Ethnic groups praised in diversity awards

Lenny Henry in Hope and Glory was seen as a positive image

Wales's first ever diversity awards are being held in Cardiff to recognise the positive contribution of ethnic groups in society.

Sponsored by the National Assembly, the awards highlight the input being made in areas such as the arts, media, education and business.

The Positive About Diversity awards include a section of awards for young people, with the award due to be presented by Communities Minister Edwina Hart.

Linda Mitchell: 'Gaps between the public and private sector'

Organisations and individuals who have promoted racial diversity will also be acknowledged.

The day-long event at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay includes dancing and poetry and ends with an awards dinner.

The Welsh Assembly has launched the awards to demonstrate its backing for groups who have made efforts to promote racial diversity.

In addition, the awards are seen as a way of highlighting minority issues in Wales.

The awards are due to be held annually.

We want people to realise the changing face of Wales in 2001

Linda Mitchell, head of BBC diversity

National figures such as actor Lenny Henry and poet Benjamin Zephaniah were recent prize winners in the UK Race in the Media Awards, which has set the tone for the event in Wales.

The PADAs have been organised by the Black Voluntary Sector Network in Wales, which is a significant step forward, according to BBC Wales's head of diversity, Linda Mitchell.

"The voluntary sector is not ladies making jam, often it is very clear-sighted, clever, well organised professionals who see the gaps between the public and private sector," she said.

"We are trying to show there is a new way of doing things, that there is a way of acknowledging the contributions that individuals can make to your organisation.

"We want people to realise the changing face of Wales in 2001 - how are different organisations looking to deliver services?

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"I think you need to be aware of the different markets; the fantastic thing is that if you are aware of the diversity of your workforce, you are in a better place to integrate into what is going on in the bigger world.

"The whole point is to make all of our employment opportunities available to different groups.

"Diversity increases creativity and the number of options when it comes to solving problems.

"A well managed, diverse workplace is a happier place. Everyone has a right to contribute to a diverse community.

"We have to find a synergy and try and deliver the best results.""