Parish Councillor shortlisted for national award

A parish councillor has been shortlisted for a national award, having been selected as one of eight candidates for a 'Positive Role Model' accolade as part of the 13th National Diversity Awards which will be held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 4th October 2024.

The Chair of the Ockbrook & Borrowash Neighbourhood Network, Councillor Tania Stevenson, independent councillor for Borrowash East has been put forward for the awards which attracted 90,000 nominees. She is one of just 125 finalists to be named in 10 categories in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.

A highlight to the diversity calendar, the National Diversity Awards unite UK citizens, irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.

Hailed as the 'Golden Globes' of the diversity world, this year's event will be hosted by world-renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist, Clare Balding CBE, who, in her life, and through her work, champions diversity, inclusion and equality.

Speaking about her nomination, Councillor Stevenson said: "It came as an enormous surprise when the email came through to highlight that I'd been shortlisted.  I was aware that a nomination had been sent in some months before, but I never dreamt that I would make it this far".

"As the county's only elected transgender councillor, and only one of a handful in the UK, to be recognised in this way is an honour, not only for myself and for the parish, but for the trans community as a whole, who are facing an incredibly difficult time."

In a statement, Tania's leadership, insight and relentless campaigning for many years on local community issues in both Ockbrook and Borrowash were cited as factors which led to an election win for herself and eight independent councillors in May 2024.  The statement also said that Councillor Stevenson continues to be a lively outspoken and passionate advocate for the trans community in the East Midlands and beyond.

For more information, visit www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk.