MASTERING DIVERSITY AWARDS 2026- SENEDD CYMRU - HOST SHAV TAJ MS
About this Event
MASTERING DIVERSITY AWARDS 2026
Dress Code: BLACK TIE / DRESS TO IMPRESS
Recognition matters. It shines a light on work that is too often unseen, strengthens those creating change and shows others what is possible.
On Thursday 19 November 2026, the Mastering Diversity Awards return for an inspiring evening at Senedd Cymru, celebrating the individuals, teams, organisations and community initiatives moving inclusion beyond statements and into everyday practice.
We are honoured to announce Shav Taj MS as the Sponsoring Member of the Senedd for the 2026 Awards.
From business, education and public services to health, sport, STEM and grassroots community action, the Awards recognise people who are opening doors, challenging inequality, changing systems and building communities in which more people can belong and thrive.
This is more than an awards ceremony. It is a gathering of changemakers, community leaders, businesses, public bodies, advocates and allies who believe that diversity must be visible not only in what we say, but in what we build, fund, lead and deliver.
WE GO TOGETHER OR NOT AT ALL.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Guests can look forward to:
• A prestigious awards ceremony at Senedd Cymru
• Recognition of outstanding diversity and inclusion champions
• Powerful stories of courage, leadership, innovation and community impact
• Connections across business, government, education, health, sport, the public sector and civil society
• An evening celebrating the people helping to shape a fairer and more inclusive Wales
• Opportunities to meet nominees, sponsors, partners, judges and fellow changemakers
2026 PUBLIC AWARD CATEGORIES
Nominations are open across 12 public categories:
- Lifetime Achievement Champion
- Diversity in Business Champion
- Diversity in STEM Champion
- Gender Equality Champion
- Diversity in Sports Champion
- Diversity in Representation Champion
- Cognitive and Neurodiversity Champion
- Community Champion
- Diversity in Education Champion
- Diversity in the Public Sector Champion
- Diversity in Health Champion
- Young Person of the Year
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Ambassador of the Year is a special Board-selected honour recognising exceptional service to the Mastering Diversity mission and Ambassador Programme.
This category is not open to public nomination.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Do you know an individual, team, organisation, business, community group or initiative creating meaningful change?
Nominate someone whose work deserves to be seen, celebrated and amplified.
Self-nominations are welcome, and there is no charge to submit a nomination.
Nominations close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Submit a nomination:
Please note: submitting a nomination does not automatically register the nominator or nominee to attend the ceremony. Event places must be booked separately through this Eventbrite page.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Mastering Diversity Awards welcome:
• Award nominees and their supporters
• Community leaders and advocates
• Businesses and employers
• Public-sector organisations
• Educators, students and young leaders
• Health and social-care professionals
• Charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations
• Equality, diversity and inclusion professionals
• Policymakers and elected representatives
• Sponsors, partners and supporters
• Anyone committed to creating a more inclusive Wales
OUR SPONSORING MS
We are proud to welcome Shav Taj MS as the Sponsoring Member of the Senedd for the Mastering Diversity Awards 2026.
Her support enables this important celebration of leadership, inclusion and community impact to take place within Senedd Cymru—the heart of Welsh democracy.
OUR HEADLINE SPONSORS
We are grateful to our 2026 Headline Sponsors:
Vodafone Business
LEIGH DAY — Lawyers Against Injustice
Their support helps Mastering Diversity provide a platform for the individuals and organisations turning commitment into measurable change.
Together with our category sponsors, partners, judges and ambassadors, they are helping us recognise those whose work is building a more representative and inclusive future.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
• Advance registration is essential.
• Places are limited and bookings may close when capacity is reached.
• Every guest must register using their own name.
• Registration is not transferable without prior approval from the organisers.
• Guests should allow sufficient time for arrival and the Senedd’s security procedures.
• Final entry and access information will be sent to registered attendees before the event.
• Photography and filming may take place during the ceremony for promotional, editorial and archival purposes.
• Please provide any accessibility requirements when registering so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.
• Admission remains subject to the security and visitor requirements of Senedd Cymru.
RESERVE YOUR PLACE
PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY
The nearest public car park is Q-Park Cardiff Bay on Pierhead Street, approximately a four-minute walk from the Senedd entrance. Guests who pre-book their parking can use the promotional code SEN for the Senedd visitor discount. Pay-and-display parking may also be available on Harbour Drive and in the car park off Stuart Street.
Accessible parking is available at the Senedd by prior arrangement. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is normally required, together with the vehicle and driver’s details. A valid Blue Badge must be displayed on arrival. Guests requiring an accessible parking space should provide the relevant information when registering or contact Mastering Diversity as early as possible so that arrangements can be requested.
An external lift connects the accessible parking area to the Senedd entrance. The Senedd also provides step-free and ramped access, lifts throughout the estate and wheelchairs for visitors to use on request.
Accessible facilities include:
• Accessible and gender-neutral toilets
• A Changing Places facility with an adult changing bench and hoist
• Audio induction loops at reception and portable hearing-loop equipment for other spaces
• Braille signage and some information in Braille
• A video relay service for BSL users at reception
• Assistance-dog access
• A quiet room for prayer, reflection or anyone requiring a calm space
• Additional assistance and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans by prior arrangement
Please include any accessibility, communication, sensory or mobility requirements when booking. We encourage guests to contact us as early as possible so that we can work with the Senedd team to make appropriate arrangements.
SECURITY AND ARRIVAL
As the Senedd is a working Parliament, every visitor must pass through an airport-style security scan and bag search. Please minimise the belongings you bring and allow approximately 30 additional minutes for security and entry.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
