The best of British diversity heroes – many unsung and unseen – have had their work recognised at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. The individuals and organisations named as winners were chosen from over 90,000 nominees and 125 finalists in 15 categories. Their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion was awarded and applauded at the glittering National Diversity Awards event on Friday October 4th
The winners include charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways. Among them are a 12-year-old disability champion, a Mixed Martial Arts personality, an entrepreneur with Down Syndrome, leading dairy food producer and two Windrush pioneers. Local charities supporting elderly people, the LGBTQ+ community and marginalised women also won awards.
“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. It was an honour to join the incredible role models and change makers nominated this year."
Now in its 13th year, the National Diversity Awards has become a celebrated and celebratory annual event uniting UK citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture. The event pays tribute to the work undertaken by a huge array of people, groups and organisations in advancing equality, diversion and inclusion within their communities. Especially at this unsettling time, celebrating the impact of diversity heroes provides a beacon of hope and shows the phenomenal range of good and selfless work being done within our society.
The 2024 National Diversity Awards were 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. “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.”
Alongside headline sponsor HSBC UK, the National Diversity Awards 2024 were supported by Direct Line Group, Amazon, BT, The Open University, Auto Trader, OVO, Lush and Manchester Airports Group.
“The National Diversity 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. “Their invaluable work is bringing many positive changes to our society and I hope they will inspire the next generation of diversity advocates to be courageous, take a stand and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The 2024 National Diversity Awards winners are as follows:
Positive Role Model Age: Rossino Griffin
Positive Role Model Disability: George Tappenden
Positive Role Model Gender: Jess Rad
Positive Role Model LGBT: Pliny Sooccoormanee
Positive Role Model Race, Faith, Religion: Nazim Ali
Community Organisation Age: Reach Family Project
Community Organisation Disability: Happy Smiles Training CIC
Community Organisation Gender: OPOKA CIO
Community Organisation LGBT: Cornwall Pride
Community Organisation Race, Faith, Religion: Karoy Foundation
Community Organisation Multi Strand: MyCWA
Entrepreneur of Excellence: Ross Laing
Diverse Company: Arla Foods
Celebrity of the Year: Paddy Pimblett
Lifetime Achievers: Aurelia Havet (Posthumous recognition) & Clovis Salmon OBE
Media contact for the National Diversity Awards:
Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk / 07787 533143