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The National Diversity Awards: Champions of Change Networking Event!
July 15 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Date: 15th July | Location: HSBC UK, 1 Centenary Sq, Birmingham B1 1HQ | Time: 11.00 – 15.00
Join us for an inspiring afternoon at the Shortlist Showcase Networking Event, hosted in partnership with National Diversity Awards headline sponsors HSBC UK, as we celebrate the incredible individuals shortlisted for this year’s National Diversity Awards.
Now in its 14th year, the National Diversity Awards honours the UK’s most impactful role models, community champions, and organisations driving change in the fields of equality, diversity, and inclusion. This exclusive event brings together past and present nominees, judges, sponsors, and inspirational leaders from across the country.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Conversations: Hear from powerful keynote speakers and take part in an engaging panel discussion on championing change.
- Meaningful Connections: Network with fellow nominees, judges, sponsors, and Inclusion trailblazers in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
- Celebration of Impact: Recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes and visionary changemakers shaping a better, more inclusive society.
- Summer BBQ: Weather permitting, enjoy a relaxed and delicious BBQ hosted by HSBC UK in their stunning outdoor space.
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, spark collaboration, and celebrate the power of diversity.
Please note: This event is complimentary for invited guests, with limited availability. Early registration is advised to avoid disappointment.
We can’t wait to welcome you to this special celebration!
Itinerary
11.00 – 11.20
Delegate Arrival & Registration
Professional Photographer: Don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to capture your best self! A professional photographer will be on-site, ready to transform your moments into stunning, high-quality images. Come prepared to strike a pose and leave with a picture you’ll love!
11.20 – 12.00
Welcome & Introductions
Hosted by Samantha Renke | actress, presenter, disability activist, inclusion and equality consultant and keynote speaker
Coral Taylor | Head of Inclusion | HSBC UK
Paul Sesay | Founder & CEO | The National Diversity Awards
Round Robin Exercise: We’ll kick things off with a fun round-robin introduction activity to help everyone get to know each other.
12.00 – 12.45
Panel session chaired by Samantha Renke: Champions of Change: Reflections from Winners and Sponsors
Coral Taylor | Head of Inclusion | HSBC UK
Anna Barnett | Service Operations Manager at OPOKA, Community Organisation Gender recipient
Dr Tony Lloyd | Lifetime Achiever recipient, NDA judge, former CEO of the ADHD Foundation
Pliny Soocoormanee | Positive Role Model LGBT recipient, Human Rights Activist, Executive Officer at The Peter Tatchell Foundation
Alex Ahmet | Talent Acquisition Manger at BT | Sponsor of the Positive Role Model Award for Disability
12:45 – 13:00
The Liverpool Signing Choir
Get ready to be inspired! The Liverpool Signing Choir is a vibrant, inclusive group of performers who bring music to life through British Sign Language (BSL). Known for their energy, passion, and powerful performances, they’ve wowed audiences across the UK — including at the London 2012 Olympics! Today, they’re here to show that music is for everyone. Don’t just watch — join in, sign along, and feel the rhythm in a whole new way!
13.00 – 14.45
A ‘get to know each other’ lunch, refreshments & networking
Should the weather allow HSBC will host a fun and relaxed BBQ, where we’ll enjoy delicious food and great company in a vibrant setting!
Connect with influential leaders, change-makers, and advocates from a broad spectrum of diverse communities including some of this years and last year’s nominees, sponsors and judges. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, ideas, and strategies for fostering positive change, and recognise the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
14.45 – 15.00
Closing Remarks