Canal Street Online Manchester

Co-op shortlisted for five diversity awards

Co-op shortlisted for five diversity awards

The Co-operative shortlisted for five diversity awards

It has been quite a few weeks for one of the North West’s biggest employers The Co-operative.

The organisation, along with their employee lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network Respect have recently been shortlisted for five prestigious diversity awards.

Following a very busy summer that saw them supporting a massive 17 pride events all over the UK, The Co-operative won the ‘Diverse Company of the Year’ award at this year’s National Diversity Awards, hosted by Brian Dowling at Manchester’s Midland Hotel on the 21 September.

The National Diversity Awards is a unique event celebrating individuals, community organisations and companies, from a grass-roots level, for their selfless hard work on a day to day basis towards a more inclusive society. The event recognises and celebrates all aspects of diversity within one ceremony including age, disability, gender, race and LGBT.

On winning the National Diversity Award, Liz Bramley, Head of Engagement and Diversity, The Co-operative commented, "I am delighted that The Co-operative won such a highly prestigious award in a very competitive category. The award recognises the energy, commitment, collaboration and achievements of everyone involved."

For the second consecutive year, the Respect network was shortlisted in the 'Outstanding Employee Network of the Year' category at the European Diversity Awards. Over 500 nominations were received from 20 countries in Europe varying from individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others, to companies in Europe that put diversity foremost in their business agenda. The glittering award ceremony was held on 20 September at The Savoy in London. Although the network did not win this year, it was a fantastic achievement to be ranked amongst the best in Europe.

At a fabulous awards ceremony, also held on 20 September, at the Radisson Edwardian in Manchester, the Respect network was crowned 'Business of the Year' at the annual Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) Homo Hero Awards. The network won the same public voted award in 2011. The awards are designed to showcase the contributions made by individuals, groups and organisations for, and on behalf of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

The network was also honoured to receive a special 'Alan Turing Memorial Award Special Commendation' on the night as an active contributor to LGBT inclusion in Manchester and beyond.

In addition to the awards above, the Respect networks Co-chair Thomas Anderson was also shortlisted in the 'Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Role Model of the Year' category at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation Homo Hero Awards. This was in recognition of his significant voluntary work as part of the Respect network and his support of many LGBT charities and organisations.

On the recognition, Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect network commented, "The Respect network Steering Group are immensely proud of the recognition The Co-operative and the Respect network has received in the last few weeks. It is a real testament to the hard work of so many Respect members who volunteer a considerable amount of their own time to supporting employees and LGBT communities all over the UK. This recognition will definitely further drive us all forward to increase our support of charities and initiatives in every corner of the UK that are important to our 1,100 Respect network members."

Victoria Cowley, Co-chair of the Respect network added, "The network was only launched in June 2010 and in that short time we have really embedded ourselves in communities all over the United Kingdom through our support of over 30 LGBT pride and other events, charity fundraising, volunteering and awareness raising initiatives. We are all extremely proud of these achievements. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the network in that time."

Published: 4-Oct-2012: (1547)

Canal-st.co.uk Top Stories

LGBT Walking tours of Manchester

LGBT Walking tours of Manchester

Explore Manchester’s world-famous Gay Village with Josh’s LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tour!

Feedback from the Village Action Forum

Feedback from the Village Action Forum

Members of various stakeholder parties met again recently and here is what resulted moving forward

Pride events and dates for 2024

Pride events and dates for 2024

Save The Date: Greater Manchester Pride Events for 2024

All Wmn 24 launched

All Wmn 24 launched

We share the news of a new community event bringing Women together through live music