Statement of Service
Winners 2011
Again the standard was extremely high.
Thank you to all those who entered and congratulations to the finalists and winners: -
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Award for Employers of Up To 50 Staff, sponsored by Newcastle UXL
JET (Jobs, Education and Training)
JET (Jobs, Education and Training) was developed to meet the need for greater support for the ethnic minority community.
This is a diverse organisation who’s staff can collectively speak an amazing 10 different languages. This fact alone makes them accessible to many cultures and enables them to support refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers.
A very specialist organisation operating in a fairly niche market.
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Award for Employers of Between 51 and 250 Staff, sponsored by Equality North East
NECC (North East Chamber of Commerce)
NECC is one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in Britain and we know them to be one of the most proactive around equality. The judges were particularly impressed with the idea of themed months around various issues. They felt it was an excellent way to involve staff in discussion and activities at an informal level.
Award for Work-based Learning Providers of Up to 50 Staff, sponsored by Bishop Auckland College, LSIS and City of Sunderland College
S&D Training
S&D Training Ltd deliver vocational training programmes and training support services to the local community.
The judges felt that they go over and above in the support they give their staff which in turn helps them deliver an excellent service to some of the most deprived wards in County Durham.
Award for Learning Providers and Colleges of Over 50 Staff, sponsored by ConNEcting for Change
Darlington College
Equality and diversity is intrinsic to everything they do, every policy, every practice. The success of this has resulted in impressive outcomes. 90% of staff say equality and diversity is embedded throughout the college and nearly 90% of learners have been retained this includes 23 female engineering – therefore working towards reducing gaps in traditional gender areas.
Outstanding Contribution by a Larger Organisation, sponsored by Barbour
DISC (Developing Initiatives for Support in the Community)
DISC is an independent North of England based charity that focuses on deprivation and exclusion.
The reverse mentoring programme had unexpected bonus for both mentors and mentees. Not only were they surprised by the impact personally but they developed a deeper understanding and healthy respect of each other’s roles within the company.
Individuals Who Have Made a Difference, sponsored by Cestria Community Housing
Anthony Lowes (HMP Holme House)
HM Prison Holme House primarily serves the communities of Tees Valley, South West Durham, East Durham and North Yorkshire.
There is some fantastic work being carried out by this person. He has clearly gone above and beyond his role using a variety of unique techniques to get the message across to staff and inmates. Equality and diversity is embedded throughout the organisation with the aim of it being carried on to the outside once inmates are released.
Anthony thinks ‘out of the box’ by introducing innovative projects which are now shared as good practice throughout the Prison Service.
Equality and Diversity in the Housing Sector, sponsored by North East Almo's - Employers of Up to 50 Staff
Milbank Architects
Milbank Architects Introduced paid work placements to support people into employment. This is an excellent initiative which supports vulnerable people who could otherwise be excluded from the labour market.
It has had a very positive impact on those involved and is likely to help them gain future employment.
Equality and Diversity in the Housing Sector, sponsored by North East Almo's - Employers of Between 51 and 250 Staff
Warmseal
This appears to be an organisation that has embraced equality for all of the right reasons - for the business case, for an inclusive and motivated working environment and for legislative changes. It is clearly benefiting from the results.
Outstanding Practice, sponsored by Working Links
The Cyrenians
The Cyrenians are a registered charity originally set up to provide services for people sleeping rough in the city of Newcastle. The have already received many accolades for the work they do. Their work through the Business Action on Homelessness Ready for Work programme has had a tremendous impact resulting in at least 28 people securing sustainable employment. The Cyrenians continue to successfully influence and challenge businesses and government on the barriers facing homeless people.
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