The much-anticipated D&I awards, This Is Us Awards, announces the last call for entries

This Is Us Awards, part of the wider This Is Us Conference, is calling for its last round of applicants as the award deadline of 30th of November 2022 fast approaches.

Taking place on Thursday 12th January 2023 at the?Kettering Conference and Exhibition Centre, the awards are dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, while highlighting commitment to equality.

?Here, Meena Chander, founder of This Is Us Conference and Awards, discusses the awards and why businesses should enter for 2023:

What is the This Is Us Awards?

‘Our conference and awards will promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion and aims to raise awareness, educate, and inform companies about D & I in the smaller hubs outside London. The one-day event will consist of a conference, followed by a prestigious awards ceremony.

‘The awards are designed to celebrate the vast achievements of businesses in D&I and raise a glass to everyone for the part they play. It’s all about supporting and improving corporate cohesion and productivity in teams by championing inclusivity and diversity for all people in an organisation.

‘We have chosen a venue that is a very central point in the UK, making the event easy to access from all parts of the Midlands and East Anglia region.’

What is the main ambition of the This Is Us Awards?

‘Everyone has a right to equal opportunities and esteem without fearing harassment or prejudice and our aim is to celebrate this and the companies that embrace it.

‘We believe that by continuing to fly the flag for equality, diversity, and inclusion across these areas, we can help make the UK a better place to work for everyone.

‘This Is Us Awards aims to increase awareness and recognise the change-makers in the industry, celebrating their achievements and striving for further change.’

Why is This Is Us Conference and Awards important for businesses?

‘Business leaders are always searching for the ‘next best achievement’, whether that’s industry acknowledgement or enhancing business reputation - and that’s exactly what This Is Us is about!

‘The awards are designed to reward the individuals, organisations and unsung heroes who help make the world and the workplace more inclusive for everyone in the region. It’s a hub of resources in D&I and a celebration of businesses and their teams, providing them with the necessary skills and insight for improvement, while rewarding their achievements.

‘It’s so important to recognise the achievements of others and learn from each other to create a better, more inclusive workplace. This results in many benefits for businesses including increased employee well-being, staff retention, performance, business growth and much more.’

Why should businesses enter the This Is Us awards?

‘There are so many reasons! Every company loves to be recognised for doing something well, and awards are a great way of giving employees and businesses that ‘pat on the back’ for a job well done.

‘It is a fantastic feeling to be able to stand in front of other like-minded businesses to accept an award for your achievements - especially within D&I, where the industry acknowledges commitment to improving equality and workplace inclusion.

‘The awards also enhance your reputation and, overall, it’s just a complete morale boost that keeps you and your team motivated!’

What awards are available for entry?

‘The awards are open for all businesses, and each is designed to celebrate and recognise different achievements. This Is Us Awards are all about inclusivity and we are looking for applicants across a range of D&I initiatives.

‘We have 12 award categories which are currently open for nomination. These consist of Education, Women Empowerment, D, E & I Company, Training & Development, Recruitment Policy and Implementation, Community Upliftment / Community Engagement, Organisational Champion Awards, Employee Resource Group, Apprenticeship, Changemaker, Icon/Lifetime Achievement and Tomorrow’s Leader/youth.’

What can attendees expect to achieve from This Is Us Awards?

‘Aside from the actual winning of an award, This Is Us Awards ceremony will be a night of celebration, uniting and networking with other business delegates, in an inclusive and fun atmosphere which is dedicated to championing D&I.

‘Tickets for the awards evening will also include?a drinks reception, 3-course meal, soft drinks package on the table and?entertainment.

‘Ultimately, you must be ‘in it to win it’ and we would love to see an abundance of new emerging businesses and initiatives at This Is Us Awards 2023. This is our last call for entries as our deadline is the 30th of November. We wish all applicants the very best of luck!’