Member Article

2013 North East Equality Awards winners revealed

Employers and individuals have been rewarded for their strong commitment to equality and diversity.

The winners of the 2013 North East Equality Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel.

The event was a double success for Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service, which won awards in two of the categories. Meanwhile, Wilton-based petrochemical giant SABIC UK scooped the ‘Outstanding Contribution By A Larger Organisation’ award for creating a campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Individuals were also rewarded for their sterling efforts and Angela Hamilton scooped the ‘Individuals Who Have Made A Difference’ award for her tireless campaigning on behalf of people with disabilities. The full list of winners is detailed below.

Equality North East, the regional organisation for promoting equality, said the high quality of applications submitted for this year’s awards made choosing the winners a difficult process.

Judith Doyle, chair of Equality North East and principal at Gateshead College – sponsor for the Outstanding Practice category – said: “We are thrilled to be part of an initiative which rewards those who have made the workplace and the local community a fairer place to be. Congratulations must go to all of the award winners, who have shown that a genuine commitment to equality and diversity can generate tangible benefits for employers and the wider community.”

The Equality Awards have become a significant fixture in the North East business calendar, highlighting and celebrating good equality practice being carried out across the region. This year is the tenth anniversary of the event, which had its first outing at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland in 2003.

This year the winners were chosen from a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations shortlisted for their efforts in promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.

Liz Reay, chief executive of Equality North East, said: “Over the last decade we have been at the forefront of many worthy projects aimed at removing barriers to equality. These awards have helped to improve awareness of equality among companies, organisations, individuals and the communities in which they operate.

“We have received a record-breaking number of applications of a very high standard. I would like to congratulate the winners and finalists and also thank all of our sponsors without whom this would not be possible.”

Winners:

Organisations With Up To 50 Staff

• S&D Training

Organisations With Over 50 But Less Than 250 Staff

• MPH Group

Educational & Training Organisations With Over 50 Staff

• Newcastle College

Outstanding Contribution By A Larger Organisation

• SABIC UK Petrochemicals

Individuals Who Have Made A Difference

• Angela Hamilton

Groups That Have Made A Difference

• Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service – (LGBT) Network Group

Organisations Supporting Disabled People Into Employment

• Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

TUC – unionlearn Award

• Unison – Community Organising Project

Outstanding Practice

• Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
• Northern Region LGBT Network

In addition, MOFO Graphic Design received a special commendation in the Organisations Supporting Disabled People Into Employment category.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by MHW PR .