Nominations are open for the 2026 Tees Valley EDI Awards, and the hardest part for most people is simply deciding which category fits. This year there are fifteen awards across eight categories, celebrating the people, businesses and organisations advancing equality, diversity and inclusion right across Tees Valley. This guide walks through every one of the Tees Valley EDI Awards categories, explains who each is for, and shows you how to put someone forward before nominations close on 2 October at 5pm.
Formerly the Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards, the EDI Awards have recognised achievement across the region since 2010. The 2026 ceremony takes place on Friday 16 October 2026 at Digital Life, Teesside University.
How the EDI Awards categories work
The eight categories group fifteen individual awards. Some categories, like Community and Business, contain several awards; others are a single, standalone honour. You don’t need to agonise over the perfect fit, nominate in the category that feels closest, tell the story, and the judging panel will move a nominee to a better-suited award if needed. Anyone can nominate a person, business or organisation, including themselves, and each nomination takes about ten minutes.
Community Awards
For the people and organisations building stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods across Tees Valley. This category contains three awards.
Community Ambassador
Recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to their local community, a positive role model driving social change through volunteering, advocacy and leadership.
Community Organisation
For a community-focused organisation promoting social inclusion and diverse representation within ethnic minority communities: voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises tackling inequality and building stronger neighbourhoods.
Community Champion
Honours a passionate individual from an ethnic minority background whose leadership, advocacy or community organising makes a significant impact, tackling local challenges and inspiring others to do the same.
Youth Awards
Celebrating young leaders championing inclusion among their peers. This category contains one award.
Youth Impact Award
Celebrates young leaders who champion EDI among their peers and in their education setting, and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds who inspire others to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential.
Public Sector Award
A single award recognising exemplary EDI leadership within public services. It’s open to a public sector organisation or an individual showing real commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in Tees Valley, through innovation, leadership and measurable impact that creates pathways for under-represented communities and helps eliminate discrimination.
Health Award
For those improving health outcomes across diverse communities. This standalone award recognises exceptional commitment and innovation in promoting health and wellbeing, whether through community health initiatives or advocacy for equitable access to healthcare, that has improved outcomes and quality of life for people across the region.
Education Award
Celebrating excellence in learning and personal development. This category contains two awards.
Education Award
Open to individuals, schools or organisations demonstrating excellence in promoting learning, fostering academic achievement and supporting the personal and professional development of people from diverse backgrounds.
Academic Excellence Award
For a student demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, dedication and resilience in their studies. Recipients have shown exceptional commitment to learning while overcoming barriers, inspiring peers and setting a standard of excellence within their education setting.
Business Awards
From micro businesses to major employers, this is the largest category, five awards celebrating enterprise that drives inclusion and positive change.
Micro Business of the Year
Recognises a small, dynamic business owned or led by someone from an ethnic minority background, showing innovation, sustainability and genuine community engagement.
SME Business of the Year
Honours a small or medium enterprise owned or led by someone from an ethnic minority background, excelling in performance, leadership and social responsibility.
Business Person of the Year
Recognises an exceptional business leader from an ethnic minority background driving success while making a positive impact on others and fostering an inclusive business environment.
Social Impact Business of the Year
Celebrates a large private sector organisation with outstanding commitment to EDI within its workforce, working alongside ethnic minority communities to create positive change.
Restaurant & Takeaway of the Year
For an outstanding restaurant or takeaway owned or led by someone from an ethnic minority background, high-quality food, excellent service and strong business performance that brings cultural richness to the region.
Woman of the Year
Honouring leadership, resilience and empowerment. This standalone award celebrates a remarkable woman who has made a significant contribution to the Tees Valley community, demonstrating leadership and resilience in her professional, personal or community life, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The highest honour of the night. Awarded to an exemplary individual who has made a lasting and significant impact on the Tees Valley community over their lifetime, ensuring diverse communities are represented across civic, business and public life.
How to nominate
Nominating is quick and free, and you can nominate a person, a business or an organisation, including yourself.
- Anyone can nominate. There’s no cost and no catch.
- One form, about ten minutes. You’ll write up to 500 words on why your nominee deserves to win.
- Not sure which category? Pick the closest fit and tell the story, the judging panel reads every nomination in full and will move a nominee if another award suits them better.
- Shortlisted finalists are announced in early October and invited to the awards night.
Ready to put someone forward? Start a nomination or browse the full award categories in more detail.
Key dates for 2026
- Nominations close: 2 October 2026, 5pm
- Shortlist announced: early October 2026
- Awards night: Friday 16 October 2026, Digital Life, Teesside University
Know someone making Tees Valley fairer, kinder and more inclusive? It takes ten minutes to change someone’s year. Nominate now, buy tickets for the ceremony, or become a sponsor and put your organisation behind the celebration.
