And so far, despite it being the first year it has been included in the awards, the category has proven to be the most popular for nominations, with dozens submitted so far.
To date, a total of 62 nominations have been received for 36 nominees across 13 categories, and that figure is growing daily.
The new category has attracted 26 nominations for five nominees. A full list of categories can be found at prideofjersey.com. All of those nominated will be featured in the JEP and online at prideofjersey.com, with a shortlist chosen by the public to go through to the final judging.
Sponsored by HSBC and The Diversity Network, the Diversity and Inclusion Champion award will recognise a person, group or organisation which embraces diversity and inclusion, making the community or their work a better place to be.
Crawford Prentice, who has spent many of his 25 years at HSBC championing diversity and inclusion, said it was a difficult award to define and that should be seen as a positive thing.
‘There is no right answer in the diversity and inclusion space,’ said Mr Prentice, the bank’s chief operating officer retail banking and wealth management for the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. ‘If you think you are seeing an individual, a team or a local business do stuff that drives more togetherness, nominate them. And I don’t think we will be short of great people doing these things.’
Mr Prentice, who is also on the independent advisory board of TDN, added that the people nominated this year would show how broad the category area is and hopefully increase awareness of the variety of good work being done by all sorts of people and organisations in the diversity and inclusion sphere across the Island.
Asked what he would say to people thinking of nominating someone for the award, he said: ‘Just do it!
In today’s Saturday Interview, Mr Prentice (45) – who has been featured three times in the Financial Times’ OUTstanding lists recognising LGBT+ leaders and allies – reflects on his personal experience of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and his passion for passing the messages on.
Islanders have around three weeks left to nominate their ambassadors, inspirational leaders, community champions and young achievers who all go that extra mile to make a difference in Jersey.
Last year more than 250 people were nominated and a record 27,000 public votes were cast.
Those nominated in previous years are eligible to be put forward this year but a new nomination must be made either online or via a form printed in the JEP.
For more information and to nominate visit prideofjersey.com.
