Achi news desk-
The annual event is a measure of how much progress is being made in the effort to give everyone equal opportunity.
This year’s judging process is now open and applications are being sought from businesses of all types as well as third sector organizations and educational institutions that have taken great strides to reduce barriers, ensure a level playing field and make their operations fairer and more effective.
The Herald & GenAnalytics have long worked together to raise the profile of diversity issues and already in 2024 they have started the Diversity Dialogues, a series of round table discussions across the country where ideas and practical solutions are shared across many different types of organizations. .
The aim is to unite the pioneers with those who have just started the journey in order to give encouragement and accelerate the change. That is also the role of the Diversity Awards, which not only recognize the great work that is already happening, but also encourage individuals and organizations to take a close look at their operations and identify where improvements can be made.
This year the judges will be looking for their Diversity and Inclusion Champions in small to medium and large organisations, businesses and charities, hoping to find evidence of active policies for promoting diversity and a strong track record of recruiting and retaining individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The winners in these categories will have demonstrated commitment and leadership as well as a coordinated approach with the aim of incorporating diversity and inclusion across their organisations.
The judges will also look at schools, colleges, universities and researchers for outstanding examples of Diversity Through Education where there is clear evidence of impact and achievement.
In the Diversity in Sport award, sponsored by sportsScotland, the aim is to find examples of where the power of sport has been used to drive inclusion forward, with examples where there has been an increase in participation amongst target groups.
The most outstanding examples of reaching out to a targeted audience will be explored in the Diversity Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Arnold Clark, where the message, reach and results of efforts to change mindset or practice will be compared in an effort to determine which which has had the greatest impact.
Lynne McBurney, People Group Director, Arnold Clark, said: “At Arnold Clark we understand that our differences make us stronger and we recognize the importance of creating an inclusive and nurturing work environment that welcomes everyone. That is why we are very proud to sponsor this award and to help shine a light on those organizations that display those values in their field.”
There will also be recognition for one individual who has taken it upon themselves to promote diversity and inclusion in their workplace or community, with a Diversity Hero of the Year, sponsored by Diageo, while the Diversity in the Public Sector award will highlight the achievements of one branch from the public sector where significant progress has been made either in terms of providing services to clients or within the organization itself.
One award will celebrate Diversity in the Third Sector or the Charity Sector, while the Design for Diversity category will celebrate the efforts of an organization of any size or sector that has kept diversity and inclusion at the forefront of delivering a project in Scotland and r Diversity in Net. -The Zero Leadership award, sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland, will recognize outstanding progress by organizations involved in the bid to help Scotland meet its targets on reducing carbon emissions by 2045. Applicants will have to this category demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their approach to skills, culture and organizational development, or through a contribution to the development of a wider sector.
And also on the night, the Lynne Connolly Achievement in Diversity Award, sponsored by abrdn in memory of their late Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, will go to an organization or individual with an outstanding record of championing the cause of equality.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 31 May at 6pm and applications can be made online at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/the-diversity-awards/
