Teesside University renews commitment to major ethnic awards

Teesside University is once again sponsoring a prestigious diversity awards ceremony, reaffirming its commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Tees Valley region.

The Tees Valley BME Awards celebrate the achievements of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals and organisations in the region who have made a positive impact. The ceremony will be held on Friday, 3 November at Kirkleatham’s Walled Garden.

Founded in 2011, the awards are committed to promoting race equality and diversity by creating a platform that empowers BME individuals and organisations to share their successes, stories, and contributions with the broader community, fostering understanding and unity in the spirit of diversity and inclusion.

The partnership between Teesside University and the Tees Valley BME awards exemplifies the University’s values promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive environment within the Tees Valley. By sponsoring this prestigious event for another year, Teesside University continues to play a pivotal role in recognising and honouring the contributions of BME individuals and organisations to the region’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.

Teesside University is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the Tees Valley.

Initiatives, such as the promotion of diverse staff recruitment, support for BME students, and community engagement programs, demonstrate its commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable community for all.

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) and Executive Champion (Ethnic and Cultural Diversity), said: "Teesside University is dedicated to embracing diversity and providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our colleagues and students. As such, we are delighted to support the Tees Valley BME Awards because they provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution that BME communities make to our region. Teesside University looks forward to engaging in these celebrations and continuing its journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Juliet Amos, Executive Director of Human Resources and Equality & Diversity Champion (LGBT+), Teesside University, said: “As an anchor institution for the Tees Valley which supports the economic, social and cultural success of our region and the communities we serve, Teesside University places enormous value on empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

“We lead by example and work hard to raise awareness of difference, remove barriers to achievement and provide development opportunities for all.

“We are very proud to support the Tees Valley BME Awards which reflect our own values, supporting and celebrating the amazing achievements of our diverse communities.”

BME Network CIC Director Idrees Rashid said: “These awards hold a special place in our annual calendar and perfectly align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“They continue to gain recognition and significance, symbolising our collective efforts to champion diversity and celebrate the contributions of our diverse community.

“Each year, we come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations across various sectors, echoing Teesside University’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and prosperous Tees Valley.

“Their unwavering support of these awards is not only inspirational but also promotes unity and understanding, reinforcing our University's vision of an inclusive future.

“This event serves as a testament to the exceptional accomplishments of the diverse communities that constitute the rich tapestry of the Tees Valley.”

Halo Project Director Yasmin Khan added: “As we draw a close to a year which has presented further challenges for public services in demonstrating the need to prioritise race equality, we pay homage to communities and individuals who have accelerated social justice and made a significant economic contribution to the Tees Valley.

“We must never underestimate the power of unity and cohesion for prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.

“The Tees Valley BME Awards - now in their 14th year - are the platform which recognise our diverse collective contributions, and we thank our partners for their contribution for making this possible.”

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