WHY AWARDS MATTER

The Awards industry is awash alive and kicking – and it is an important part of the Human Psyche that we want recognition for our achievements. It releases endorphins – in evolutionary terms, the recognition stokes a physiology we used to get from stalking and hunting our prey over many days.

I was a sceptic (a little). No doubt, I thought they often provide a boost to teams for great work and often for individuals who, are often not high in the company hierarchy, get well deserved external recognition for work that otherwise does not merit a mention. However, my view has been that many awards are there to boost revenue for publishing companies that need to boost coverage and subscriptions. My inner cynic sometimes sees these awards as a chance for the boss to show off get the team to a posh hotel for a glass of overpriced fizzy wine… Not that I would ever object to an excuse to party. Of course, I am a hypocrite as well.

However, last week my mind was changed – not because I was nominated for an award… (I was lucky enough to win) but this isn’t the point of my reflection. The National Centre for Diversity Awards were truly a celebration – In a time when we need it most. In the year since an elected MP was killed, hate crime has increased, and some elements of our society find it ok to air racist or sexist views and language again. In a time when many of our politicians seem afraid to stand up for and celebrate the amazing things that a diverse, workforce, society and nation can achieve.

These awards brought together and celebrated in the most British (self-deprecatory and almost apologetic way, some of the amazing things people can achieve through thinking and acting differently. From education, large corporates, Public sector and the third sector, it was plain to see that despite setbacks to progress in civil society in sections of our media and polity, here was an organisation committed to celebrating and helping organisations grow, achieve and ultimately thrive in the communities they work in. The diversity of organisations and people was amazing as was the differing levels of resources, united by one thing – the desire to improve their organisation by doing the right thing by all of their stakeholders. For many this has improved customer outcomes, educational outcomes and well-being of staff.

Overall, this was about enterprises big and small who wanted to make a true to difference to society as a whole. To paraphrase a former prime minister, it seems these organisations do believe ‘there is such a thing as society’. In addition, their definition of society is broad, inclusive and worth celebrating notwithstanding the challenges and problems. So well done to National Centre for Diversity. In the vacuum created by our politicians it seems it really is up to business and other organisations to make the case for a diverse, inclusive and harmonious society.