Awards, nominations and accolades

Winner of the Channel 4 Political Award 2008

The Operation Black Vote AM Shadowing Scheme sponsored and supported by the National Assembly for Wales won the highly acclaimed Channel 4 / Hansard Society Political Awards 2008.

In 2007 OBV was also nominated for our mentoring projects.

Peter Riddel, Chair of the Hansard Society, said: "The Hansard Society has a long history of encouraging greater public involvement in the democratic process. This year's Democracy Award shortlist, nominated by our members and supporters, was particularly strong. We are delighted to present this year's Democracy Award to Operation Black Vote's Welsh Assembly Shadowing Scheme for its fresh initiative in trying to raise awareness and encouraging black and minority ethnic individuals to engage in the democratic process in Wales".

Nominated for Channel 4 Political Award (Feb 2007)

Operation Black Vote's MP Shadowing Scheme was nominated for the prestigious 2007 Channel 4 & The Hansard Society 'Opening Up Politics Award'.

The third MP Shadowing Scheme was supported by the Electoral Commission.

Sam Younger, Chairman at the Electoral Commission, said: "We're very excited to be involved in the MP Shadowing Scheme. We all engage better with politicians if they're seen to be part of our everyday lives, and it's vitally important that politicians reflect the people they represent."

Supporting Local Democracy Award (March 2006)

Operation Black Vote’s Councillor Shadowing Scheme received the ‘Supporting Local Democracy Award’ at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.  The LGC awards are recognised throughout the sector as the mark of excellence, rewarding local authorities and organisations for the difference they are making in their communities.

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, supports the LGC awards stating: “It is clear to me that there is a lot of important and excellent work being carried out within local authorities across the country. These awards offer a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate this work". 

BIBA Award (Oct 2006)

The European Federation of Black Women Business Owners (EFBWBO), awarded Winsome-Grace Cornish, the Black Women in Business Award (BIBA) 2006, for OBV's Shadowing Schemes in the Ethnic Organisation category.

The Award Ceremony held in October brought together professionals, entrepreneurs and celebrities to celebrate Black business achievement.

Talking about the delight of winning the award Winsome-Grace said: "The award goes to the ambassadors of the shadowing schemes and others who play a vital role in OBV's campaigning work".

The event was hosted by Ronke Phillips of ITN News and Tim Campbell, winner of BBC TV show The Apprentice 2005.

Best Campaign Award (Jan 2005)

The Department for Constitutional Affairs National BME Conference(Proud) voted OBV best campaign organisation.

Collecting the award OBV Director Simon Woolley stated "I'm proud of our achievements but we recognise that we still have much more work to do".

AMG - GG2 Leadership and Diversity awards (Sept 2004)

The Asian Media and Marketing Group (AMG) awarded Operation Black Vote the 'GG2 Democracy in Action Award' at the sixth annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards 2004.

AMG is the country's largest Asian publishing house and the ceremony salutes the accomplishments of Britain's many minority ethnic communities. The Electoral Commission sponsored the Democracy in Action Award category.

At the Gala Dinner event, AMG's editor-in-chief, Ramniklal Solanki OBE, said: "We have brought together some of Britain's finest in their fields. Their contribution is integral to Britain's success and makes them role models of creative excellence and leadership."

'Men & Women of Merit' award (Sept 2003)

The Executive & Professional Network (The EPN) awarded OBV the coveted 'Men & Women of Merit' award. Speaking at the award ceremony OBV Director Simon Woolley stated:

'It is a great honour for the organisation to be bestowed this award from the EPN and the Black community. Fighting injustice, fighting racism can only be defeated by the political empowerment of the community. Empowerment is achieved by dedicated teams and the overwhelming support of Black communities'.

Bernie Grant Award (2002)

The African Caribbean Positive Image Foundation awarded OBV the Prestigious 'Bernie Grant Award'.

Grassroots Power list (2002)

OBV's Director Simon Woolley was voted onto the Big Issue's top 100 'Grassroots Power list'.

Website of the Year Award 2001/2

OBV was honoured two years in a row for its website. Its design, content and style has met the criteria to win a coveted 'Website of the Year Award' from an international internet consumer company.

The accolade is a tribute to ICT Manager, Rafiq and a team of volunteers who have built a premier site. The website has become a vital exchange for politics, race and current affairs. IT Manager Rafiq said “We continue to work to take our website from strength to strength”.