News UK’s Group Chief Commercial Officer Dominic Carter has been named Champion of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards, which recognise and encourage action that will promote and increase social mobility in Britain.

Dominic has been handed the accolade for his work in driving News UK’s Diversity and Inclusion agenda, and his work with partners to inspire a younger generation of talent from underrepresented backgrounds.

The accolade follows Dominic being named as a top 20 Ethnic Minority Executive Role Model by EMpower, a global list that honours leaders who are driving the charge for inclusion in the workplace, winning Commercial Leader of the Year at the Campaign Publishing Awards and News UK being Highly Commended for its Diversity & Inclusion work at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development Awards.

Dominic instigated the creation of the News UK Diversity Board in 2018, and sponsored the creation of a grassroots Cultural Diversity Network at News UK. As Chair of the Diversity Board, he led the team which created - and is delivering - a comprehensive D&I strategy for News UK, which is building a pathway to 50:50:20 male/female/ethnic minority representation across the business.

In the past year, News UK has partnered with Kickstart – the first media brand to do so –  and has pledged to create up to 100 paid placements for unemployed young people. It has also launched 45 two-year long apprenticeships and established more than a dozen partnerships with diversity recruitment specialists. The organisation has also developed leadership programmes for people from diverse backgrounds and have introduced diversity experts across its brands.

Dominic has also played a key role in establishing partnership relationships with a range of D&I organisations including BCOMS, Beloved, Brixton Finishing School, and is a member of the Creative Equals Accelerate Advisory Board, supporting 30 diverse young people to step into leadership roles across the media industry. Dominic has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion across the media and marketing industry – both hosting and speaking at a range of industry events, underlining the business benefit of a more diverse workforce. 

Dominic Carter, Group Chief Commercial Officer at News UK said: “It’s humbling to have my name on this award but I must accept it on behalf of the hundreds of people across News UK who are playing their part in turning our diversity and inclusion strategy into real and meaningful outcomes. There is much more to do - but this recognition is wonderful.”