The 2024 UNISON Black History Month Awards evening was held in Leeds over the weekend, as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of individuals and groups towards promoting, encouraging and supporting diversity inclusion.
The evening, which was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leeds on Saturday evening, was hosted by UNISON Northern Health and Community branch.
It’s the second time an awards evening has been held in the region, following 2023’s event in Sheffield, hosted by UNISON Sheffield Teaching Hospitals branch.
The night included an evening meal, and performances from the Barnsley Caring Voices choir, made up of exploited migrant workers being supported by UNISON. Musical entertainment was also provided by SingCere, who performed several covers of songs by famous and inspirational Black musicians.
A delegation from the Home Office also attended the event.
UNISON Northern Health and Community branch secretary Dave Syms said: “This event has been a wonderful celebration of some truly remarkable people from across the Yorkshire and Humberside.
“I feel privileged to have played a part in making this event happen, to acknowledge their incredible work.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and attended the evening, the staff at DoubleTree for their hard work on the night, and to our award winners for the invaluable contributions they make to their communities.”
Seven awards were presented in total.
LGBT+ Award, presented to UNISON Rotherham Metropolitan Borough branch
The branch was nominated for the work carried out around UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers. They’ve worked to reintroduce Pride in the town they’re based for the first time in years; organised an International Transgender Memorial Day; and organised events to raise UNISON’s profile as an LGBT+ ally, including Drag Queen Bingo, Christmas and Summer Fairs and a Rainbow Laces event held at Rotherham United Football Club.
The branch has also carried out work with the local authority to raise awareness of UNISON as an LGBT+ ally, and actively supporting other Pride events in the region.
Community Award, presented to Errol Murray, founder of Leeds Dads
Errol Murray was nominated for his work bringing together a diverse community of fathers in Leeds for social interaction and wellbeing support.
More than a thousand dads a year visit the group with their pre-school children for lots of different activities, including free soft play, breakfast clubs, forest schools and more. The group is predominantly based in Beeston and Chapeltown, areas associated with deprivation, so the services are easily accessible for those who need them most.
Errol also does lots of work to raise awareness and support for fathers in his day job as an NHS Perinatal Partners Peer Supporter.
Trade Unionist Award, presented to Pam Sian, branch secretary of UNISON West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Transport branch
Pam has been an active member of UNISON for more than three decades, at branch level, regional level and national level. She’s branch secretary and convenor, and also sits on the regional council.
Her nomination described her as “ a strong champion for inclusion” who “works with employers to promote equality, diversity and inclusion”. She uses her positions on various committees, including regional women’s, regional Black members and national Black members, to raise issues relating to Black members.
She’s also helped make sure a dedicated prayer room is in place for staff and visitors, including making sure the right facilities are provided for different religions.
Young Person Award, presented to Shahid Ali from UNISON Sheffield Community Health branch
Shahid’s nomination described him as a “passionate advocate for youth development and community cohesion”. He was nominated for his work launching a junior cricket team for under 11s, in an area characterised by lower socio-economic activity and higher rates of antisocial behaviour.
In the five years since launching Allama Iqbal Cricket Club, his dedication has led to the establishment of a girls’ team, further expanding the club’s reach and offering more opportunities for youth engagement.
The club has evolved into a fully functional organisation, providing not only cricket training but also essential life skills and a sense of community for young people.
Bank Worker Award, presented to Mba Ukpola
Mba was nominated for his work to improve conditions for all temporary staff within the NHS trust he works in. Significant policy changes have been implemented as a result, which directly benefit Black workers, many of whom are part of the temporary workforce.
Injury allowance has been introduced for bank workers, meaning all staff, regardless of their contractual status, are entitled to financial support if they are injured on the job. Mba has also successfully advocated for paid training for temporary staff, and ensuring bank workers are provided with uniforms at no cost.
International Award, presented to Tonico Jose
Tonico was nominated for his work promoting UNISON and trade unionism – and generally supporting – different international communities, particularly the Angolan, Portuguese and Brazilian communities across the UK.
He supports both the Angolan and Portuguese communities in Sheffield by utilising the languages he speaks to help out where needed with things like appointments and work issues. He’s previously been the President of the Angolan community in Sheffield, he’s a member of Amnesty International and he also runs a community group in Sheffield and London to help migrant workers coming to the country from Portugal.
Women’s Leader Award, presented to Maxine Brook
Maxine was nominated for her work chairing the Workforce Race Equality Network, also known as the WREN. The group was formed in 2018 and is made up of staff across all grades and professions in NHS Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust to work together to foster connections, create positive relationships and challenge the status quo around cultural needs and inclusion.
Her work in her role as chair has seen BAME staff feel their voices are being heard. She has been involved in writing zero tolerance racism polices and working towards reducing unconscious bias in the recruitment processes.
Photos
Here is a selection of other photos from the evening.
A stand hosted by representatives from the Home Office.
Guests at the event speak to the team from the Home Office.
Welcome drinks reception.
Barnsley Caring Voices, a choir made up of migrant workers.
SingCere, who performed as part of the evening entertainment.
Sam Lynch and Dave Syms from UNISON Northern Health and Community branch & the event planning committee.
