A KIRKLEES Council Officer has been shortlisted for an award at the European Diversity Awards.

Siraj Mayet works as a HR Partner for Apprenticeships within Kirklees Council, however the role he plays is far wider than simply apprenticeships.

He is also the strategic lead for employability and promoting inclusivity and diversity in a wide range of projects that benefit both employers and citizens across Kirklees.

Siraj champions the importance of opportunities for those from all protected characteristics, recognising that different approaches are needed to reach a diverse range of the community.

He is a founding member of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employee network; as a member he has championed and advocated for the network and its members.

Beyond the BAME Network, he has served as the reliable point of contact for employee networks seeking advice or looking to create opportunities for their members.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:

“I speak for everyone at Kirklees Council when I say that we are extremely proud of Siraj for being shortlisted for such a prestigious award.

“Siraj promotes inclusivity and diversity across all of the projects he works on, and it is thanks to his passion that residents from disadvantaged groups have access to more opportunities.

“He’s been described by his team as an ‘inspirational leader’ due to his positivity, passion and determination to do everything he can to create better outcomes for the people of Kirklees.

“Siraj deserves to win this award but regardless of the outcome I know he will continue to work tirelessly to promote opportunities for our citizens and that’s what makes him such a brilliant person.”

Kirklees Council have also been shortlisted for an award at the European Diversity Awards for a community project called the Iroko project.

The project is an innovative eight-month community-led initiative seeking to uncover inequalities in society.

The project takes a culturally responsive co-production approach, where the Black community describe their lived experiences, their challenges, and their strengths and identify the steps and actions they feel will bring about impactful change.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “I’m so proud to see the Iroko Project shortlisted for a European Diversity Award alongside such impressive company.

“The Iroko Project is one of the finest examples of collaboration work between the council and Kirklees communities I have seen during my time in local government.

“From the very beginning, Kirklees communities have been at the heart of the project be that through becoming project ambassadors, sharing their lived experiences or contributing to the action plan which will leave a lasting impact.

“The events of 2020 shook the world and Kirklees was no exception.

“We all saw how the pandemic highlighted the long-standing inequalities in our society and we knew that our recovery had to place tackling inequalities at its heart.

“The Iroko Project is an excellent example of how we are addressing inequalities in society but we’ve still got plenty of work to do.

“As the council leader I want everyone in Kirklees to live a healthy life that is rich with opportunity and I will continue to work with residents, colleagues and partners to achieve this ambition.”