Liberate awards date set for September 16th

Saturday 25 June 2016

The 2016 Liberate Channel Islands Equality and Diversity Awards will be held on Friday, September 16th in St Helier.

As part of Channel Islands Pride Week (September 10th to 17th), Liberate are hosting an awards dinner to celebrate those organisations and individuals in the Channel Islands who are supporting equality and diversity whether it be focused on race, gender, sexuality, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, age or ability.

Vic Tanner Davy, Treasurer of Liberate, said: “Following the introduction of anti-discrimination legislation two years ago in Jersey and ten years ago in Guernsey, we felt that it was time we honoured those organisations that are doing equality and diversity right.”

Guernsey’s discrimination law covers some areas of sex discrimination only. Jersey’s discrimination law extends further to cover race and sex, with age and disability protections to be in force within the next two years. Despite this disparity, the awards are open to nominees in both Bailiwicks.

Mr Davy said: “It doesn’t matter that the islands are not in step or that all of Jersey’s law is not implemented yet, those organisations that place inclusivity at their heart do so because it is the right thing to do, not because a law tells them to. We want to honour them as excellent examples for others to follow.”

Liberate are seeking nominations from members of the public for the following awards:

Best Small to Medium Employer (up to 80 employees) (as nominated by their employee(s).

Best Medium to Large Employer (more than 80 employees) (as nominated by their employee(s).

Best Service Provider (as nominated by themselves or the general public).

Best Educational Initiative (as nominated by themselves or the general public).

Best Not-for-Profit Support Initiative (as nominated by themselves or the general public).

 The awards will be judged by an independent diversity panel. The awards ceremony will be held in Jersey in 2016 and in Guernsey in 2017.

To nominate an individual or organisation that has made a difference to equality and diversity in the Channel Islands, please click here, where you can find out more about the categories and download a nomination form.