No. 58/04

Press Release: 26 October 2004

Corporation Champions Diversity

The Housing Corporation has been awarded the 'Diversity Champion in Public Service' gold award at the British Diversity Awards 2004.

Presented to the Corporation on Friday evening (22 October 2004) the prestigious gold award is in recognition of its work including the development of its Race Equality Scheme, the introduction of race and cultural reviews, the development of an internal action and outcome plan.

The award is also in recognition of the Corporation's national equality and diversity groups and specific training for managers as part of its Management Development Programme.

Jon Rouse, Chief Executive, said: "This is really good news for the Corporation. The award recognises the our work in challenging inequality and ensuring our staff are able to meet the needs of BME communities we serve. Despite winning this award, we won't be complacent and a further action plan will be published in the Spring."

Now in their 10th year, the British Diversity Awards recognise and reward organisations and individuals who are able to demonstrate:
a commitment to providing equal opportunities for everyone
an appreciation of benefits of diversity within their environment and community
an ability to applaud good practice, identify effective practitioners and establish a benchmark for diversity management

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Note to editors:

• The British Diversity Awards were launched in 1995. They are the only national awards of their kind in the world and the event has been a catalyst for significant employment change throughout the UK.
• For more information about these awards please contact AnSer House of Marlow UK on 01628 481581 or visit their website at www.anserhouse.co.uk