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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Recognising the people, teams and organisations transforming diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across Wales.
Mastering Diversity Awards 2026
Thursday 19 November 2026 | 6:00–8:00pm | Senedd Cymru, Cardiff Bay
Nominate by 11:59 pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
We Go Together or Not at All!
AWARDS CATEGORY LINEUP
Scroll down and read about all the Nomination Categories
Nominate yourself or a worthy colleague
You may nominate in more than one category.
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Honouring an exceptional and sustained contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging.
JOINT HEADLINER- LEIGH DAY- HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Lifetime Achievement Champion Award recognises an individual whose sustained leadership, service or advocacy has created a significant and enduring contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging. This award celebrates a body of work rather than a single project. The strongest nominees will have influenced people, practice, institutions or communities over time and will leave a legacy that continues beyond their own direct involvement.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· An individual living or working in Wales, or whose work has made a substantial contribution to Wales.
· Nominees may come from any sector or community setting.
· A fixed number of years is not required; the nomination must demonstrate sustained contribution and legacy.
· Self-nominations are accepted, although independent testimony is strongly encouraged.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· A sustained record of leadership or service.
· Long-term influence on people, culture, systems or opportunity.
· A clear legacy and evidence that the work will endure.
· Recognition from beneficiaries, colleagues, communities or partner organisations.
Real Results
Looking across the nominee’s body of work, what lasting legacy have they created and why is this the right moment to recognise it?
Recognising those widening participation, representation and belonging across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
JOINT HEADLINER-VODAFONE BUSINESS - HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Diversity in STEM Champion Award celebrates an individual, team, organisation or initiative breaking down barriers across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It recognises work that widens participation, improves representation, develops inclusive innovation or creates clearer pathways into STEM education and careers. Strong nominations will demonstrate who was previously excluded or underserved, what changed and how the work is shaping a more representative future.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, employers, educators, researchers, networks, projects and community initiatives.
· The work must relate to one or more STEM fields and have a clear connection to Wales.
· Nominations may cover education, access, employment, progression, innovation or public engagement.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Removal of identifiable barriers to STEM participation or progression.
· Reach and depth of impact, especially for underrepresented groups.
· Inclusive design, research, technology or teaching practice.
· Clear outcomes, learning and future potential.
Real Results
Which barrier in STEM did the nominee address, and how has their work changed access, participation, progression or belonging?
Celebrating inclusive leadership, enterprise and workplace practice that create opportunity and measurable change.
NATWEST & HUGH JAMES- HEAD JUDGES AND SPONSORS
The Diversity in Business Champion Award recognises an individual, team, business or enterprise using inclusive leadership and responsible practice to widen opportunity, strengthen belonging and improve outcomes. This may include recruitment, progression, procurement, entrepreneurship, customer access, supply chains, workplace culture or support for underrepresented founders and communities. Strong nominations will connect intention to evidence and demonstrate that inclusion contributes to a fairer and stronger organisation or economy.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, businesses, social enterprises and business-support organisations.
· The nominee must operate in Wales or demonstrate a meaningful impact on people, businesses or communities in Wales.
· Organisations of every size are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Inclusive business practice embedded beyond one-off activity.
· Evidence of improved access, progression, belonging or economic opportunity.
· Leadership accountability and employee or customer voice.
· Potential for the approach to be sustained or replicated.
Real Results
How has the nominee changed business practice or economic opportunity, and what evidence shows that the change is real?
Recognising people and organisations building trust, connection, opportunity and belonging in communities.
FINAL RENTALS- HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Community Champion Award celebrates an individual, group, organisation or initiative strengthening communities through inclusive, practical and trusted action. It recognises those who listen, connect people, respond to local need and create opportunities for participation and belonging. The strongest nominations will demonstrate deep community relationships, meaningful reach and the ability to turn limited resources, lived experience or local knowledge into lasting change.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, volunteers, informal groups, charities, social enterprises, faith groups, campaigns and community organisations.
· The nominee or community benefit must have a clear connection to Wales.
· Paid and unpaid contributions are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Individuals, volunteers, informal groups, charities, social enterprises, faith groups, campaigns and community organisations.
· The nominee or community benefit must have a clear connection to Wales.
· Paid and unpaid contributions are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
Real Results
· Trusted relationships and community-led action.
· Benefits reaching people who may otherwise be excluded.
Celebrating action that advances gender equity, safety, representation, opportunity and power.
HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR TBC
The Gender Equality Champion Award recognises an individual, team, organisation or initiative advancing gender equality through practical and sustained action. This may include leadership, employment, education, health, safety, representation, policy, entrepreneurship or community advocacy. Nominations may address the experiences of women, girls, men, boys, trans people and non-binary people.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, organisations, campaigns, networks and community initiatives.
· The work must have a meaningful connection to Wales.
· Activity may focus on any gender-equality issue or population.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· A clear inequality or barrier addressed.
· Meaningful participation by the people affected.
· Evidence of improved representation, safety, opportunity, voice or outcomes.
· An intersectional and sustainable approach.
Real Results
What gender inequality has the nominee challenged, whose experience has changed, and what evidence demonstrates progress?
Recognising those making sport and physical activity more representative, accessible and welcoming.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES TEAM WALES- HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Diversity in Sports Champion Award celebrates an individual, team, club, governing body, project or organisation expanding access, representation and belonging in sport or physical activity. It recognises progress at every level, from grassroots participation to elite performance, coaching, leadership, governance, volunteering and media. Strong nominations will show how barriers were identified and removed, and how people who were previously excluded or underrepresented are now able to participate and thrive.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs, teams, governing bodies, media, programmes and community organisations.
· The nominee or impact must have a clear connection to Wales.
· Both grassroots and performance sport are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Improved access, participation, progression or representation.
· Inclusive facilities, coaching, leadership or governance.
· Positive participant experience and community reach.
· A durable contribution beyond a one-off event.
Real Results
How has the nominee made sport or physical activity more accessible, representative or welcoming, and for whom?
Honouring those IMPACTING whose voices, stories and perspectives are seen, heard and trusted.
TRANSPORT FOR WALES-HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Diversity in Representation Champion Award recognises an individual, team, organisation or initiative improving who is seen, heard and able to influence decisions. This may include media, arts and culture, public life, governance, leadership, communications, campaigns or community voice. The award celebrates authentic representation that moves beyond visibility alone and creates agency, opportunity, dignity and influence for people whose perspectives have been overlooked or misrepresented.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, organisations, productions, campaigns, networks and community initiatives.
· The work must have a clear connection to Wales or materially amplify Welsh voices.
· Representation may relate to any protected characteristic, identity, place or lived experience.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Authentic involvement rather than tokenistic visibility.
· Greater voice, influence, leadership or narrative ownership.
· Responsible and accurate portrayal of lived experience.
· Evidence of changed perceptions, access or decision-making.
Real Results
Whose voice or story has the nominee helped to centre, and how has that representation created influence rather than visibility alone?
Celebrating those creating understanding, access and environments in which different minds can flourish.
HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR TBC
The Cognitive and Neurodiversity Champion Award recognises an individual, team, organisation or initiative creating more inclusive understanding, services, learning or workplaces for people with different cognitive profiles and ways of thinking. This may include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, acquired brain injury, learning differences and other forms of cognitive diversity. Strong nominations will be strengths-aware, shaped by lived experience and focused on removing environmental and systemic barriers.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, employers, educators, health or support services, researchers, advocates and community initiatives.
· The work must have a meaningful connection to Wales.
· Nominees may work across diagnosis, education, employment, health, accessibility, advocacy or public understanding.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Leadership or co-design by people with lived experience.
· Practical removal of sensory, communication, learning or workplace barriers.
· Improved understanding, autonomy, access or outcomes.
· A strengths-aware approach that respects dignity and choice.
Real Results
How has the nominee changed an environment, service or system so that cognitively or neurologically diverse people can participate and flourish?
Celebrating inclusive education that expands opportunity, belonging, achievement and aspiration.
HOWELL'S SCHOOL LLANDAFF -HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Diversity in Education Champion Award recognises an individual, team, institution or initiative making education more equitable, inclusive and representative. This may include early years, schools, further education, higher education, adult learning, training or informal community learning. Strong nominations will show how barriers to access, participation, belonging or achievement have been addressed and how learners’ voices and identities have shaped the response.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Educators, learners, support staff, leaders, institutions, training providers, projects and community-learning initiatives.
· The nominee or educational impact must have a clear connection to Wales.
· All ages and forms of learning are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· A clear inequality or barrier addressed.
· Meaningful participation by the people affected.
· Evidence of improved representation, safety, opportunity, voice or outcomes.
· An intersectional and sustainable approach.
· Improved access, participation, belonging, attainment or progression.
· Learner voice and inclusive curriculum or teaching practice.
· Support for groups experiencing unequal outcomes.
· Evidence of sustainable cultural or systemic change.
Real Results
Which educational barrier has the nominee removed or reduced, and how has this changed learners’ opportunity, experience or outcomes?
Recognising inclusive public leadership and services that are fairer, more accessible and more accountable.
VODAFONE BUSINESS- HEAD JUDGES AND SPONSORS
The Diversity in the Public Sector Champion Award celebrates an individual, team, public body or partnership embedding equity and inclusion into public leadership, employment, policy or service delivery. It recognises work that makes institutions more representative, services more accessible and decisions more responsive to the communities they serve. Strong nominations will demonstrate public value, accountability and tangible improvement rather than policy intention alone.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, public bodies, public-service partnerships and publicly funded initiatives.
· The nominee must work in Wales or deliver a meaningful benefit to people and communities in Wales.
· Local and national public services are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Improved access, experience or outcomes for service users.
· Inclusive workforce, leadership, procurement, policy or service design.
· Community participation and accountability.
· Measurable public value and potential for wider adoption.
Real Results
How has the nominee changed a public institution, policy or service, and what difference has the public experienced as a result?
Celebrating action that reduces health inequalities and improves inclusive care, wellbeing and access.
WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICES UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST-HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR
The Diversity in Health Champion Award recognises an individual, team, organisation or initiative improving equity, inclusion, representation or access across health, wellbeing or social care. It celebrates work that addresses unequal outcomes, strengthens culturally responsive or person-centred practice and enables people to receive the support they need with dignity. Strong nominations will demonstrate partnership with affected communities and clear evidence of improved access, experience or outcomes.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· Individuals, teams, NHS bodies, social-care providers, charities, community groups, researchers and health initiatives.
· The work must have a meaningful connection to Wales.
· Clinical, non-clinical, preventative, public-health and community-health work are eligible.
· Self-nominations are accepted.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· A clearly identified health inequality or access barrier.
· Co-design, trust and engagement with affected communities.
· Improved access, experience, safety, wellbeing or outcomes.
· Learning, sustainability and potential for wider impact.
Real Results
Which health inequality or access barrier has the nominee addressed, and what changed for the people affected?
Recognising a young person whose leadership, courage or action is advancing inclusion and inspiring change.
HEAD JUDGE AND SPONSOR TBC
The Young Person of the Year Award celebrates a young person aged 30 or under whose leadership, creativity, advocacy or service is advancing diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging. The award recognises both achievement and potential. Nominees do not need a formal title or long record of service; the focus is the significance of their contribution, the courage or initiative they have shown and the positive influence they are already creating.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED
· A person aged 30 or under on 30 September 2026.
· The nominee must live, learn, volunteer or work in Wales, or demonstrate a substantial positive contribution to Wales.
· Nominees may be recognised for activity in any sector or community.
· Self-nominations are accepted for nominees aged 18 or over. Where the nominee is under 18, the nomination must be submitted by an adult and parent/guardian consent must be obtained before publication or attendance.
WHAT STRONG NOMINATIONS SHOULD SHOW
· Initiative, courage, creativity or leadership appropriate to the nominee’s age and opportunity.
· Positive impact on peers, an organisation or a community.
· Commitment to inclusion and evidence of future potential.
· Authentic testimony from beneficiaries, peers, educators or community leaders.
Real Results
What has this young person chosen to change, what difference are they already making, and why should Wales watch what they do next?