WIREDGOV

A group of Trading Standards Officers has been recognised with the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) annual Hero Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions to consumer protection and community engagement.

The CTSI Hero Awards were hosted by Jess Phillips MP in the Houses of Parliament on 10 December. Now in its 19th year, the awards acknowledge individuals and groups making significant strides in fostering inclusivity and fairness.

The award was presented to Karen Tillett, Valerie Simpson, Tendy Lindsay, Giles Speid, Vince Searle, Theo Lamptey, Marcia Brown, and John Herriman for their participation in the Reach Society Careers Event in April 2024. Held at the International Hotel in London, the event attracted over 500 students and recent graduates, showcasing diverse career opportunities.

The team represented Trading Standards, introducing attendees—predominantly from the Global Majority (Black and Asian backgrounds)—to career paths in consumer protection and the apprenticeship scheme. The event provided invaluable mentorship, with students engaging directly with role models and discovering the potential for careers in Trading Standards, a field historically lacking in diverse representation.

CTSI Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: "It is wonderful to see this dedicated group of colleagues recognised for their incredible efforts helping to support greater diversity in the trading standards profession by guiding talented young people in their career choices. Their passion, commitment, and ability to connect with the students were key to the events success, and I felt a real sense of pride being personally involved too. This recognition highlights the group’s collective impact and underscores the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in Trading Standards.  We are all the stronger for it.”

Picture: Vincent Searle, Nazir Ali, Tendy Lindsay, Karen Tillett, Samuel Abdullahi, Valerie Simpson, Giles Speid and Marcella Donegal 

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) 

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK’s Trading Standards profession, and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. CTSI's members are engaged in delivering frontline Trading Standards services at local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk

Please contact CTSI Press Office: pressoffice@tsi.org.uk for any queries.