The Trailblazer series spotlights forward-thinking organisations that are implementing impactful solutions to drive race equality. 

Why the need?

Trailblazer has been developed in response to requests Race Equality Matters regularly receives from people who want to know which organisations are successfully taking action and making an impact on race inequality.

• It shines a light on the organisations that are #actionnotjustwords
• It accelerates progress
• It encourages organisations to keep the momentum going

Trailblazer – It is more than an award.

Developed in partnership with those with lived experience, the Trailblazer series will spotlight organisations that are implementing impactful solutions to drive race equality.

The purpose is to

1. Identify what organisations are doing that is making a meaningful impact
2. Encourage organisations that are making an impact to keep the momentum going
3. Inspire other organisations to up their game

It will also enable REM to identify what works, to help create future solutions plus share findings

We also believe that peer competition, stimulated by this recognition of excellence, will make a significant impact to accelerate tackling race inequality in the workplace.

Evidence to your stakeholders

Ultimately, the concept of being recognised as a REM Trailblazer will enable an organisation to evidence its commitment to race equality to its key stakeholders, including customers, clients, employees and future employees.

There are two types of Trailblazer Status.

Solution Trailblazers

Solution Trailblazer status is for organisations that have successfully run a Race Equality Matters solution, they can apply to be a Solution Trailblazer based on the solution (or solutions) they have run e.g. Safe Space.

Solution Trailblazer recognition, once awarded, is lifelong. 

Trailblazer Medals

Trailblazer also has 4 medals for organisations who are committed to taking long term action on race inequality. Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Trailblazer medal an organisation starts at Bronze then has the opportunity to progress to Silver, Gold and Platinum. This covers both REM solutions and/or other actions organisations have taken to tackle race inequality.

The Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels are valid for a set period of time and need to be either reapplied for or progressed to the next level within 6-24 months. This is to demonstrate continued meaningful activity and progress within the organisation.

Applications are currently open and if you would like to find out more – Click Here

Bronze

• CDS Co – operatives
• Cornwall Council
• Home Group
• Mills & Reeve
• NCVO
• Northumberland County Council
• Sutton & Kingston Council
• Thames Valley Police
• Vale of Glamorgan Council

#MyNameIs

• The Children’s Society
• Jaguar Land Rover

Tea Break

• Cornwall Council
• Croydon

You are needed to help determine which organisations are making a meaningful impact

Trailblazers requires independent panel members. Can you help? 

The objective of this panel is based on their experience and expertise to acknowledge which organisations are making genuine and impactful inroads into tackling race inequality.

We ask for panel members to allow for up to 2 hours of your time to review 5-10 applications over a 2 week period. This is done through an online form. 

There will also be an addition al (optional) opportunity to join fellow panellists in a discussion group to share thoughts and reviews and specifically discuss borderline applications. This discussion group would be a further 60-90 mins of your time and be carried out on Zoom.

Panel members can remain anonymous if desired.

Apply to be a panellist here.

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?

Bronze: 18 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 re-apply 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. 

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.