BAME Network wins community “Be The Ladder” Award!

BMet College is continuing to prove that its commitment and excellence in community matters is officially at the highest level, by winning a Gold “Be The Ladder” Award for community engagement.

The impactful employee-led staff BAME network won the coveted award at the prestigious event held at The Underglobe in London.

The Network was recognised for being a grassroots network which showcases initiatives that strengthen and unite local communities, by committing to shared growth. Likewise, the Network was rewarded for encouraging a spirit of collaboration, whilst actively engaging with members of the community.

The annual “Be The Ladder” award ceremony celebrates individuals and organisations that embody the spirit of acting as ‘ladders’ – those who inspire and empower others to achieve success, often in the face of adversity.

Natalie Simmonds-Alleyne, Deputy Chair of the BMet BAME Network and Tutorial Development Manager at BMet, who attended the special award ceremony alongside her colleague Dennis Powell, Engineering Lecturer at BMet said:

“It’s always a pinch-me moment when our work is recognised — but this one truly means so much. As a small group of passionate staff who volunteer our time, we work tirelessly to ensure equitable policies, practices and procedures are embedded across BMet — creating ladders of opportunity for our diverse staff and student communities to thrive.

“From supported leadership and mentoring programmes to equitable safeguarding, recruitment and employment policies, our work has been about transforming representation into real, sustainable change.

“It takes me back to eight years ago — when we were just six BAME staff sitting around a table, frustrated by the lack of representation at senior levels. Today, we’re influencing policy and being recognised nationally for the work we do to strengthen and unite our communities.

“We may be small — but we are definitely mighty! Go Team BMet!!”

Pat Carvalho, CEO and Principal at BMet added:

“I am extremely proud and honoured that BMet has again been recognised for being an organisation that plays a key role in Birmingham and the West Midlands through its staff.

“We are continuing to go from strength to strength as a college and although we have achieved a lot, we will continue to strive to be even better, serving the needs of our students, staff and communities.”

The accolade follows previous achievements for the Network including winning or being part of the work at BMet leading to two Black Talent Awards (for Best Large Business and Employee Resource/Affinity Network) and “Outstanding Business of the Year at the MBCC (Multicultural Business and Community Champion) Awards.

The BMet BAME Network is an award-winning staff network that works to promote racial equality and support Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals within the college community. 

It is part of a broader initiative by BMet to highlight and celebrate diverse cultures, and the Network has implemented effective programs such as mentoring and inclusive recruitment to achieve its goals.  

To find out more about the “Be The Ladder” awards, please visit: www.betheladderawards.com/categories