The Board Awards
The Board Awards: A not-for-profit awards ceremony to celebrate diverse Boards that positively impact the communities they serve.
On Friday 19th May 2023 we came come together for our inaugural awards ceremony to celebrate the progress that's been made on Boards so far, and to inspire all of us to keep fighting for inclusion at leadership level.
There was a real sense of community in the room, and it was clear that the event was as much about being together as it was about celebrating the shortlist, highly commended and winners.
The word we've heard the most about the event was "inspiring", and we'd have to agree! Being amongst so many disruptors, change makers and thought leaders was truly magical.
Together, we can keep fighting for greater inclusion in every walk of life.
Brilliant and important event, showcasing the work that companies, organisations and charities are doing to ensure that their boards fairly represent the country. The impact of which can’t be underestimated.
Our Sponsors
Our generous sponsors help us to shine a light on the brilliant efforts being made by boards and individuals to ensure equality in society.
If you’d like to sponsor a future Board Awards, please get in touch.
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Barish Mata, Diversifying Group
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Credit: Patrick Lewis Photography
Winners 2023
Lifetime Achiever
An award for the person who has spent their entire career fighting for inclusion and for the voices of traditionally marginalised groups to be heard.
Winner: Helena Morrissey
Highly Commended: Asif Sadiq MBE
Children & Youth Board of the Year
The Board who have made the greatest impact on services which directly support children and young people.
Winner: Youth Endowment Fund
Highly Commended: Pop Up Projects CIC
Disability Board of the Year
The Board who have had the greatest impact on improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Winner: Royal Mencap Society
Highly Commended: POhWER
International Aid & Development Board of the Year
The Board who have had the greatest impact through international aid initiatives which support diverse groups across the globe.
Winner: Amnesty International
Highly Commended: Freedom From Torture
FTSE Board of the Year
This award is for a FTSE Board who are taking proactive steps to fight for inclusion and for the voices of traditionally marginalised groups to be heard across everything they do.
Winner: ITV
Highly Commended: MoneySuperMarket
Rising Star
An award for the person who is on a journey to make the biggest impact through their work in inclusion and belonging.
Winner: Leanne Armitage
Highly Commended: Claud Williams
Community Initiatives Board of the Year
The Board who have made the biggest impact through community initiatives which support marginalised groups across the UK.
Winner: The Albany - Deptford
Environment & Conservation Board of the Year
The Board who have made the biggest impact on diversity and inclusion within environmental conservation.
Winner: Friends of the Earth
Highly Commended: Black Environment Network
Medical Research & Healthcare Board of the Year
The Board who have made the biggest impact on cultural awareness and representation in medical research and healthcare.
Winner: Health Education England
Greatest Impact for Inclusion Board of the Year
The Board who are taking proactive steps to fight for inclusion and for the voices of traditionally marginalised groups to be heard across everything they do.
Winner: Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
Highly Commended: Freedom From Torture
Meet the Judges
Donna Herdsman
Senior Client Partner and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for EMEA at Korn Ferry
Tim (T) Hardy-Lenik
Director of Inclusion and Workforce Equity, CSG
Emelie Helsen
Campus Manager at Coventry University
Roni Savage
CEO, Jomas Associates
Chris Sherwood
CEO, RSPCA
Joanne Lockwood
Founder and CEO at SEE Change Happen
Penny Wilson
CEO of Getting On Board
Kamran Mallick
CEO, Disability Rights UK
Andrew Shakos
Operations Director, Deans Trust
Mani Deegan
Director, Agile Talent Solutions and Senior Consultant, Lego
Tim Siu
Recruitment Lead, EY
Richard Collins
Founder of CSR Accreditation
Our Process and Integrity
As with everything we do, The Board Awards is centred around inclusion, championing diversity and striving for a more equal society. Our processes were put in place with these values in mind, every step of the way.
Transparent
We’re open and honest about our processes and intentions. The Board Awards is a not-for-profit venture set up to acknowledge and celebrate genuine progress that’s been made in relation to diversity and inclusion on boards.
We thank our generous sponsors for supporting the awards, which enables us to host the awards ceremony and keep ticket costs affordable for all attendees. Any outstanding funds are ringfenced and put back into The Board Awards or to support free developmental services for aspiring Trustees.
Fair
Our diverse judging panel undertake a detailed and collaborative judging process to ensure every nomination is considered with equal attention. Judging packs are sent in advance of a roundtable judging day, so all nominees are assessed fairly and consistently.
All nominees have been selected on merit with no money exchanged. Though you might spot some of our clients among the nominees, they will have been selected on merit alone and our team have no involvement in the judging process.
Supportive
We are committed to providing a supportive environment for people to be themselves. We will ensure that the awards are accessible, and work alongside you to make any reasonable adjustments necessary.
