Former LFC employee receives diversity award
Liverpool Football Club's community and engagement work was acknowledged for its diversity at this year's Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF) Gala Awards Dinner.
Former LFC employee, Rishi Jain, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity award for the work he delivered in his role as equality and inclusion advisor at the club.
The club delivers its equality and inclusion programmes locally and overseas through a team of more than 20 qualified community coaches. These programmes seek to inspire positive change in the various communities by using the power of the club's reputation and badge.
The annual awards dinner, which is now in its fourth year, was hosted at Anfield on Friday, November 15 in the newly refurbished trophy room.
Rishi Jain, former equality and inclusion advisor at LFC, said: "It is such an honour to receive this award from the Anthony Walker Foundation in recognition of the work and impact of these activities that I was responsible for whilst working at Liverpool Football Club. The club has a very clear strategy and commitment to working closely with the local community across the city and it is always very much a team effort throughout Liverpool FC."
Since leaving the club in October 2013, Rishi is now working for the anti-discrimination charity, Kick it Out, and works throughout the football, education and community sectors to challenge discrimination and encourage inclusive practices.
Jannine Antigha, operations manager at the Anthony Walker Foundation, said: "We presented Rishi with this award for his exemplary commitment in promoting diversity across the wide range of communities within Merseyside. He has been an ardent supporter of the Anthony Walker Foundation and has enabled the successful partnership of numerous projects.
"All our staff and trustees have welcomed Rishi's input into the work he does not only with the Foundation, but also the wider community. He has been a true ambassador and we wish him well in his new role, which will no doubt impact on the national diversity agenda."
The evening, which brings together individuals from local and regional organisations, agencies and partners that engage with and support the AWF, welcomed Symon Sentain, chair of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, as the keynote speaker.
Other award winners on the evening included; Ben Osu (Young Achiever of the Year award) and Mosspits Lane Primary School (School of the Year award).
Liverpool Music Award nominees Mic Lowry were on hand to provide the evening's entertainment alongside a charity raffle, auction and disco.