EFDS shortlisted for Excellence in Diversity Awards 2015

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Diversity Resource at the Excellence in Diversity Awards 2015. The Inclusive Communications guide is among a strong list of contenders for the ceremony in May. Nominated by organisations from various sectors, the guide is ideal to learn how to reach a wider audience, especially disabled people.

In April 2014, EFDS produced a guide to inclusive communications. Written in partnership with Big Voice Communications, it supports providers to adapt their practices and plans to be more inclusive and accessible.

To complement the guide, EFDS ran two popular inclusive communications workshops with Big Voice Communications alongside the launch for National Governing Bodies of sport and other partners. These workshops were followed up with two focus inclusive digital communications workshops in October 2014. The high demand for these workshops means EFDS is planning more around the country over the coming years.

The event provides recognition for excellence regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, faith, religion and culture.

J.P Morgan is just one of the brands supporting a collection of inclusive talent at the Excellence in Diversity Awards– diversity champions, inclusive employers and pioneering campaigns from all aspects of diversity have been shortlisted for this year's ceremony.

An overwhelming amount of nominations were received, paying tribute to inspirational individuals and diverse companies nationwide that have showcased their incredible achievements to the equality agenda.

Sarah Marl, Marketing and Communications Manager for EFDS, said:

"We are really proud that our work has been recognised for these awards. It is testament to the hard work we have delivered in this area over the last few years. Communications continue to be a huge barrier to participation for many audiences, especially for people with particular impairments. It makes business sense to address these barriers and open up our marketing and communications to be seen, heard or talked about. The guide is a starting point for change." 

Embedding the principles

The key message through the guide is that embedding the principles of inclusive communications from the start, helps everyone to reach more participants, especially disabled people. 

EFDS insight allows us to support more providers with evidence-based information to get the best from their communications to disabled people. This is highlighted especially in our latest Talk to Me report.

EFDS hopes the inclusive communications guide enables more providers to understand the principles of and benefit from inclusive communications. The guide's success includes:

• Since its launch, 1000 downloads from EFDS’s site- our most popular resource to date. Many in the sport and fitness industries are already benefitting from the information. Over 100 people from sports and local organisations in total attended the four workshops which promoted the guides.
• Other local delivery and PR professionals are using the guide to enhance their work too. Good inclusive communications relates to all sectors. Here is a few to date:
  • In September 2014, the guide was chosen by Government as part of their national Accessible Britain campaign. This provides advice toolkits for organisations and individuals to help disabled people become full and active participants in their community.
  • In November 2014, the guide was distributed at the CIPR diversity summit in London.
  • In December 2014, www.nhsinvolvement.co.uk asked for the guide to sit on their resources section. Our site allows people to network and share ideas and experiences about the participation agenda. It offers people who work in engagement the support and guidance to reach deeper into communities so that they have more opportunities to take part in healthcare decisions. Midlands and East of England but after our initial pilot ends (April 2015).
• The content continues to be used as better practice through Government campaigns like Disability Confident and sports bodies internationally.

The Midland Hotel in Manchester will play host to the prestigious black-tie event on 14 May 2015, to honour the outstanding achievements of inspirational individuals and diverse companies nationwide. Business journalist and broadcaster Steph McGovern will take to the stage to host the evening.

The exclusive awards ceremony will applaud the extraordinary contributions of those that have gone above and beyond their corporate social responsibility, tackling issues internally and externally to influence change in the field
of diversity & inclusion.

Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, who has continuously campaigned for disability rights, said:

"If we do not champion people's diversity in Britain, whether that be in employment, education or full access to public life, then we cannot call ourselves progressive, inclusive and successful human beings. I cannot think of anyone who would want that, but sometimes we need role models to help show us the way. These awards will help society to understand and learn what it means to genuinely include all diverse people in our communities. To be part of that process is very important to me."

PwC, CIPD and Action for Children are amongst those supporting the campaign to reward organisations that operate across all aspects of diversity.

A panel of judges including Andy Woodfield - PwC, Miranda Wayland - ITV, and Dianah Worman OBE gathered to finalise the widely anticipated shortlist.

To view a full list of nominees please visit the shortlist page on the Awards' website. To access our guide to inclusive communications, you can download it for free here.