National Diversity Awards – Nomination process, everything you need to know!

Evidence | Judging | Shortlist

2024 see’s The National Diversity Awards celebrate 13 years of recognising thousands of charities, role models and community heroes across the UK for their devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion. With nominations for this year now open (Closing 15^th May), Founder, CEO and change-maker Paul Sesay takes this prime opportunity to delve into a conversation about this year’s process.

In this webinar, we’ll be joined by a distinguished panel comprising a judge (David Villa-Clarke BEM, CEO, Aleto Foundation), a sponsor (Christos Tsaprounis, Head of People & Culture, Auto Trader UK), and a past winner (Dr Amo Raju OBE, Lifetime Achiever recipient & CEO of Disability Direct), of the UK’s largest diversity awards. Together, they’ll share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the significance of diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as the impact of being involved with such a renowned platform.

Nominations serve as a gateway to acknowledging individuals and organisations for their outstanding work. Join us to participate in a Q&A as our panellists share their insights, shedding a light on:

• The role of the National Diversity Awards in promoting diversity & Inclusion
• Insights into the nominations and judging process
• The importance of nominations and acknowledging unsung heroes
• The significance of sponsorship support in diversity initiatives
• Personal journeys of winners and the impact of receiving an award

Guest Speakers

Dr. Amo Raju OBE DL

Dr. Amo Raju is one of the longest serving CEO’s of a user-led DPO in the country, having been with Disability Direct for over 29 years. Since 1997 he has generated over £28m in grants, contracts and chargeable services. In 2022 Amo won the ‘Outstanding 3rd Sector Achievement Award’ at The British Sikh Awards and also recognised by the University of Derby by award of a Doctorate for his services to the 3rd Sector and Disabled People. As a disabled person from the South Asian community Amo has recently published a highly commended book called ‘Walk Like A Man’ based on his own secret battles with depression and the wider world. Recently Amo was awarded an OBE for services to disabled people, carer and mental health and also became a Deputy Lieutenant for The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and in turn, His Majesty King Charles III.

Paul Sesay

Paul Sesay is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the National Diversity Awards, Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, Inclusive Awards and Inclusive Companies since 2006. Paul’s business acumen has mainly been with a social focus.

With over fifteen years worth of experience within the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion sector, Paul has worked with some of the largest organisations in the world on their diversity and inclusion profiles.

He has also worked within local communities to help people from various backgrounds to achieve and empower disadvantaged groups throughout the UK. Paul’s initiatives have helped thousands of organisations and individuals get recognised for their hard work and dedication to diversity.

Christos Tsaprounis FCIPD

Christos is a people geek and a diversity & inclusion advocate with a career across different industries ranging from digital to social housing. He spent four years at the Co-operative Bank before joining Auto Trader in 2014 where together with his brilliant team he focuses on creating a space where everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated and is empowered to thrive by being their authentic, true and best self. Driven by his passion for equal opportunities for all people, he leads the D&I and CSR strategies of one of the most admired digital businesses in the UK and 2018 Top 50 Inclusive Companies.

Born in Athens and moved to the UK in 2002 to complete his MSc in Human Resources at The University of Manchester after completing studies at the American College of Greece and the London School of Economics; he fell in love with the city and its people so he decided to make it his home. He is a actively involved in making a difference working with leading charities including Survivors Manchester, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Manchester Pride and Forever Manchester. Recognised for his contribution to his industry he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Impact Award by the Recruiter Magazine in 2018.”

David Villa-Clarke BEM, MBA, APFS

David is well known for his love of working with and developing young people to become great leaders. As the CEO of the Aleto Foundation, David gets to work with hundreds of young people in the pursuit of their excellence, either through sport or education.

As the owner of a financial planning business, David is passionate about helping people achieve financial wellbeing through education, as he sees this as the bedrock for social mobility.

An accomplished Toastmaster and Public Speaker David enjoys sharing success and motivational stories, via TEDx or to groups and societies in workshops.

He is the founder and president of Project Volunteer, a charity that works with orphanages in Botswana, which for the past 14 years, encourages volunteers from the UK to work on his giving back programme.

David was recognised for his services to charity with the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 2017 New Years Honours list.