Hailed as the Golden Globes of the diversity world, the National Diversity Awards (NDA) revealed 2020’s diversity stars at Liverpool Cathedral over the weekend (17 September 2021).
Hosted by presenter Konnie Huq, NDA’s ninth annual event, was finally able to celebrate the best of 2020’s British diversity champions. A whopping 60,000 were people nominated last year alone, with an astonishing 126 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide, as reported. Amongst those commended included a campaign challenging outdated perceptions of Down Syndrome to a programme helping disadvantaged women and girls.
“After a difficult year with many challenges to overcome due to the impact of Covid-19, I am so thrilled to finally be able to give our 2020 nominees the ceremony that they deserve,” stated NDA’s Founder Paul Sesay. “It is a privilege to recognise your bravery, resilience and courage. This night is for you. In my eyes and in the eyes of many others – you have already won.”
POSITIVE DIVERSITY ROLE MODELS
Director of Operation Black Vote (OBV), Lord Simon Woolley CBE, received the prestigious Lifetime Achiever Award, for his many achievements, particularly in the diversity, equality and racial justice space; which include challenging and transforming some of UK’s political and civic institutions to be more inclusive.
WelcoME Founder Gavin Neate scooped the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award for transforming the way in which customer-facing businesses serve disabled people through technology. Metropolitan Police Officer Laks Mann was named LGBT Role Model of the Year Award for raising awareness and understanding; as well as increasing visibility of the UK’s South Asian queer community. Earth Scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa was awarded the positive role model for the race, faith and religion category; for bringing stories about the origins and formation of natural landscapes to life for a wide range of audiences.
Award-winning cyber security consultant Lisa Ventura was honoured with the gender equality accolade for working ferociously to challenge injustice when it comes to the gender pay gap; and the cyber skills gap for women. The 15-year-old TikTok star Isabella Evans was also honoured for teaching people sign language online, one sign at a time. Changing Places Ambassador Zack Kerr received an award in the positive role model category; for tirelessly campaigning for disabled facilities at service stations across the UK.
Image credit: National Diversity Awards
COMMUNITY DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust were presented with the Diverse Company Award. GYRO, the young person’s advisory service was hailed for supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people across Merseyside. Parent-led charity Skylarks won the Community Organisation Award for supporting over 4000 children and young people with disabilities.
Wouldn’t Change a Thing was commended for modernising mainstream perceptions of Down Syndrome; and Us Programme was applauded for working with young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who need society’s help the most. Black Health Initiative (BHI) beat seven other competitors for addressing inequalities and inequities in Education, Health and Social Care. The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety scooped the Multi-Strand category award for helping over 6,500 individuals to make significant changes to their lives through personal safety, conflict resolution and practical self-defence training.
CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR
Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock won the Celebrity of the Year Award for her ongoing commitment to tackling race discrimination across the media industry. Although the singing sensation was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to the recent arrival of her twin babies, she sent a heartfelt video message.
“I truly believe there is so much power behind speaking up and finding your voice and speaking about injustices”, stated Pinnock. “It’s something that I knew that I had to do, and I feel like it’s given me the confidence to continue to fight the fight for racial inequality. I just want a world where my children can see their ethnicity as something that’s always celebrated and not an obstacle. I know that we have a long way to go but I feel like if we all continue to speak up, and all do our bit to fight this fight then we’ll get there.”
SUPPORTING GUESTS & SPONSORS
In addition to real life diversity heroes, a number of special guests attended the event to show their support for the incredible nominees who have changed the lives of many. They included Rugby legend Gareth Thomas CBE; actor and comedian Richard Blackwood; and TV personality and autism campaigner Christine McGuinness; alongside the cast of Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.
NielsenIQ and Direct Line Group were amongst some of the brands sponsoring the pioneering awards, which have paid tribute to over one thousand grass root charities and diversity champions since its inception. Other companies shining a light on diverse talent include The Open University, MI5, MI6, GCHQ, Lush Spa, OVO Group and the Avast Foundation. ITV News also worked in conjunction with organisers leading up to the ceremony, to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels.
2020’s NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARD WINNERS
Positive Role Model Awards
- Isabella Evans aka Isabella Signs (Age category)
- Zack Kerr (Disability category)
- Lisa Ventura (Gender category)
- Laks Mann (LGBT category)
- Dr Anjana Khatwa (Race, Religion & Faith category)
Community Organisation Awards
- Skylarks (Age category)
- Wouldn’t Change A Thing (Disability category)
- Us Programme (Gender category)
- GYRO at Young Person’s Advisory Service (LGBT category)
- Black Health Initiative (Race, Religion & Faith category)
- The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety (Multi-Strand category)
Additional Award Categories
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Award: Gavin Neate
- Diverse Company Award: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
- Celebrity of the Year Award: Leigh-Anne Pinnock
- Lifetime Achiever Award: Lord Simon Woolley CBE
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