Water supplier United Utilities, energy provider Ovo and mining firm Anglo American have been recognised for their diversity and inclusion initiatives at the 2024 Inclusive Awards.
Organised by Inclusive Companies and sponsored by TalkTalk, E.On and myGwork, the awards took place in Manchester last week and was hosted by journalist and TV presenter Sean Fletcher. Now in its 10th year, it recognises individuals and organisations that have excelled in their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The awards were judged by an independent panel, which looked at policies and practices to find individuals and organisations that could demonstrate that they have worked tirelessly to bring about true diversity, inclusion, equality and equity in their workplace or community.
This year’s winner of the head of diversity and inclusion award was Shelley Bishton of News UK, and highly commended went to Annika Allen at All3Media.
The diversity team of the year award went to United Utilities’ people, culture and engagement team, while highly commended went to Ovo’s belonging team.
The inclusive culture initiative accolade was awarded to Anglo American for its domestic violence policy and awareness campaign, with the highly commended prize given to Kin + Carta for its The Idea programme.
Global Equality Collective won the diversity and inclusion tech initiative award, while Zero Gravity took highly commended. OutMakingGames took home the top prize for the outstanding diversity network accolade, with highly commended going to BBC Enigma.
Paul Sesay, chief executive officer of Inclusive Companies, said: “Looking back over the last 10 years since our first Inclusive Awards event, we have come a long way in terms of the policies and practices being implemented to achieve diversity, inclusion and equity. However, we cannot be complacent as there is still more work to be done to drive home the diversity and inclusion message. By sharing our winners’ outstanding work and achievements and giving them a platform, I hope the Inclusive Awards will encourage others to follow their example and inspire lasting change.”
