DORSET insurer LV= is in the running for the title of Diverse Company of the Year – while one of its staff has been hailed as a role model.

The nominations come in the 2016 National Diversity Awards, which recognise diversity in fields including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.

The County Gates-based insurer’s diversity and inclusion programme is aimed at ensuring its products and workplace are accessible and inclusive for all. It has engaged its staff through the PACE (Potential, Ambition, Connections and Empowerment) network, where 800 women across the organisation inform the business’s approach.

LV= employee Debbie Cannon has been nominated for the LGBT Role Model Award. She is an LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning) expert and was heavily involved in the development of the company’s Pride network for the LGBTQ community.

She has been transitioning between genders since 2012 Debbie and is the founder of the LGBTQ Support Network in Bournemouth, as well as a founding member of the Dorset LGB&T Equality Network.

Since 2015 she has worked with Diversity Role Models, who actively seek to prevent homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in UK schools.

Julia Tyson, group director of HR at LV=, said: “Every aspect of diversity matters to us at LV= and we strive to ensure this is reflected throughout our culture and processes.“We are also extremely proud that one of our own employees, Debbie Cannon, has been nominated for an award for the inspiring work she does on LGBTQ issues.”

The National Diversity Awards 2016, in association with Microsoft, will be held in Liverpool on September 16 and will honour individuals and groups who have contributed to creating a more diverse and inclusive society.

Olympic diver Tom Daley said: “The National Diversity Awards is a true celebration.

“A celebration of role models and community organisations who are having a huge impact on people lives.

“Everybody who has been nominated and shortlisted is striving towards making society better for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, religion, sexual orientation or disability. I would like to wish all the shortlisted nominees the very best of luck.”

Paul Sesay, chief executive of the National Diversity Awards, said: “It is an honour to witness the extraordinary journeys of Britain’s unsung diversity heroes, and we will continue to recognise their extraordinary achievements during 2016. I know another fantastic spectacle of role models will be delivered and recognised this year.”