Diversity campaigner 'surprised' to be nominated for award

A Wolverhampton man says it was "a real surprise" to receive recognition, after being shortlisted for an honour at the national Ethnicity Awards, for people helping diverse groups.

Phil Hocking, 38, has brought Windrush events to the workplace, expanded a black colleague network and been involved in Black History Month events.

He was shortlisted in the Ethnicity Awards' exceptional inclusion category, recognising those improving inclusion and diversity.

The awards organisers said he was nominated due to being the "inclusion advocate, speaker and mentor" who championed schemes strengthening "representation, belonging and opportunity for ethnic minority colleagues".

They added that Hocking was "recognised for combining insight, storytelling and lived experience to drive meaningful cultural change".

Hocking said: "What makes the nomination particularly meaningful to me is that I've followed a very non-traditional career path."

He started working for a bank in 2022, and last year became a "next generation talent consultant" there, with his work including talking to children about careers in finance.

Hocking, who mainly grew up in Wolverhampton and described himself as being from a Caribbean background, said he had supported "social mobility" and helped "young people navigate education and employment opportunities".

"When people showed the interest, I'd help them [through] by mentoring and making connections."

Much of his work "focuses on ensuring people feel represented and included, regardless of their background" and he had been "trying to support people with experiences I've lived through".

"I was told... [my hair] was untidy.

"It overlooks the cultural nuance," added Hocking, who said that following such comments throughout his life, barbers and braiders were invited to the bank and there was a discussion "around hair equality".

He stated some people from lower social and economic backgrounds "could never see themselves" in corporate spaces.

"Now, I walk into [bank] branches [and] I see their faces. I know that it works."

The awards ceremony is due to take place on 22 October in London.

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