British businesses are being urged to nominate individuals from within their organisations who have a track record of promoting equality and diversity ahead of next year’s British LGBT Awards.

Dubbed the ‘Gay Oscars’, the red carpet extravaganza takes place on 13th May 2016, at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms. The awards pay tribute to the individuals and organisations who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

Award categories include Corporate Rising Star, Corporate Straight Ally, LGBT Network Group, Diversity Champion, Inspirational Role Model as well as best company/ employer.

Past British LGBT Awards winners have included names from the corporate and banking sector the world over. American Express scooped LGBT Network Group, Alison Berryman, Chief Operating Officer at Barclaycard, was named Inspirational Role Model, Amir Kabel, Global Diversity and Inclusion manager at Vodafone, won Corporate Rising Star and French multinational banking and financial services company, Societe Generale, was crowned LGBT Diversity Champion.

The judging panel, led by diversity and inclusion expert Sarah Garrett, will produce a shortlist based on the nominations.

Sarah Garrett said:

“The British LGBT Awards highlight the very best in LGBT talent but importantly pay tribute to our all-important straight allies too. We are urging business leaders to nominate those who have made a difference in striving for equality and diversity in the workplace.”

Royal Bank of Scotland is thrilled to be the headline sponsor for the event.

Majorie Strachan, head of inclusion at RBS, said:

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring The British LGBT awards again this coming year.
LGBT equality is a big deal for us at RBS. It’s important to our colleagues, it’s important to our customers and it’s important to the communities we serve.

“Being inclusive plays to the heart of our core values. We want our people to bring the best of themselves to work every day and we want our customers to know we are a bank that is determined to make a difference.”

For more information, please visit: www.britishlgbtawards.co.uk