for all”.

The full list of shortlisted nominees is as follows:

Positive Role Model Age: Tanya Marwaha, Alison Cope, Marcus Wilton, Helen Coppins, Max Woosey, Isabelle Kirkham, Tony Hudgell, Melissa Grace McComas

Positive Role Model Disability: Jessica Logan, Sophie Butler, Conor O’Kane, Lucy-Marie Phillips, Evie Meg, Sebbie Hall, Lyla O’Donovan, James Hunt

Positive Role Model Gender: Hannah Wilson, Stu Bratt, Jayne Little, Jeewan Kala Gurung, Miranda Rae, Gamal Turawa, Samantha Gould, Chanel Morrison-Jolley

Positive Role Model LGBT: Sarah Cosgriff, Jim Dolan, Surg Lt Cdr Mike Hill, Chichi Monroe, Jaide Foster-Howarth, Nate Ethan Watson, Gina Battye, Lewis Hancox

Positive Role Model Race, Faith Religion: Dianne Greyson, Alisha Standing, Issa Farfour, Josh Preye Garry, Uzochi Nwaosu, Alyson Malach, Amrit Singh, Dionne Da Costa

Community Organisation Age: Tuition Extra, Cards for Bravery, Kidz4Kidz, The Grand Health Living Centre, Be The Change Youth Project CIC, Amberleigh Care, Aberdeen Linking Lives, Smithswood Access to Services and Support

Community Organisation Disability: ALS ARC, Mushroom Theatre Arts, The Disability Union, Owl Blue, Shine 21 Dorset Down Syndrome Buddy Club, The LUNA Project, The Positivitree, SEND Socials Birmingham CIC

Community Organisation Gender: Elect Her, Independent Domestic Abuse Services, Survivors Manchester, The Evergreen Project, Women’s Engineering Society, 50:50 Parliament, Endometriosis South Coast, Mthwakazi Queens

Community Organisation LGBT: Traveller Pride, Sarbat LGBT+ Sikhs, Spiritual Lesbians and Wellbeing, The Queer Parenting Project, Rainbow Toffees, Wolverhampton LGBT+, Leeds GIS’s Gender Outreach Workers, Steph’s Place UK

Community Organisation Race, Faith, Religion: GIN UK, The Three Hijabis, Ramadan Tent Project, Himaya Haven CIC, Operation Black Vote, Surrey Gypsy Traveller Communities Forum, Intermission Youth Theatre, Medway Culture Club

Community Organisation Multi Strand: The Lee Cooper Foundation, ReportOut, Bradford 4 Better, Mula Cake Kids Club CIC, Be Kind Movement, Music 4 Children, Speak Out Revolution, Colourful Beginnings

Entrepreneur of Excellence: Cheryl Robson, Richard Keane, James Adeleke, Pamela Aculey, Dexter Simms, Lyndsay Watterson, Omair Mahmood, Andrew Dalhouse

Diverse Company: MSD UK, Avast, AMS, NatWestGroup, HSBC, Kantar, Dunelm, Shropshire Fire Rescue Service, NSPCC, Heathrow Airport

Celebrity of the Year: Melanie Brown MBE, Ashley Walters, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Sir Lenny Henry, Lady Leshurr, Jake Daniels, Natalie Phillips, Dr Alex George, Liz Carr, Stormzy, Dame Kelly Holmes, Frankie Bridge

Lifetime Achiever: Claire Mooney, Deborah Penny, Dr Tony Lloyd, Pamela Hutchinson OBE, Anna Kennedy OBE, Jonathan Hassell, Jayne Hughes, Abhnash K Bains

Winners will be announced at The National Diversity Awards 2022 on September 16th. For more information, visit: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk