By Leah Conway –
This May, the Kirklees Diversity, Equality and Innovation showcase and awards launched. It celebrates organisations and workers based in Kirklees.
On Tuesday 17 May 2022 the awards were launched through an event organised by the Kirklees Diversity = Innovation Network, which is a collection of organisations that support the creation of a culture of belonging in their workplaces.
Kirklees Diversity = Innovation Network includes organisations such as Cummins Turbo Technologies, Syngenta along with Kirklees College, KAL, Kirklees Council and Haddletons.
The event showcases new ways, inspirations, and ideas to create a positive workplace culture of belonging covering topics such as effective leadership and how equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging improves productivity.
The awards alongside the showcase will celebrate businesses and organisations that truly value creating a culture of belonging and see it as more than just a policy but at the core of the companies.
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Hugh Goulbourne, Chair of the Kirklees Diversity = Innovation network said: “Numerous studies have shown that the most innovative and successful organisations are those that have a diverse pool of employees. Here in Kirklees, we have people with a wide variety of views and backgrounds, we just need to find a way to break down barriers so that we can bring this rich mix of ideas and talent together more effectively within our organisations.
“That is why I am so excited that after 36 months of focussed effort our network is launching the Diversity, Equality and Innovation Conference and Awards event in Huddersfield.
This event will provide the opportunity for people in local organisations to learn how to create a workplace where everyone feels like they belong. It will also enable us to recognise the efforts of those who are already doing so much to break down racism, misogyny, unequal pay and other barriers for colleagues in their workplaces and in their community.”

Hugh Goulbourne, Chair of the Kirklees Diversity = Innovation network
Kirklees Diversity, Equality, and Innovation Awards 2022
Later this year there will be an awards ceremony to celebrate these businesses and organisations. There will be a conference to recognise Kirklees organisations’ great work and showcase their successes.
The award categories that will be presented include:
- Diverse Business
- Inclusive Community Project
- Public Service
- Best Diversity Innovation
- Inclusive Third Sector Organisation of the Year
- Diversity Champion of the Year
- Outstanding Contribution to Inclusion and Diversity
You can enter the Kirklees Diversity, Equality and Innovations Awards on their website.
The website provides an online entry form, and the deadline is Friday 1 July at 5pm. Winners will be announced at the Kirklees Diversity, Equality, and Innovation event on 21 September 2022.