Category: National Diversity Awards

Film-maker, actor and author Jake, is a trans man whose work has had a huge impact on raising awareness about trans issues. His acclaimed film ‘Brace’, which has achieved great success on the film festival circuit globally, is also used in an educational capacity in hospitals. Over the years he has campaigned for LGBT rights and hosted several ‘Stop Homophobia’ and anti-bullying events. He’s also one of the poster boys for Stonewall’s new transgender campaigns, and he speaks regularly at media and film events around the world. Jake also volunteers with ‘All About Trans’, taking part in media interactions with television and press organisations, challenging people’s perceptions and representations of transgenderism. Jake continues to write stories that attempt to ‘normalise’ the trans and queer experience, with a view to bridging gaps and promoting equality on the widest possible scale.

Founded in 1999, Contracts IT has been supporting the corporate and the public sector with technology workforce solutions across the IT talent spectrum. From inception, the company has nurtured a strong identity of appreciating and celebrating difference. They fully support and promote the recruitment of people from under-represented groups protected under the Equality Act 2010. Having promoted fairness within its own recruitment process Contracts IT has, where requested, supported and helped organisations in balancing their workforce diversity and in facilitating cultural change. Founded by leaders with diverse backgrounds themselves, Contracts IT holds a special understanding of building an inclusive workforce and how to create them for their clients. Contracts IT have actively taken the lead to highlight the business case for diversity for SME’s and warrant a platform for their continued improvement across all aspects of diversity.

Director of Mitie, the Technical Facilities Management company, Gary started his career as a 16-year-old Technical Apprentice and didn’t come out until six years ago, when staff gave him the confidence to become a role model for others who might think their progression will suffer because of who they are. He is greatly appreciated by all those who he helps, from BAME people in the engineering field, to women, LGBT individuals and employees in the workplace, where he is considered a true champion of diversity. Gary is Joint Chair for the LGBTQ – Network, ‘Proud to be’, and set up the BAME Network at Mitie to be launched in September 2015. He is also an Advisory Board Member for the Association for Black Engineers, and is the Mitie lead person for the ‘Lives Not Knives‘ Mentoring Scheme. An exceptional amount of nominations and stunning evidence showcase why Gary is a true role model.

Victim Support is the independent charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales. They were set up 40 years ago and have grown to become the oldest and largest victims’ organisation in the world, taking pride in being a diverse organisation enriched by the participation of all individuals and communities. Their services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened. To achieve this, Victim Support ensure non-discriminatory practices are in effect in both employment and service delivery. Selection criteria and procedures are regularly reviewed to make sure that individuals are selected on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Victim Support’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to a programme of action to make this policy effective.

Indy has made a significant positive impact around race/faith topics and understanding in the corporate space, charitable sector and through wider community engagement. He is the leader of a Diversity & Inclusiveness interfaith network for one of the ‘Big 4’ global professional services firm (EY). His leadership and direction has resulted in the EY Sikh Network becoming one of the largest professional faith based Networks in the UK. Indy is also a trustee for a leading international humanitarian aid organisation, Khalsa Aid. He is responsible for the strategy and long term growth of the charity and has inspired more BME youth to get involved with charitable activities. Indy has been actively involved with field projects in Haiti, Bosnia and coordinated emergency relief response after the devastating earthquake in Nepal, which included transporting over 10 tonnes of vital aid to the region.

Dr Neville Brown has worked tirelessly throughout his career in making the lives of children with dyslexia not only manageable, but giving them the confidence to thrive in the world beyond education once leaving his groundbreaking school. The 80-year-old is one of Britain’s most significant figures within his area of expertise – the research and teaching of children with dyslexia. He has dedicated his life to ensuring every child attending Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, in Staffordshire, is given the right tools to succeed in a caring, understanding and nurturing environment while unlocking their abilities. Without the intervention of Dr Brown, many of the one thousand students who have visited the Lichfield school would not have achieved any reasonable standard of education. Dr Brown’s successes are shown through the achievements of former pupils, who have nominated him for this award.

Public Sector worker Megan has been an exemplary role model within the National Probation Service, moving from Probation Officer to Equalities Manager in the Midlands division, where she is now responsible for strategic design and delivery of equality and inclusion for service users and employees. Since choosing to live visibly as a transgender woman three years ago, Megan has been active in highlighting trans issues and promoting acceptance. The impact she’s had on the lives of trans people and members of other minority groups as a result is phenomenal. Dedicated to raising awareness at all levels and throughout the country, Megan volunteers as a trustee for Wolverhampton based charity Gender Matters, she’s works with schools in Birmingham to promote trans awareness, and represents her trades union at the TUC LGBT conference. An incredible role model who thoroughly deserves recognition.

Byron is the founder of The BLC Group, a business consultant/mentor and an award winning entrepreneur. The BLC Group is the umbrella company for a number businesses Byron owns, runs or has a financial interest. The businesses include Property Related Services, Construction Recruitment, Chef Recruitment, Corporate and Personal Branding, Image Consultancy, Employability Skills, National Chauffeur Services, Business Development, Advertising, Marketing, Networking, Consultancy and Mentoring Services. To date, Byron has a proven track record in business, and success stories to boast about. His journey through an array of different businesses has enabled him to specialise in advising individuals and clients through taking the giant step from being employed to running a successful business. Byron’s passion for mentoring and transforming lives and businesses is truly phenomenal.

Chair of Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People, Simon is at the forefront in fighting hate crime against disabled people. Hate crime is recognised across the spectrum – amongst disabled people, the CPS, the Police, local authorities and others, as a viscous tendency that needs to be stopped. On a daily basis, we hear of disabled people being physically abused, having their equipment damaged and even assistance dogs being attacked. Simon’s outstanding efforts are helping to tackle this vile crime and bring enhanced sentences to perpetrators. Well known in the disability movement, Simon’s work on combating disability hate crime in Wales has contributed to several national initiatives tackling this vitally important issue. An active and valued member of the community, Simon has worked selflessly at an unpaid capacity to raise awareness of disability hate crime and leads in this field.

Founder and co-director of the innovative social enterprise Your Future, Your Ambition, Tunji Akintokun inspires children and young adults from ethnically diverse backgrounds into studying STEM related subjects and pursuing careers in STEM-based industries, touching over 3000 school children and students since 2012. Growing up an orphan in the East End of London, it wasn’t until IBM visited Tunji’s school for a career fair that he was inspired to pursue a career in technology. Understanding the importance of what encouraged him at a young age to reach for his dreams, Tunji’s passion for mentoring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds has been truly phenomenal. This sustainable initiative continues to evolve to reach thousands of young people; Over the last 2 years YFYA has taken place at the Emirates Stadium with an average of nearly 700 children attending.