We are proud to announce that Sharon Thomas, Community Engagement Team Leader, based in Langley has been shortlisted for the 2015 Excellence in Diversity Awards (EiDA).

The annual EiDA recognises the remarkable efforts of organisations nationwide that have reinforced their commitment to harnessing and strengthening a diverse workforce, embedding equality and inclusion within their value system.

The unique awards taking place on May 14 in Manchester will commend organisations that embrace all aspects of diversity, not just one strand, reflecting how an organisation invests massively in each and every member of its workforce, achieving equality and diversity at its purest form.

The annual awards ceremony is designed to celebrate diversity in its true format, showcasing individuals and organisations that have shown phenomenal dedication to equality within various sectors across the UK

With nearly 30 years’ experience within the housing sector, Sharon goes above and beyond her role as Community Engagement Team Leader at Riverside Housing.

Sharon Thomas said “It came as a great surprise to be shortlisted for this award, I didn’t expect it at all. I couldn’t have achieved it without the support of my colleagues and the communities that I work with.”

Her passion for diversity and inclusion shines through not only in her day job, but also her outstanding dedication to community and voluntary work. Sharon focuses all of her energy on ensuring Riverside is committed to inclusion and as chair of their BME staff group, has been fundamental in promoting the group extensively to all staff, resulting in membership increasing from 30 to 100 within two years.

Sharon has led many initiatives involving the community and promoting diversity throughout the northwest including training, information sessions and away days such as Operation black vote; a partnership project with the Ministry of Justice to establish a Magistrate shadowing scheme. Sharon has developed and delivered a number of exceptional initiatives to strengthen the relationships between communities by working with schools, community centres and housing providers.

Julie Riseborough, Business Support Manager, said “Sharon’s ability to demonstrate excellence in equality has been a tremendous asset to Riverside.  Diversity is a fundamental requirement for the social housing sector: we need to understand the needs and preferences of a wide spectrum of customers to be fully inclusive. It’s important that we embrace all aspects of equality and Sharon has shown great leadership in her membership of the BME staff group.  Sharon has also embedded these values into her work with community projects including Financial Inclusion, Digital Inclusion and Employment and Training.”