Finalists for the National Diversity Awards, 2026
This year, teams at Creative Support joined the National Diversity Awards 2026 for its 15th year recognising people who go above and beyond. On Friday 18th September, grassroots organisations, inclusive businesses, and astounding individuals alike came together to enjoy a spectacular night at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The night was a chance for everyone to celebrate communities across the UK that have demonstrated an outstanding devotion to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
We’re delighted that we, as an organisation, were shortlisted as Diverse Company of the Year, and our very own Dr. Ray Kendall-Corry, Head of Learning and Development, was shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award! With over 85,000 nominations received this year, this marked a great feat for Creative Support and Ray’s career.
The ‘Creative Cohort’ included staff members from Ray’s team: Esther, PA, and Mawda, Training Administrator; Manages from our South Manchester services, John and Tara; a representative from the LGBTQ+ network, Amber, Communications Officer; as well as EDI team leads, Kizzy, Engagement Lead and Akeisha, Development Lead.
Commenting on the night, Ray said: “This has been such an incredible and inspiring evening, it feels amazing to be a part of such a lovely event. I’m so proud of Creative Support and everything
that we do.”
Guests arrived in their finest black-tie and cultural attire. They were greeted by a fabulous samba-reggae percussionist band who played outside, with the stunning Cathedral as the backdrop to their marvellous performance.
After a decadent three-course meal, the awards for each category were presented. Nerves and excitement filled the room, and empowering speeches were made from well-deserved winners. Whilst our finalists did not take home a trophy, each received a framed certificate for the admirable work they had done.
Kizzy said: “Being in a room full of people who are doing such meaningful and transformative work to champion diversity, inclusion and equality across the UK was genuinely amazing. It made me feel so proud of my colleagues and of the work that we do every day, mostly behind the scenes, to challenge racism, inequality and create more inclusive spaces for our staff and the people we support. The evening was also a powerful reminder that the anti-racism and EDI work we do is so important and still needed. Being surrounded by so many inspirational people was a reminder of why we keep pushing forward, and how much there is to be proud of in this type of work!”
When the opportunity arose to meet national treasure Ainsley Harriott, who was presenting an award at the ceremony, our staff team couldn’t help but have a chat and snap a selfie with him! The team were in awe of other well-known, famous faces who presented awards, including British singer-songwriter, Sampha, Anne Hegerty from The Chase, and comedian-actor, Richard Blackwood.
This year, we celebrated 35 years as a woman-led organisation, along with 10+ years of being a Disability Confident Employer, a Mindful Employer, and Stonewall and EDI Champions. To be recognised as the diverse and caring community that we are, is a huge achievement. This was definitely a night to remember and thank you to all our amazing staff who attended the evening and represented Creative Support so wonderfully.