Outstanding contributions to improving diversity and equality in the Civil Service were recognised today as the winners of the first Civil Service Diversity Awards were announced. On the 1st anniversary of the launch of the Diversity 10-Point Plan, the awards celebrated diversity successes in policy, employment and service delivery across Government.

An independent panel of judges were commissioned to choose seven winners from 170 nominations that cut across all of the regions, departments and agencies that make up the Civil Service.

The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, handed out the awards. He said: ‘These awards prove we have much to be proud of – right across the Civil Service there are people making a difference.

‘I have said before that I want the Civil Service to be a beacon for change and a model of best practice in diversity and equality for all organisations. The winners today are shining examples of how diversity can be an integral part of policy, employment and service delivery.’

Bill Jeffrey, the Civil Service Diversity Champion, spoke at the awards. He said: ‘As Civil Service Diversity Champion, I am very proud of the outstanding work we are doing in this field, and was greatly impressed by the range and quality of the nominations.  These awards are an opportunity to celebrate our successes in equality and diversity across Government and I warmly congratulate all today’s winners and runners-up.’

THE WINNERS
Improvement Award
The India Office, Department for International Development: for their India Office’s substantial and effective review of HR procedures and organisational culture, resulting in a new Diversity Action Plan.

Innovation Award
Amanda Wadsworth of Jobcentre Plus: for her practical, thoroughly researched and tested programme to help disabled people into work and to raise awareness among employers of potential talent pools. 

Inspiration Award
The a:gender staff network: for their inspirational work in providing a Civil Service support network for civil service employees who have changed, or need to change, their perceived gender, or who identify as intersex.

Leadership Award
Wendy Benson of the Ministry of Defence Police & Guarding Agency: for her dedication, organisational and motivational skills in showing leadership and commitment to diversity over a number of years.

Outstanding Achievement
John Flanner of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs: for single handedly pioneering a series of talks about his experiences as a blind person.
 
Delivery of Customer Service Award
The Visually Impaired Media Unit of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs: for providing an alternative format service for all visually impaired customers and colleagues.
 
Partnership Award
The Planning Inspectorate (DCLG): for the Tomorrow’s Planners’ project that enables organisations to set up traineeships for people from under-represented communities at national level.

For case studies of the winners and more information on the Civil Service Diversity Awards please go to:

http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/diversity/awards/index.asp