Race for Opportunity Awards 2012

The Awards are now closed for submission.  To receive details of the 2013 process please complete the
Expression of Interest - RfO Awards 2013

Welcome to the Race for Opportunity Awards 2012.  Race for Opportunity's Annual Awards programme recognises exceptional progress within organisations working towards race equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

This year, for the first time, the RfO Awards are open to non- members.

We believe there are many organisations out there doing good work and we are keen to highlight the innovation and excellence for all organisations at the leading edge of diversity and provide the recognition they deserve.

Here is an overview of the 2012 categories including old favourites and some exciting new additions for 2012.

Collaboration and Partnership Award

For a programme/work aimed at addressing equality, diversity and inclusion, with a focus on race, done in collaboration with external stakeholders from the same and/or diverse sectors.   These stakeholders may also be from your supply chain or from within your community.This could include examples of how engaging your employees in volunteering has helped BAME communities; examples of how employees skills have been recognised through volunteering.

Employee Network Award 
For both public and private sector organisations with a Race Diversity Employee Network.   Demonstrate how your network adds value to business as well as the positive impact on performance and innovation in the workplace and the important role they have played in you Diversity & Inclusion agenda. Examples might include how this network has supported its members; how progression rates of BAME employees may have improved as a result of setting up this network; how this network has raised awareness of race issues.

Global Action Award (NEW CATEGORY FOR 2012)
This new Award category gives employers an opportunity to share innovation and action that has had an impact on diverse communities in more than three countries.  Examples might be recruitment or talent programmes, development initiatives or capacity building within communities through volunteering or working collaboratively.

Tell us why it is innovative and how it has improved the outcomes for diverse groups of people as well as the impact on your business in terms e.g., increased market share, improved performance, growth or productivity. Programmes do not have to be new. If they are mature give examples of year on year growth, development or expansion.  If it is new tell us about your plans for roll out and expansion.

Innovation Award (NEW CATEGORY FOR 2012)
This new Award category is for employers to share any innovations that you have significantly contributed to, designed, created or invested significant resources that has had a impact on the race diversity and inclusion agenda or is showing potential to have greater impact.  This may involve work you have engaged in with BAME businesses/suppliers, fresh initiatives in schools/colleges, or projects undertaken in local diverse communities.

Tell us why it is innovative and how it has improved the outcomes for ethnic minority students, employees, communities or customers as well as the impact on your business in terms e.g., increased market share, improved performance, growth, productivity and/or reputation.  If it is new tell us your plans for roll out and expansion.

Leadership Award  (This could be an individual or an organisation)
Stories that demonstrate how leadership, clear goals, action and evaluation help an organisation achieve exceptional progress. 

Mentoring Award
For private and public sector organisations which have mentoring initiatives.  This may include projects linked to schools, communities or employees.  This can also relate to a leader within your organisation who has made an outstanding contribution through mentoring.

Widening the Talent Pool Award – Progression
For a programme/work or initiative which increases the diversity of your workforce, this can be activity linked to outreach, progression, development.  It can include internal and external partnerships with schools, charities and/or other organisations.

Widening the Talent Pool Award – Recruitment
For a programme/work or initiative which increases the diversity of your workforce, this can be activity linked to outreach, recruitment, development.  It can include internal and external partnerships with schools, charities and/or other organisations

Youth Partnership Award (NEW CATEGORY FOR 2012)
This new Award category invites employers to demonstrate the impact of pre-internship or apprenticeship programmes and how these have had a positive impact; and how by working in partnership they have contributed to the aspiration and achievement of BAME young people (16-24yrs) to help develop their skills, competencies and confidence whilst enhancing the brand and reputation of your organisation.   If your work is with young people under 16 we would like to hear about that too.
Tell us how your partnership has had an impact on young people from non-traditional cultural backgrounds and increased social capital e.g. expanded their networks and/or opened up new opportunities.  Tell us about any enhanced performance or academic achievements as a result of the support offered to any educational establishments including academies, schools and colleges.