Events

The National Diversity Awards – a prestigious black tie event, which celebrates the excellent achievements of grass- root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work. Charities, role models and community heroes will be honoured at the ceremony showcasing their outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion; thus embracing the excellence of all our citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture. The concept for the National Diversity Awards arose when The Diversity Group identified an urgent need for more positive role models to be actively promoted, with the aim to empower and inspire the wide breadth of diverse communities across the UK. If ever there was a time to celebrate and elevate the truly staggering diversity of talent the UK has to offer, it is now – opportunities are thin, and deprived communities need motivation and inspiration. These awards are for people who inspire other individuals through their work, through their commitment to helping others, through their infectious personalities and through adversity.

 

Inclusive Companies is delighted to partner with Auto Trader UK to deliver a dynamic event in honour of Black History Month. We would like to formally invite you to attend this exclusive, invitation only occasion. Auto Trader is the UK’s largest automotive marketplace for buying and selling vehicles and is a passionate advocate of the diversity agenda. The company invests in their employees and work tirelessly to ensure their diverse teams are supported, that they feel included and inspired. As part of their ongoing diversity strategy, Auto Trader has partnered with Inclusive Companies to create more BAME allies and to lead in the campaign for pioneering change. With Black History Month approaching, we take this crucial opportunity to celebrate, recognise and value the contributions and life experiences from individuals and groups within BAME communities as well as inspire Non-BAME counterparts to become BAME allies. What is a BAME ally you may ask? On October 9th, this exclusive event will explore exactly what it means to become a BAME ally and provide audiences with the opportunity to participate in an interactive session as we tackle important topics and questions. Featuring an array of influential keynote speakers who are sure to enthuse our network, the morning will cover vital themes, break down barriers and offer a ‘BAME Experience’ session, covering personal stories and experiences in the workplace. In addition to this, our audience members will participate in a thought-provoking quiz and other immersive experiences. With a delicious menu of ‘food from around the world’ being served following the event, this is an unprecedented opportunity to network with Business Leaders, Directors, Network Chairs and Community Activists.

About Graeme K Whippy Graeme K Whippy is a consultant who helps organisations become brilliant employers for disabled people, and consequently brilliant employers for everyone. His goal is for employers to become truly inclusive by eliminating the barriers that prevent people – regardless of their differences – enter the workplace and thrive in their jobs and careers. A career in IT starting in the 80s led him to becoming an expert in Digital Accessibility in the early 00s. His work in this field was recognised in 2009 by being awarded Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the UK Financial Sector Technology Awards. In 2010 he wrote the procurement annex for BS 8878, a British Standard on Web Accessibility. Transitioning into a full time disability management role at Lloyds Banking Group in 2010, he become recognised as an expert on matters relating to disability in business and a well-known agent of change. His key achievements included creating an award-winning approach to making workplace adjustments for disabled employees at Lloyds Banking Group, and leading the creation of the Dementia Friendly Financial Services charter whilst representing the UK banking sector on the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge 2012-15. Now an independent consultant, Graeme takes a pan-business approach to helping companies embed best practice on disability and inclusion with workplace adjustments as a core focus. His clients have included Channel 4 Television (where he was their Disability Specialist and created their much lauded free guide for the media sector on employing disabled talent), Viacom International Media Networks, Ofcom, Financial Ombudsman Service, and RNIB where he is Strategic Accessibility Lead. He was a member of the steering committee that formed the government’s Disability Confident scheme and works closely with the Office of Disability Issues and others in the public and private sectors on promoting and extending the scheme, as well as advising on other elements of government support such as Access To Work. Graeme was awarded an MBE in 2016 for his services to people with dementia and disabilities.

On Thursday, November 28th 2019, a collection of the nation’s most inclusive organisations & diversity influencers will gather at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate to honour those that lead in diversity, inclusion and fairness in all aspects of diversity. The Inclusive Companies Awards is the only awards ceremony that rewards organisations for harnessing a truly diverse workforce, thus recognising the significant efforts of organisations nationwide that excel in their commitment to equality and inclusion across all strands of diversity. The awards will cover excellence in all areas of diversity including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion, as well as highlighting diverse employers and employees across a wide variety of sectors including housing, public, private, charity and education. The Inclusive Companies Awards will illustrate some of the nation’s most inclusive organisations, gathering each year to recognise those that lead in equality, diversity and fairness, in all aspects of business.