igen is committed to equality and diversity, and is proud to be an 'Investor in Diversity'. We recognise that many of our colleagues go the extra mile and recognise their achievements in the annual igen Equality and Diversity Awards.
A wealth of nominations were submitted from across igen, highlighting the great work that goes on across the organisation and staff’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
After hours of deliberations the judges awarded the following prizes:
igen Staff Winner – Heather Aung
Heather won for her continued work to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues with staff, learners and across the igen partnership, encouraging partners to keep equality and diversity at the forefront of their work with young people. In March, Heather worked tirelessly on organising diversity week (at the same time as a gruelling Ofsted inspection) and making the week a great success for everyone that attended.
igen Staff Winner – Sally Scholes
Sally won for her work organising the equality and diversity event in Goole that was attended by clients, local dignitaries and specialist speakers who raised awareness of the challenges of mental health issues and cerebral palsy. The event also raised £75 for the Bay Tree Care Services who support adults with enduring mental health illnesses and/or learning difficulties.
igen Staff Winner – Adrian Holt
Adrian won for working with the youth team to establish, run and develop a youth club for young people with learning difficulties and physical difficulties. He also put himself through specialist training so that epileptic youngsters could also enjoy the youth club. His enthusiasm and commitment to the right of every young person to have a good time has made him a star among the young people.
igen Staff Winners – Hayley Thurley & Mike Sokolow
Hayley and Mike won for their work with learners in Doncaster and raising their awareness of issues faced by homeless young people. As part of this, the tutors organised a night for the learners and themselves to sleep rough as part of the Big Sleep Out. As well as raising their awareness of what it’s like to be homeless, the Doncaster team also raised £300 for SAFE@LAST.
Learner Winners – Group C FL Doncaster
As well as taking part in the Big Sleep Out, the learners in Group C have also taken the time organise cultural events such as Polish Culture Day to make other learners aware of life in Poland. After the success of their events in Doncaster, the learners visited Leeds to share a presentation with learners there as part of diversity week.
Partner Winner – Swarthmore
Swarthmore won the partner award for Skills Passport, the REAL programme that they deliver. Swarthmore specialise in working with young people with learning difficulties and their learners often have a wide range of additional learning needs. The tutors face many challenges with the group but have succeeded in creating an inclusive environment that embraces everyone’s ‘differentness’.
