Diverse Cymru were delighted to certify 25 organisations at this year’s Awards and Learning Day, following another successful year of delivery of our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Cultural Competence Certification Scheme. The event, held on Wednesday the 23rd of October at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, in partnership with Taith, recognised and celebrated the achievements of all the organisations who have undertaken the Scheme in 2024. This year’s theme “Spotlight on Changemakers” focused on showcasing and celebrating leaders in Wales and beyond who are pioneering cultural competence and its impact on anti-racism.

Our multi-award-winning, Cultural Competence Certification Scheme, was conceived to celebrate and recognise the progress organisations are making toward breaking down barriers many Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups face in the workplace. Our team work alongside each workplace to ensure that the changes being made go beyond just ‘ticking boxes’ and ensure significant, long-lasting changes to protocol and culture are taking place. To attain an award from the Scheme, organisations must evidence good practice by demonstrating:

  • Inclusivity that provides a culturally welcoming and inviting environment
  • Management commitment to embedding cultural competence within the workplace
  • Mechanisms to communicate and consult with a diverse range of individuals
  • Understanding of cultural competence and broader equality knowledge
  • Sustainable and inclusive processes for monitoring the appropriateness of services
  • Engagement to ensure the delivery of equitable person-centred services

The Scheme’s popularity continues to grow year on year and have a profound effect on local organisations, with over 170 workplaces throughout Wales now working in partnership with our team. Becoming a part of Adferiad in April 2024 has further enhanced our ability to develop the Certification Scheme as a valuable resource for all private, public, and third-sector organisations seeking to overcome inequalities and disparities experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people using their services.

“This is the fourth event we’ve hosted to celebrate organisations across Wales that have achieved the Cultural Competency Certification Scheme Award, the first since joining the Adferiad family and I’d like to congratulate all workplaces achieving their certification. This year’s event is designed as a learning day around the theme ‘Spotlight on Changemakers.’ Held during Black History Month 365, it brings together changemakers to share best practices and highlight those who are leading the way in embedding anti-racism into their services, offering inspiration for us all.”

Zoe King, Head of Services at Diverse Cymru

“Having worked with Diverse Cymru to achieve this certification ourselves I undertook the excellent training and worked with the team to help embed the learning and cultural recognition this scheme provides. I know the passion, commitment, and knowledge that the Diverse Cymru Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Workplace Cultural Competence Certification Scheme team possess, and it is a combination of those skills, and the recognition and willingness of these organisations in wishing to develop and celebrate their own cultural competence that makes today such a wonderful celebration. I’m delighted that Diverse Cymru is now part of the Adferiad family, and I thank the team for all they do, the Welsh Government for their ongoing funding commitment, and all of the organisations who undertake the Certification for playing their part in making Wales an equitable, fair, and multicultural place to be”

Alun Thomas, Chief Executive for Adferiad

“Everyone should be free to work without experiencing racism. We are committed to making Wales an anti-racist nation, which includes creating workplaces that uphold equity, and ensure that ethnic minority people achieve the same outcomes as everyone else.”  

“I want to congratulate all 25 organisations for their success in completing the Cultural Competence Scheme and promoting the benefits of a diverse workforce.” 

Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales

List of Award Winners:

Gold Award
Gold with Distinction:
Public Health Wales – People and Organisational Development
Gold with Merit:
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – Therapeutic Support Services, Mental Health and Learning Disability Division

Silver Award
Silver with Distinction:
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board – Maternity Services
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board – Patient Experience and Involvement Team
Marie Curie Cardiff and Vale Hospice
Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Wales
Silver with Merit:
Cardiff Metropolitan University – Student Services and Employability
Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
Hijinx Theatre
NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee
Silver Foundation:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board – Primary Care Counselling Service, Psychology and Psychological Therapies Directorate
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board – iCTM
Mid and North Powys Mind
Platfform
Spectacle Theatre Ltd
Taith

Bronze Award
Bronze with Distinction:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board – Mental Health Clinical Board
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board – Mental Health Service
Powys Teaching Health Board – Maternity Services
Trivallis Repairs and Compliance
Bronze with Merit:
Guernsey, Princess Elizabeth Hospital – Maternity, Paediatrics and Special Care
Trivallis Development, Regeneration and Assets
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board – Planning and Partnerships
Bronze Foundation:
All Wales People First
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board – Headroom: Early Intervention in Youth Psychosis Service