ORGANISATIONS from across the North East have been honoured for their efforts on equality in the workplace at an annual awards ceremony. Hundreds of people gathered for the North East Equality Awards at the Gosforth Park Marriott last month.
Guests heard a keynote address from Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central, and other speakers included Kevin Rowan, regional secretary of the TUC, and Liz Reay, chief executive of Equality North East.
This, the seventh year of the Equality Awards, yet again saw a record number of applications from a wide range of organisations. The awards were presented to companies, organisations and individuals in the region that are carrying out excellent equality practices and helping remove the barriers faced by many people in employment and entry to employment.
Ms Reay said: “The awards have become a significant fixture on the North East business calendar, highlighting and celebrating the good equality practice being carried out regionally.
“The finalists 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.
“The standard this year has been particularly high.”
The winners:
Employers of 51-250 staff (sponsored by North East Employer Coalition): Cestria Community Housing.
Employers of up to 50 staff (sponsored by Business Link): Pioneering Care Partnership.
Learning providers of up to 50 staff (sponsored by Learning and Skills Improvement Service): ETEC.
Colleges and learning providers with more than 50 staff (sponsored by Dickinson Dees LLP): Bishop Auckland College.
Outstanding contribution by a larger organisation (sponsored by ONE North East): HMP Holme House.
The TUC–unionlearn Award (sponsored by TUC–unionlearn): Bright Sparks POA Union Learning.
Individuals Who Have Made a Difference (sponsored by previous winners Key Enterprises, Gentoo and Bishop Auckland College): Billi Jean Summerbell – DISC.
Equality and Diversity in the Construction Sector (sponsored by North East ALMOs): Straightline Construction.
Outstanding Practice (sponsored by Working Links): HMP Holme House.
Equality North East is an independent, not-for-profit company that works throughout the North East. Employers can find out more about the services they offer by calling 0191 4956 262.