The Office for National Statistics, McDonald’s and The Pensions Trust were among the organisations honoured last night (14 July) by the Employers Forums on Age and Belief for achievements in encouraging diversity and closing out discrimination in their workplaces.

Denise Keating, chief executive, Employers Forum on Age and Belief, said: “They provide a great opportunity for the winners to share best practice, pass on advice and tips and to encourage other companies to follow their lead. The winners this year have worked extremely hard to promote equality and diversity and it is wonderful to … celebrate their success with them.”

The EFA & EFB Awards 2011 showcase the innovative ways discrimination is being tackled and how employers demonstrate the way to accommodate the needs of individuals.

Recruiter editor DeeDee Doke gave the closing address for the awards presentation, commending the winners for “making dramatic differences in the UK workplace — in fact, life-changing differences for people of all ages and beliefs — by removing artificial barriers to the world of work”.

About 90 people attended the event, which was held at the Beachcroft law offices in London.

The winners were:

• EFA Best Public Sector Overall — Office for National Statistics

• EFA Best Private Sector Overall & Innovation — McDonald’s

• EFA Best Public Sector Innovation — Kent County Council Greenhouse

• EFB Best Public Sector — Kent County Council Community Wardens

• EFB Best Private Sector — Deloitte

• EFA/EFB Best Small Organisation — The Pensions Trust

Shortlisted organisations included Centrica, Core Assets Group, the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, National Grid and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group.