An astonishing 90,000 people nominated this year alone and the results are finally in for the National Diversity Awards (NDA), with 120 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide.
Hailed as the Golden Globes of the diversity world, The National Diversity Awards will be hosted by world renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE (pictured below)
“I’m so looking forward to hosting these awards and giving everyone the chance to celebrate the substantial achievements of our fabulously diverse community across a whole range of industries, businesses and charities,” says Clare Balding, CBE. “It’s an important spotlight on those who make the world a better place for the full rainbow of society.
Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 15th September. Amongst those being honoured are 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?
Direct Line Group, Auto Trader and United Utilities have recently been announced as sponsors of the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to thousands of 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.
Louise Bailey, I&D Accelerator atOVO Energy said: “We are proud to support the National Diversity Awards and recognise positive role models and organisations who are leading the way when it comes to inclusion. This allows us to celebrate all the wonderful people dedicated to building belonging and recognise their work so that we can thank them and learn from them.”
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.
“Once again, I’m humbled by the sheer number of nominations we have received for individuals, groups and organisations showing outstanding commitment to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion.” says Paul Sesay (pictured above) CEO of Inclusive Companies, and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “These Awards aim to celebrate the unsung heroes who are changing perceptions and lives through their dedication and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, they seek to inspire the next generation of diversity champions to be brave, stand up and make a difference to their communities.”
The full list of shortlisted nominees is as follows:
Positive Role Model Age:
J Grange, Angel Farley, Joshua Stunell, Raga D’Silva, Ciara McCarthy, Steve Kipps, Chloe Me Just Me, Zachary Knight
Sponsored by
Positive Role Model Disability:
Ted Morris, Keisha Adair Swaby, Dave Steele, Ruth Spurr, Dan Harris, Ceri Davies, Dave Kelly, Nicola Carey-Shine
Sponsored by
Positive Role Model Gender:
Sylvia Mac, Sobiya Jawaid, Jodie Hughes, Samantha Hiew, DJ Mystikle, Bushra Ahmed, Lee Chambers, Victoria Oldham
Positive Role Model LGBT:
Lucy Clark, Joel Mordi, Dr Helen Webberley, Matthew Hodson, Charlotte Galloway, Dave Moreton, Ioannis Ntanos, Oliver Clark
Positive Role Model Race, Faith, Religion:
Mrs Sukhdev Kaur Reel, Jawad Qamar, Yetunde Adeshile, Marcell Edwards, George White, Antonio Ferreira, Naomie Praise, Rev. Steve Chalke
Sponsored by
Community Organisation Age:
Autistic FC, You Can Community Club, Out Together, Tia’s Crown, Whizz-Kidz, The Sensory Place, 2BU Somerset, Conscious Youth CIC
Community Organisation Disability:
ADHDadultUK, International Mixed Ability Sports, Changing Places UK, StedyChefs Learning Centre, Diversity & Ability, Neurodiverse Community Catterick, The SPACE Group Manchester, Ability Today
Sponsored by
Community Organisation Gender:
Women in Academia Support Network (WIASN), Leeds Dads, Va Va Womb, Listen Uplift Vent CIC, Her Game Too CIC, Dope Black Women CIC, Boys in Mind, The Lucy Rayner Foundation
Community Organisation LGBT:
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline, The Justin Fashanu Foundation, Trans and Non-Binary Best Practice Guidance Working Group, Diversity Role Models, London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, Pride & Progress, Everton Together, Squirrel Friends
Sponsored by
Community Organisation Race, Faith, Religion:
Muslimah Sports Association, Oasis Open House, Movema, Afro Leads, Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN), Pointe Black, Black Voices Cornwall, Mindwalk Yoga
Community Organisation Multi Strand:
Round 4 Round, STEMunity, Stomping Ground, Happy Healthy You, Stepping Up CIC, Young Brent Foundation, Hebburn Helps, Wye Gymnastics and Galaxy Cheerleading
Entrepreneur of Excellence:
Lyndsay Watterson, Sophie Watkinson, Liz Barnes, Simeon Quarrie, Nadine Campbell, Nate Macabuag, Gemma McCall, Jennifer Lake
Sponsored by
Diverse Company:
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, HSBC, Barts Health NHS Trust, Oracle, HCA Healthcare UK, MSD, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundations Trust, Kantar
Celebrity of the Year:
Lewis Capaldi, Yasmin Finney, John Barnes, Christine McGuinness, Tom Daley, Alex Scott, Alan Shearer, Joshua Patterson
Sponsored by
Lifetime Achiever:
Martin McKay, Andrea Jessop, Robert Groves, Wayne Bellamy-Wright, Zita Holbourne, Dr Amo Raju, Rob Keetch, Ranjana Bell MBE
