THE countdown has started to the announcement of the winners of this year’s Diversity Awards.

The Herald and GenAnalytics in association with Standard Life Aberdeen are delighted to continue to celebrate the outstanding success of companies, organisations, individuals, third sector organisations and community groups who are demonstrating a strong commitment in ensuring that everyone in our society has the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions, aspirations and potential.

The awards are supported by BAE Systems, CIPD, City Building, City of Glasgow College, Diageo, MacRoberts LLP, Royal Mail, ScottishPower, SQA, Taylor Wimpey, Wheatley Group and YSC Consulting.

The awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony, hosted by Hollyoaks actress Amy Conachan on Thursday, October 11 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.

Roy Gardner, Vice Principal, Corporate Development & Innovation at City of Glasgow College, said: “Our congratulations go to this year’s finalists. For a third year the Diversity Awards will shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals actively encouraging diversity in the workplace which is good for everyone involved. We are again looking forward to what will be a great evening celebrating diversity.”

Lee Ann Panglea, Head of CIPD Scotland and North Ireland said: “The moral case for building fairer and more inclusive labour markets and workplaces is indisputable. It’s also vital for the sustainability of businesses and economies. Everyone stands to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring to an organisation. It helps people grow and learn, tackles under-utilisation of skills by enabling people to reach their full potential, improves decision-making, boosts engagement and innovation, and enables businesses to better meet the needs of a diverse customer base.

“We’re very proud as a CIPD Scotland team to support The Herald Diversity Awards 2018 which recognises and rewards the commitment and support across Scotland to make organisations truly inclusive places to work.”

Catriona Mackie, HR Director, Diageo, Global Supply said: “Diageo in Scotland are delighted to once again be a supporter of The Herald and GenAnalytics Diversity Awards. We wish all of this year’s finalists a huge well done and the very best of luck.”

Katy Wedderburn, Head of Employment at MacRoberts said: “Congratulations to all the finalists of this year’s Diversity Awards. Encouraging and promoting diversity in the workplace is at the heart of what MacRoberts does, and we are delighted to be sponsoring this important event again. We are really looking forward to celebrating the achievements of all the finalists and winners on what is always such an enjoyable night.”

A ScottishPower spokesman said: “The Herald Diversity Awards represents a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the energy that’s inspiring the creation of a more inclusive workforce across Scotland.”

Lynne Connolly, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Standard Life Aberdeen, added; “There’s still a lot to do to make workplaces more inclusive – but there’s also a lot of fantastic work already being done. It’s important we showcase that, so we can learn and push forward together.”

Steve Borley, Head of Strategic Planning & Governance at SQA said: “SQA is delighted to be sponsoring the Diversity in the Third Sector award. I congratulate all the finalists and look forward to recognising their contribution and commitment to the diversity agenda, and the real difference their work makes to people’s lives.”

Dr Graham Paterson, Executive Director, City Building, said: “The Diversity Awards are an important addition to the Scottish awards landscape, recognising the significant efforts being made to promote equality and inclusion across the country. Improving diversity is crucial to ensuring we harness all available talent across Scotland as we seek to grow our economies, create new opportunities and build a brighter future for our country.”

Andreyana Ivanova, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Royal Mail said: “We are really looking forward to attending the Herald Diversity Awards ceremony that will showcase the inspiring stories of the finalists and will celebrate their achievements and contributions to the diversity and inclusion agenda in Scotland. Good luck to everyone!”

Audrey Ross, Sales & Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland said: “We aim to be an inclusive company which values people as individuals and creates a workforce that reflects the diversity of the local communities where we build new homes, and we’re really delighted to have been involved in the second year of The Herald Diversity Conference.

“Our involvement in the conference recognises the importance that we’ve placed on embracing diversity and inclusion within our business and the opportunity it creates for the wider housebuilding industry.

A YSC spokesman said: “We wish everyone nominated the very best of luck and we’re looking forward to learning more about the positive impact being experienced through your work.”

To book your table, please contact Nina Holmes on 0141 302 6036 or email nina.holmes@newsquest.co.uk More information can be found online – https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/the-diversity-awards/