Equality+ Awards Categories | University of Liverpool

Recognising Outstanding Contributions to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. The Equality+ Awards celebrate the achievements of students and graduates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the University of Liverpool.

Each award highlights the impact of individuals and groups who actively break down barriers and create opportunities for a more inclusive society. Nomination Deadline: Midnight on Sunday, 23rd March 2025. 

Student & Graduate Award Categories

upReach Rising Star Award

Recognising a University of Liverpool student who is part of the upReach Rise programme and has shown exceptional dedication in overcoming challenges related to EDI. The upReach Rise programme supports students from lower socio-economic backgrounds by providing access to career development opportunities.

Eligibility:

  • Current University of Liverpool student in the upReach Rise programme
  • Actively engages in personal and professional development
  • Demonstrates progress in overcoming EDI-related barriers

Exceptional Entrepreneur Award

Honouring a student or graduate who has displayed outstanding entrepreneurial skills while embedding inclusivity into their business or initiative.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students, graduates, teams, or societies
  • Leads or contributes to an inclusive business initiative
  • Advocates for diversity, accessibility, and ethical business practices

Mentor of the Year

Awarded to a mentor who has provided outstanding guidance and support, fostering an inclusive environment for their mentees.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students, graduates, or staff acting as mentors
  • Demonstrates commitment to inclusive mentorship
  • Positively impacts individuals from underrepresented backgrounds

Neurodiversity Champion

Recognising an individual or group that has actively promoted awareness and inclusion of neurodiverse individuals within the university.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students, graduates, groups, or societies
  • Engages in advocacy and awareness efforts around neurodiversity
  • Works towards making spaces more accessible for neurodiverse individuals

Disability Champion

Celebrating those who have contributed significantly to improving accessibility and inclusion for disabled individuals at the university.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students, graduates, groups, or societies
  • Has improved accessibility and championed disability rights
  • Actively supports disabled students through initiatives or campaigns

The REACH Award

Recognising a student, graduate, or group that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to promoting race equality and cultural heritage at the University of Liverpool.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students, graduates, groups, or societies
  • Has actively promoted race equality and cultural awareness
  • Engages in events, campaigns, or policy work advocating for racial inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Champion

Honouring individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, support, and advocacy at the university.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students, graduates, teams, or societies
  • Has actively promoted LGBTQIA+ rights and awareness
  • Created safe spaces and networks for LGBTQIA+ individuals

Greatest Contribution to EDI Award 2025

Honouring a student, graduate, group or society who has made the most significant overall contribution to equality, diversity, and inclusivity at the University of Liverpool in recent years. 

Eligibility:

  • Open to student, graduate, group, or society 
  • Demonstrates significant contributions to multiple areas of EDI
  • Engaged in policy change, advocacy, and leadership promoting inclusivity

How to Nominate

Nominating an individual or group for an Equality+ Award is simple. Follow these steps to recognise someone for their contributions to EDI:

  1. Access the Nomination Form – Complete the online form available here.
  2. Select the Award Category – Choose the category that best fits the nominee’s achievements.
  3. Provide a Strong Justification – Clearly explain why the nominee deserves recognition. Share examples of their leadership, advocacy, and impact in fostering inclusivity.
  4. Tell Their Story – Highlight how the nominee has broken barriers, championed diversity, or driven meaningful change in their community.
  5. Submit the Nomination – The EQ+ Awards judging panel, comprised of university and industry experts in EDI, will review all submissions.

If you have any questions about the EQ+ Awards ceremony, please email e.roberts-vick@liverpool.ac.uk.

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