Individuals and organisations shortlisted for the fourth Herald and GenAnalytics Diversity Awards have been congratulated for their work to boost diversity and inclusion across Scotland’s economy.

This year’s awards are supported by BAE Systems, City Building, City of Glasgow College, Diageo, MacRoberts LLP, ScottishPower, Taylor Wimpey, SQA, CIPD, Deloitte, JP Morgan and the University of Edinburgh Business School.

READ MORE: Winners of 2018 Diversity Awards celebrated

The judges faced a difficult day reviewing the record number of entries and also said they wanted to acknowledge the work of all entries that did not make the shortlist.

Winners will be announced during a glittering ceremony on the evening of October 9.

Lee Ann Panglea, Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland for CIPD, said: “We’ve been really encouraged by the standard of entries, and by the great strides being made by organisations in Scotland to push the diversity agenda.”

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Dr Graham Paterson, executive director at City Building, said: “This year’s finalists of The Herald & GenAnalytics Diversity Awards are very impressive, and I’d like to congratulate each and every organisation and business for getting to this stage of the process.

“The judging panel really had their work cut out in choosing our winners. I wish everyone the very best of luck.”

Roy Gardner, Vice Principal, Corporate Development & Innovation, City of Glasgow College, said:“Our college is proud to support the Diversity Awards... I look forward to meeting this year’s deserving finalists and hearing their stories.”

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Steve Borley, Head of Strategic Planning & Governance at SQA, said: “I look forward to recognising their use of best practice and innovation in championing greater diversity and inclusion for the benefit of their students, staff or local communities.”

Katy Wedderburn, from MacRoberts, added: It is a night to celebrate those who are an inspiration to others and recognise companies and organisations who go over and above to ensure they create a diverse, thriving and safe working environment for all.”

Professor Wendy Loretto, Dean of the University of Edinburgh Business School, said: “Congratulations to the finalists of this new award category for Age Inclusiveness. All have demonstrated excellent work and innovative initiatives to promote age-inclusion across Scotland’s workforce.”

Sarah McNulty, from ScottishPower, said: It’s great to see the benefits that are available to businesses that are willing to challenge traditional recruitment methods.”

Audrey Ross, Sales & Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “As category sponsor for Diversity in the Public Sector, we are delighted to be part of the conversation with organisations that are as equally committed to diversity and inclusion and the positive benefits that it brings to our collective businesses.”

Catriona Mackie, HR Director, Diageo, Global Supply: "Congratulations to this year’s Diversity Hero of the Year finalists.  All of these individuals and companies have worked hard to make a difference and have been an inspirational role model to others to promote diversity and inclusivity.  They all have much to be proud of and we wish each of them the best of luck."

For more information on how to attend please visit http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/the-diversity-awards/ or contact Nina Holmes on 0141 302 6036.