The finalists have been revealed for a major awards event in Huddersfield to encourage people to think about the importance of diversity, equality and how that drives innovation.
The Kirklees Diversity, Equality and Innovation Awards will recognise businesses, organisations, and individuals, covering all aspects of diversity including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion.
Awards finalists will all have made a significant impact locally and are outstanding positive role models to others.
There was a huge response to the awards with nominations coming in from across Kirklees which made for some difficult decisions for the judging panel who were tasked with drawing up a shortlist in each category.
Winners will be revealed at the Kirklees Diversity, Equality and Innovation Conference and Awards on Wednesday, September 21, at Kirklees College.
The finalists are:
Diverse Business
Deluxe Beds
Hive Community Café
Kirklees Library Service
Best Diversity Innovation
Dial Wood Carriage Riding for the Disabled
South West Yorkshire Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust
Sensory World CIC
Public Service
Alex Feather – Creative Minds Co-ordinator Kirklees, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Kirklees Council Local Offer Team
Linda Johnson – Improvement and Relationships Manager, Kirklees Council
Inclusive Third Sector Organisation
Huddersfield Literature Festival
Moonlight Trust
Rainbow Baby Bank
Inclusive Community Project
Chickenley Community Centre Communities Together
Serendipity Creative Writers
Diversity Champion of the Year
Dawn Pearson – Communication, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Martyn Haymons – volunteer for Serendipity Creative Writers
Maysoon Shafiq – Founder and Director, Al Mu’Minun (The Believers)
Outstanding Contribution to Inclusion and Diversity
Noushin Aslam – Founder, Moonlight Trust
Rosie Buxton – Chair, Dalton Together
Tanisha Bramwell – Founder, Bramwell Sports Development Team
Awards and conference co-ordinator Katie Isaacson said: “There has been a fantastic number of entries across all of the categories. It’s great to see such a range of businesses and organisations with diversity and inclusion at their core.
“The panel of eight judges had an incredibly difficult job deciding on our shortlist from such excellent nominations.”
The conference, supported by Kirklees Council, Haddletons legal and business services, Kirklees Active Leisure, Cummins, Syngenta, and Kirklees College, will take place between 10.30am and 3pm on the 21st September and will feature inspirational and informative panel discussions in the morning followed by the awards ceremony in the afternoon.
The conference will be for those involved in diversity, equality and inclusion in organisations or the community with a focus on sharing ideas, best practise, and resources on how diversity can lead to innovation. It aims to support businesses and organisations to create a culture in which everyone, regardless of their background, feels they belong.
This year’s event is being organised by the Kirklees Diversity = Innovation Network a group of businesses and employers in Kirklees who realise that a diverse and inclusive workforce often leads to enterprise and innovation. These range from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, West Yorkshire Police, Huddersfield Town FC, and Kirklees College to large companies such as Cummins Turbo Technologies and Syngenta.
To request a ticket to attend the event, or a virtual ticket visit the event website and complete a registration form. www.kirkleesdiversityandinnovation.com
