The National Centre for Diversity held its prestigious Annual Grand Awards event on Thursday 16^th March 2017 at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.

It was a glittering and emotional night of celebration, of the sheer hard work of people that work in the country’s best companies in relation to Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement (FREDIE).

There were individual and organisational awards to mark the contributions of some of the most inspiring, passionate and brilliant individuals who work tirelessly every day, to ensure that there is equality of opportunity for all within their organisations– whatever your background.

During the evening the National Centre for Diversity announced its UK Top 100 Index 2017, highlighting 100 of the UK’s best organisations.

North Star, a Housing Association in the North East, came in at an impressive Number 18; recognised for their commitment and drive to diversity across the organisation.

Carole Richardson, Assistant Director of People and Culture at North Star, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have achieved such a high ranking in these prestigious awards. We are dedicated to championing diversity within our organisation and our communities, so to receive recognition for this is a great achievement. Embracing equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of the work we do and we’re firmly committed to continual investment in these areas.”

Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Diversity said “Tonight’s Grand Awards has been phenomenal. I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to not only the award winners, but those who were also shortlisted and nominated for one of our awards.

Beyond this year’s Awards evening, we at the National Centre for Diversity know that there are fantastic people right across the country; working hard to make their organisations, wider communities and the UK in general a better and more equitable place for us all. We commend you all for your hard work, we know this is a journey that never stops, and we’re here to support you all in that journey.”