The inaugural European Diversity Awards, held at The Savoy on 22nd September, served to highlight some of Europe’s highest achievers in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Over 350 people came together to recognise and celebrate the efforts of individuals, organisations and employers who have helped make vast improvements to lives of the diverse communities of people across Europe. From grass roots campaigners to large corporations the awards highlighted the exceptional achievements made in this area. The organisers received more than 250 nominations for the awards and the judging panel were greatly impressed by the very high standard of work being put forward.
Sponsored by Google, organised by Square Peg Media and hosted by the BBC’s Jane Hill, the awards were attended by a host of well-known faces including Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone MP, Ben Bradshaw MP, Michael Cashman MEP, as well as actors Charlie Condou and Michelle Collins from Coronation Street and several more familiar faces from stage, screen and public life. The audience were greeted by a few words from Google’s EMEA Head of Diversity and chairman of judges Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe, while judging panel member and MEP Michael Cashman reminded us how far LGB rights had come over recent years. Square Peg Media director Sarah Garrett introduced the crowd to new charity The Inclusive Foundation, which benefitted to the tune of £15,000 from a charity auction conducted by BBC TV’s Jonty Hearnden.
