Award Categories
The award categories are diverse, each tailored to acknowledge and amplify the empowering EDI achievements in workplaces and communities across Northern Ireland.*
*Essential eligibility criteria for all categories – must be based in Northern Ireland.
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Recognising organisations that prioritise EDI in their workplace culture, policies and practices. This award celebrates those employers who demonstrate a commitment to fostering a working environment where employees from all backgrounds feel valued, respected and included, leading to a more innovative and productive workforce.
Criteria
EDI Implementation: Demonstrated commitment to EDI in workplace culture, policies and practices.
Employee Feedback: Evidence of employee feedback and satisfaction regarding inclusivity.
Impact: Evidence of EDI impact over the last 12 months.
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Recognising programs, institutions or individuals that have made outstanding contributions to promoting inclusive education and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their protected characteristics.
Criteria
Inclusive Education: Contributions to promoting inclusive education and equal access.
Programs Implemented: Evidence of programs or initiatives implemented.
Impact: Measurable impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
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Honouring individuals or organisations that have demonstrated unwavering support and allyship to marginalised and/or minority communities, actively working to challenge discrimination, amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Criteria
Support and Advocacy: Demonstrated unwavering support for marginalised communities.
Initiatives: Evidence of initiatives to challenge discrimination and amplify underrepresented voices.
Impact: Measurable impact on creating a more inclusive society.
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Honouring an individual, team or organisation who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to integrating environmental sustainability and social responsibility into their operations, practices and initiatives.
Criteria
Environmental and Social Responsibility: Integration of sustainability and social responsibility into operations.
Initiatives: Evidence of specific initiatives undertaken.
Impact: Measurable impact on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
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Recognising individuals, organisations or initiatives that actively support and champion neurodiverse talent in the workplace, demonstrating a commitment to creating environments that accommodate and celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of individuals with diverse neurological profiles.
Criteria
Support and Inclusion: Active support for neurodiverse talent in the workplace.
Initiatives: Evidence of initiatives to create accommodating and celebratory environments.
Impact: Measurable impact on the inclusion and success of neurodiverse individuals.
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Honouring those individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting EDI within their organisations. These EDI Champions may advocate for inclusive hiring practices, employee resource groups or staff networks, diversity training or other initiatives to promote age, disability, race or LGBTQIA+ inclusion etc, in an effort to create a more inclusive workplace.
Criteria
Advocacy: Evidence of advocating for inclusive hiring practices and diversity training.
Initiatives: Demonstrated initiation or support of employee resource groups or diversity networks.
Impact: Measurable impact of their EDI initiatives within the organisation.
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Highlighting innovative solutions, products or services that enhance accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities, whether visible or not. This award celebrates advancements that break down barriers and empower individuals with disabilities and/or long-term conditions to fully participate in society and/or work.
Criteria
Innovative Solutions: Implementation of innovative solutions that enhance accessibility.
Barrier Reduction: Demonstrated reduction of barriers for people with disabilities.
Impact: Measurable impact on accessibility and inclusion.
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Recognising grassroots community-based initiatives or projects that have made a tangible impact on promoting EDI and social justice. This award celebrates efforts of local projects which have addressed specific and challenging needs, fostering belonging and building bridges across diverse groups.
Criteria
Grassroots Impact: Tangible impact of community-based initiatives promoting EDI.
Challenges Addressed: Specific challenges addressed by the project.
Community Feedback: Positive feedback and testimonials from the community.
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Recognising individuals who serve as inspiring role models for their communities (age, disability, gender, LGBTQIA+, race, ethnicity, religion) demonstrating resilience, leadership and positive influence in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Criteria
Resilience and Leadership: Demonstrating resilience, leadership and positive influence.
Community Impact: Significant impact on their community in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Feedback: Testimonials and feedback from those they have inspired.
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Acknowledging marketing campaigns that effectively promote EDI in their messaging, imagery and representation. This category celebrates campaigns that challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices and contribute to creating a more inclusive society through marketing efforts.
Criteria
Representation: Effective promotion of EDI in messaging, imagery and representation.
Challenge Stereotypes: Evidence of campaigns that challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices.
Reach and Impact: Measurable impact and reach of the campaign.
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