Trailblazers’ purpose is to support and showcase organisations that are making a progressive impact on tackling race inequality in the workplace.

Additionally, Trailblazers:

1. Shines a light on the organisations that are about #ActionNotJustWords.
2. Accelerates progress and encourages organisations to keep the momentum going.
3. Broadens the cross-sector network of organisations that are working independently and collaboratively to create safe and equal work environments for all.

There are two types:

1. Solution Trailblazers

Solution Trailblazer status is for organisations that have successfully run a Race Equality Matters solution.

Organisations can apply to be Solution Trailblazers based on the solution (or solutions) they have run:

• Big Promise
• Safe Space/Safe Space Plus
• Tea Break
• #MyNameIs

Validity:

Solution Trailblazer recognition, once awarded, is lifelong.

2. Trailblazer Medals

There are Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Trailblazer medals for organisations that are committed to taking long-term action to tackle race inequality.

Action taken can include implementing Race Equality Matters’ solutions and/or other activities to tackle race inequality.

We have now opened the application so that organisations can apply for either Bronze or Silver depending on where they feel they are on their journey. Then they will be offerred the opportunity to go on to Gold, and end up at Platinum; this will be what great looks like.

Validity:

These awards are valid for a set period of time. They need to be either reapplied for or progressed to the next level. This is to demonstrate continued meaningful activity and progress within the organisation.

Bronze:

• Valid for 12 months.
• We have now opened the application so that organisations can apply for either Bronze or Silver depending on where they feel they are on their journey.

Silver:

• Valid for 2 years.
• The organisation must have had the Silver award for 12 months before applying for the Gold award.

Gold:

• Valid for 3 years.
• The organisation must have had the Gold award for 12 months before applying for the Platinum award.

Platinum:

Valid for 4 years.

Organisations that have been involved in the Trailblazer series have spoken about the positive impact it has had.

1. It encourages creativity and collaboration through the adoption of REM solutions or employing long-term initiatives to tackle race inequality.
2. It enables organisations to evidence their commitment to race equality to key stakeholders which include; customers, clients, employees, and future employees.
3. The extensive feedback provided by the independent judging panel can help organisations improve and ensure the sustained success of their journey in creating an inclusive environment for all.
4. Because organisations are periodically evaluated in order to hold onto, or progress their medal status, Trailblazers is not about just receiving an award; it is more than an award.

What is D&I?

This stands for Diversity and Inclusion. Sometime can be seen as DE&I which stands for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion.

What is the length of time the awards are held for?

Solution Trailblazer awards are lifetime; they do not expire.

Trailblazer Medals expire as follows:

Bronze: 12 months

Silver: 2 years

Gold: 3 years

Platinum: 4 years

What happens if the organisation has not progressed to the next award within the timeframe?

Organisations can reapply for their current award if they are not yet ready for the following award.

How long does the organisation have to maintain an award before progressing to the next level?

Organisations will need to progress through each award before moving onto the next award. However, it will not be the full length of the award; rather the time varies depending on the following award:

Bronze – Silver: The organisation should have maintained the bronze award for 6 months before applying for the Silver award.

Silver – Gold: The organisation should have maintained the silver award for 12 months before applying for the gold award.

Gold – Platinum : The organisation should have maintained the Gold award for 12 months before applying for the gold award.

Can the organisation skip up to gold?

Organisations will need to achieve each award following the awarded progression.

However, the length of time will vary depending on the award they wish to progress to. Please see the progression timeline above.

Prior to progression, evidence will be reviewed by the panel to evaluate if the organisation is ready to progress to the next award.

Can an organisation apply if they have lost a race discrimination tribunal recently?

An organisation can, but the tribunal outcome must be concluded 12 months prior to applying.