Monday 12-11-2018 - 13:30

One of the UK's most anticipated diversity awards celebrations will be held on November 15th and Bristol SU has been announced in the shortlist for the 2018 ceremony. 

Throughout the year, there are some individuals who work tirelessly to remove barriers and put diversity at the very heart of everything they do. This year, on November 15th, the recently rebranded Inclusive Companies Awards (Formerly the Excellence in Diversity Awards) will once again celebrate those who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of others in workplaces and communities around them. 

Bristol SU has been shortlisted for the Diversity Marketing Campaign of the Year, primarily for work on the Bristol BME Powerlist, but also for supporting students to deliver campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion within their community.
Samantha Budd, Bristol SU Chief Executive, has also been shortlisted for the Diversity Champion Award for the Education Sector. She was the first black female Chief Executive in any Students’ Union in the UK and was recognised by the student movement with the 2018 Simpson King Staff Achievement Award.

Sally Patterson, Equality, Liberation and Access Officer at Bristol SU said:
“The University of Bristol in increasingly attracting a more diverse student body and Bristol SU is responsive to that. Being shortlisted for these awards shows that the SU, under Sam’s leadership, is providing a space where students and staff can thrive.”

This elite pick and mix of diversity ambassadors will gather in Manchester at The Midland Hotel - reuniting a spectacular array of equality leaders. A panel of judges including Andy woodfield - PwC, Pamela Hutchinson - Bloomberg, and Dianah Worman OBE recently gathered to finalise the widely anticipated shortlist. 

The Inclusive Companies Awards are also working in partnership with the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers. The first and only index of its kind, the definitive list of the nation’s most inclusive companies will be unveiled at the ceremony with top ranking organisations receiving accolades for the Diverse Company Award within their respective sectors. 

With the increasing richness of diversity in Britain, the Inclusive Companies Awards recognise employers that unite workforces and challenge discrimination, applauding those for their fight against inequality. 

Alison Lowe, CEO of Touchsone, the UK’s most inclusive employer said; 
“Diversity is not just something employers ought to do; it is something we must do if we are to recruit and retain the best staff and maintain an edge on the competition. The Inclusive Companies Awards celebrate the best in great diversity and inclusion practice whilst also recognising those special employers who go that extra mile to make their staff feel engaged. The awards also showcase individuals who have led on inclusion – often without thanks or understanding of the many barriers people might face. I am delighted to be a judge once again for these prestigious awards and am looking forward to honouring those whose selfless devotion to fairness and justice sets them apart.” 

Paul Sesay, CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Companies Awards and National Diversity Awards, added; 
"In difficult and challenging times, using the talent of a diverse workforce is more important than ever. Considering the diversity of your workforce and fostering an inclusive working environment can bring business benefits and provide a market advantage.” Sesay continues, “The Inclusive Companies Awards continue to be an exceptional way to celebrate the courageous actions of individuals and organisations, who are already striving for inclusion. Let's celebrate the tremendous feats of our incredible shortlisted nominees, Congratulations to all!" 

There is no doubt that the impact made by this prominent array of diversity patrons is unprecedented. Winners will be announced at The Midland Hotel, Manchester on November 15th. 

To view the full list of shortlisted nominees, please visit: www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/awards/shortlist