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Sir Lenny Henry has won a lifetime achievement award at a ceremony that celebrates diversity.

He was recognised for his work championing diversity across the UK's creative industries, the British Diversity Awards said.

Comedian Chris McCausland, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 and is blind, was a joint winner of the media champion of the year.

 The chair of a report on ethnic diversity in the top ranks of British companies has said it will be “natural for white males to have fewer board seats” in the future due to the UK’s changing social demographics.  David Tyler, chair of The Parker Review, told the FT that when white, middle-aged men complained that diversity targets were the reason they missed out on jobs it was because “people need a reason for not being hired”.

The Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) is a unique scholarship programme. It is designed to address key barriers to the solicitors’ profession faced by those from less advantaged backgrounds.

The DAS supports aspiring solicitors of all ages from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

It helps those who lack the financial support and professional networks needed to pursue their legal education and career.

We are coming to terms with the loss of a great civil rights icon. I first met the Rev Jesse Jackson 40 years ago. From the moment I met him, I was totally captivated by his charisma, dynamism and his personal power. Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers, and that is what he was. He broke so many glass ceilings and mended so many broken hearts. He inspired millions and helped to build a world movement of compassion. Without Jackson, there was no Obama.

Chicago and Rainbow Push was his hometown, but the world was his stage. On his many visits to London and capital cities all over the world, he actually stopped the traffic. Because his face was one of the most famous in the world, and his words were some of the most profound ever spoken. He met with kings and presidents and was beloved by those without power, without anything. He raised us all up.

We named a park after him in Leicester, and the progress of the civil rights movement is edged on the sides of the park and edged in our hearts. He inspired us to establish the Integration Foundation in the UK.

To Jackie and Congressman Jonathan, to Youssef and Santita, and to all the other Jacksons, he was our guiding star. You will miss him terribly. We will miss him so, much. The legend that is the Reverend Jesse Jackson will live on.

You gave us hope. It is our duty to keep your hope allow.

The legend that is the Reverend Jesse Jackson will live on. You gave us hope.