UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards: Celebrating Champions of Inclusivity

Organisations and individuals who have excelled in promoting diversity and inclusion were honoured at the first-ever UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards held in Northampton. This groundbreaking event highlighted the remarkable achievements of those dedicated to fostering equity in various sectors.

The inaugural ceremony took place on 25th July at the Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. The evening was co-hosted by Northern Irish comedian William Thompson and British singer-songwriter Misha B, both of whom brought an extra layer of charm and enthusiasm to the celebration.

Honouring Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards winners are as follows:

• Global Inclusion Excellence Award: Petrofac
• Trailblazer Employee Resource Group Award: Ardonagh Advisory – Disability Colleague Community Group
• DEI Innovation Award: Equal Measures UK
• DEI Rising Star: Tomi Laguda, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
• Inclusion in Sustainability: Too Good To Go
• DEI Thought-Leader & Influencer Award: Flavilla Fongang, 3 Colours Rule Group
• Diverse & Inclusive Company Culture Award: Pan MacMillan
• Social Impact & Community Engagement Award: Jon Hering, Blackbullion
• Creative Diversity Campaign: Media Zoo, Neurodiversity

Celebrating Leaders and Innovators

Lydiah Igweh, the founder of UnderOne, expressed her enthusiasm and pride in the event. She remarked,

“We are thrilled to recognise these remarkable individuals and organisations who have dedicated themselves to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces, communities, and society at large. While significant progress has been made, much work remains. By acknowledging these efforts and achievements, we pave the way for a more inclusive future.”

Igweh’s words encapsulate the spirit of the awards, which are not just a celebration but also a call to action. The honourees were chosen for their innovative and impactful contributions to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

A Grand Finale to the UnderOne Festival

The awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the two-day UnderOne Festival, which gathered global DEI thought-leaders, business executives, and advocates passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion. The festival featured a series of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among those working to break down barriers and create inclusive spaces.

Corporate Sponsorship and Support

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards were proudly sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery, Clyde & Co, and the Race Forward Podcast. These sponsors played a crucial role in bringing the event to life, underscoring their commitment to supporting DEI initiatives.

Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery, remarked,

“As the headline sponsor of the 2024 UnderOne Festival, we at WBD are proud to support this inspirational platform that champions diversity, equity & inclusion through innovative ideas and connection. Together we are creating a more inclusive future for everyone.”

Alan Holmes, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Clyde & Co, shared his thoughts on the event, stating,

“Clyde & Co were delighted to sponsor the inaugural UnderOne Festival and Awards this year. Both the festival and awards were a fantastic opportunity to bring together thought leaders and build a united approach to develop more inclusive workplaces and communities. The festival’s energy was palpable and acts as a great springboard for professions in the diversity, equity and inclusion space to continue their great work with the deserved recognition.”

For more information on the awards, please email hello@underonediversityinclusionawards.com

To celebrate Staff Network Day, we are highlighting the positive impact Employee Resource Groups have on individuals and organisations worldwide.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are pivotal in nurturing diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in organisations worldwide. Research underscores their positive influence on employee engagement, retention, and overall company performance. Prioritising the establishment and growth of ERGs leads to a more collaborative, innovative, and productive work environment. By championing ERGs, companies enhance cultural representation, elevate employee satisfaction, and foster stronger workplace communities.

A striking 61% of professionals affirm that ERGs contribute to their professional development. This statistic underscores ERGs’ significance in supporting career growth and advancement. These voluntary, employee-led groups provide valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a supportive community, enhancing professionals’ learning and development within the workplace.

Moreover, 48% of companies have established ERGs to bolster diversity and inclusion initiatives. This proactive step signals a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued and supported, thus cultivating a more diverse and equitable workplace environment.

It’s time to honour the remarkable contributions of ERGs in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within organisations. Nominations are now open for the Trailblazing ERG Award at the UnderOne Diversity & Inclusion Awards. If you know of an ERG making a significant impact, nominate them today!

Better be quick, as nominations close on 3rd June.

UnderOne Diversity & Inclusion Awards are part of the UnderOne Festival taking place from 24^th – 25^th July at the University of Northampton.  Visit www.underonefestival.com for more information.

Clyde and Co, a leading global law firm, has been announced as the diamond sponsor for the upcoming UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Festival and Awards, set to take place on July 24-25th at the University of Northampton Waterside Campus. The firm’s sponsorship highlights its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organisations and communities.

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Festival and Awards, a flagship event dedicated to celebrating and advancing diversity and inclusion, will be hosted at the University of Northampton Waterside Campus. Clyde and Co’s support as the diamond sponsor signifies its dedication to promoting DEI initiatives and creating inclusive environments.

Alan Holmes, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Clyde and Co, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At Clyde and Co, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation, creativity, and success for our people, firm and clients. We are proud to support the UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Festival and Awards as it aligns with one of our core values of celebrating difference.”

In addition to their role as the diamond sponsor, Clyde and Co will also serve as category sponsors for the Inclusion in Sustainability Award, recognising organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to integrating DEI in sustainability practices.

Moreover, Clyde and Co will host the “Curiosity and DEI Conversations” drinks reception, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in a relaxed setting.

Lydiah Igweh, advisory board member of the UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Festival and Awards, emphasised the significance of Clyde and Co’s sponsorship, stating, “We are thrilled to have Clyde and Co as our diamond sponsor and category sponsor for the Inclusion in Sustainability Award. Their partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Festival and Awards aims to unite individuals, organisations, and communities to celebrate diversity and inclusion achievements while fostering dialogue and collaboration for meaningful progress.

In a groundbreaking move towards fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Warner Bros. Discovery has stepped into the limelight as the headline sponsor for the inaugural UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as the global entertainment giant aligns itself with an event dedicated to celebrating global champions of positive change in the DEI space.

Warner Bros. Discovery: A Catalyst for Change

Warner Bros. Discovery, known for its innovative storytelling and commitment to diverse narratives, emerges as a natural fit for the inaugural UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards. This partnership goes beyond corporate sponsorship; it signifies a shared belief in the power of inclusivity and the pivotal role that media and entertainment play in shaping societal perceptions.

Sponsorship of the Creative Diversity Campaign Award: Flipping Stereotype Scripts

Warner Bros. Discovery takes its commitment to diversity a step further by becoming the category sponsor for the Creative Diversity Campaign Award. This award recognises organisations behind innovative DEI campaigns that flipped the stereotype script and advocated for communities.

Celebrating Creatives Making an Impact:

The Creative Diversity Campaign Award is a platform to celebrate the innovative campaigns that have disrupted traditional narratives. Warner Bros. Discovery, with its legacy of groundbreaking content, brings a unique perspective to this category, recognising the power of storytelling in reshaping perceptions and advocating for inclusivity.

Asif Sadiq, Chief Diversity, Equity and inclusion Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of the UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards and to sponsor the Creative Diversity Campaign Award. Media has the power to shape culture, and we believe in using that power responsibly. This award is a celebration of creatives who are challenging norms, breaking barriers, and creating content that truly reflects the diversity of our world.”

As the event unfolds, we look forward to celebrating the creatives who have paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Together, Warner Bros. Discovery and UnderOne are set to make history, leaving an indelible mark on the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

How to Get Involved

For businesses and individuals looking to align themselves with this historic event, opportunities for involvement abound. Whether through sponsorship, attendance, or engagement with the event’s vibrant community, the UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards offer a chance to be part of a movement that transcends boundaries and advocates for positive change.

Get in touch with us via hello@underonediversityinclusionawards.com

In a world increasingly aligning itself with the principles of diversity and inclusion, there emerges an imperative to continue recognising the organisations and individuals pioneering this essential progress.

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards, scheduled for July 25th at the University of Northampton, stand as a beacon of celebration for those organisational forces and innovators committing themselves to the advancement of an inclusive culture.

Culminating in the vibrant backdrop of the two-day global Diversity and Inclusion Festival, this prestigious event underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts in nurturing a corporate and societal environment rich in diversity and equality.

Nomination Categories:

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards present an opportunity to spotlight the exceptional endeavors of organisations and individuals in various categories, each illuminating the path to a more inclusive and equitable professional world:

Global Inclusion Excellence Award (ORG): Recognising an individual’s outstanding commitment to global diversity and inclusion, celebrating initiatives that transcend borders.

DEI Innovation Award (ORG): Acknowledging groundbreaking strategies, technologies, or programmes that redefine diversity and inclusion.

DEI Rising Star: Honouring an up-and-coming individual pushing the boundaries in diversity and inclusion, driving meaningful change.

Diverse & Inclusive Company Culture Award (ORG): Recognising an organisation fostering an inclusive culture, prioritising diversity where employees feel valued.

Creative Diversity Campaign (ORG/Team) – Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery: Commending outstanding creativity in a campaign that challenges stereotypes and promotes underrepresented communities.

Inclusion in Sustainability Award (ORG): Acknowledging organisations embedding sustainability through diverse and inclusive practices, linking people and the planet.

Social Impact & Community Engagement Award (ORG): Honouring an individual making a profound impact outside the workplace, actively engaging and influencing communities for lasting change.

DEI Thought Leader and Influencer Award (IND): Celebrating an individual’s significant impact as a thought leader and influencer in the diversity and inclusion space.

Trailblazer Employee Resource Group/Network Award (ORG): Honouring an Employee Resource Group or Network pioneering innovative strategies, fostering diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

Key Dates:

Nominations Open: March 11th

Nominations Close: May 20th

Shortlist Announced: June 10th

Winners Announced Live: University of Northampton on July 25th, 2024

Why Nominate?

Boost Morale 

Celebrate achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion to uplift spirits, foster a sense of pride, and strengthen team cohesion. 

Motivate 

Recognise exemplary efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion that have driven progress forward and inspired others to make a difference. 

Cost Free Recognition 

Acknowledge the dedication and impact of individuals or initiatives within your organisation at no expense.  

Personal Branding 

Elevate your profile and stand out as a leader in driving positive change within your organisation and beyond. 

Nominations Now!

Nominate yourself or your organisation for an UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion with details about your achievements before the submission deadline on May 20th. For any enquiries, refer to the FAQ section or contact us via email at: hello@underonediversityinclusionawards.com

Interested in sponsoring an award to show your support for fostering inclusivity?

Reach out to us today for more details on how you can be a part of this impactful celebration.