Nominations open for MEFA Diversity and Inclusion Awards (UK)

MEFA will look to promote and celebrate the exceptional achievements of advertisers, media organisations and individuals who wholeheartedly champion diversity and inclusion. This will further underscore the significance of establishing an inclusive industry that genuinely embraces and represents all communities.

Award Categories

• All in Champion Award
  • This special award category is specifically for companies who have made substantial progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (D, E & I) and have successfully embedded it in their ethos and company culture.
  • To qualify for this award, you must be an Advertising Association – All in Champion and demonstrate significant improvements in diversity and inclusion within the past two years since the first All in Census. The work you have done reflects in your company culture and your employees agree with and support your D, E & I initiatives.
  • The application must showcase the positive response and impact your efforts have had, particularly in relation to the All in Survey results. Provide details of how your organisation compares to the survey’s findings in terms of gender, ethnicity, disability, and social mobility. Additionally, share the breakdown of diversity within your C-Suite and the gender make-up of your organisation.
  • They are looking for companies that have made significant strides in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as embedding these values into their company ethos.
  • Submission requirements: 500 words/1 page
• Unsung Hero Award
  • This award recognises those extraordinary individuals from diverse backgrounds, who may have gone under the radar but have made a significant positive impact on those around them. They are seeking nominations for individuals who have dedicated a significant part of their career to volunteering within their organisation(s), working tirelessly to foster diversity and inclusion.
  • The Unsung Hero has been actively involved in advancing D, E & I initiatives, whether it’s through volunteering with Employee Resource Groups or taking a leading role in D, E & I committees. With a commendable track record, this individual has been instrumental in implementing programs that have effectively changed the culture of their organisation(s).
  • They invite you to nominate those exceptional individuals who have positively impacted their workplace through their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Help them honour these Unsung Heroes by shining a well-deserved spotlight on their accomplishments.
  • Submission requirements: 500 words / 1 page
• Change-Maker Award
  • This prestigious award is open to any individual who is making a significant impact on the media and advertising industry by actively committing themselves to achieving, creating, and inspiring positive change.
  • The Change-Maker award celebrates individuals within the industry who not only commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their policies, but truly live and breathe it. These exceptional individuals are championing D, E & I through the lens of various dimensions such as race, gender, social mobility, age, sexuality, and neurodiversity.
  • They are seeking nominations for individuals who have not only committed to D, E & I within their organisations but have also achieved remarkable results. They are creating change within the media and advertising sector, influencing and shaping a more inclusive and equal landscape. These Change-Makers are trailblazers who consistently create opportunities for underrepresented individuals and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
  • Submission requirements: 500 words / 1 page
• Creative Excellence Award
  • This award celebrates an exceptional campaign (within the last 18 months) with outstanding creative work that champions diversity and communicates powerful messages of inclusion and authenticity. The campaign demonstrates a commitment to authentic portrayal and representation of underrepresented groups.
  • They are looking for entries that showcase the ability to seamlessly integrate diversity and inclusion into their creative campaigns. This includes the ability to authentically represent diverse groups and incorporate different points of view, encouraging authentic representation through advertising.
  • They are seeking entries that go above and beyond to push the boundaries of creativity while highlighting and celebrating the diversity within the society.
  • Submission requirements: 1000 words / 2 pages + examples / imagery
• Inclusive Media Planning and Buying Award
  • This award category recognises a campaign (within the last 18 months) that showcases exceptional audience understanding and expertise in media planning and buying; ensuring representation and reaching diverse audiences that are often overlooked or underrepresented.
  • They are seeking national entries that showcase how teams have rethought their traditional approaches to media planning and buying for a specific client. The winners will demonstrate how they have incorporated fresh approaches, using a combination of mainstream channels and community media outlets, to better represent and reach diverse audiences.
  • Submission requirements: 1000 words / 2 pages  + examples / imagery
• Hammer Award
  • This distinguished award aims to recognise and celebrate a senior leader from a diverse background who has shattered the glass ceiling and made remarkable strides in incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion across their business.
  • The entry for this award should provide an in-depth account of the nominee’s career journey, highlighting the obstacles they have faced and conquered to reach their current position.
  • They are seeking a leader who demonstrates a deep belief in the power of diversity and its transformative impact on businesses. Their commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce has led to exceptional results, setting them apart from their peers and the norm in their industry.
  • Submission requirements: 500 words / 1 page

Why should you enter?

• “They aim to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of individuals and companies who have made diversity and inclusion a centrepiece of their work. These awards not only recognise the progress made, but also inspire others to continue championing diversity within the industry.”
• The MEFA Diversity and Inclusion Awards highlight the importance of recognising and rewarding the creative work, media planning, and business initiatives that champion diversity and inclusion within the industry. By honouring individuals and businesses that are proactively transforming their organisations into diverse and inclusive workplaces, these awards encourage the industry to further build a culture of inclusion and equal representation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Entry is open to any media professional who has shown exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Candidates can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by a colleague, manager, or client.

For more information, visit MEFA.