Diversity champions honoured by the Queen

Creative Diversity Network chief Deborah Williams and ITV disability champion Sam Tatlow have both been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Williams received an OBE for services to diversity in the arts and creative industries, in recognition of a 30-year career that has included launching the diversity measurement tool Diamond five years ago.

She also designed the BFI’s diversity standards and Arts Council England’s equality analysis process and has advised both the UN and UNICEF on the rights to disabled people to cultural activities.

In a tweet, Williams dedicated the honour to “my mother and grandmother - women who came here as part of the British Empire as Commonwealth citizens. The impact is these three letters.”

Meanwhile, Tatlow was given an MBE for services to people with disabilities.

As ITV creative diversity partner, she has rolled out disability inclusion training across the broadcaster and led the introduction of disability access passports across the industry.

Tatlow said that championing deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people has been “the driving force in my career”.

She added: “I feel like the industry is on the cusp of making some large strides in creating a more equitable and accessible place for everyone and I am excited to be a part of that change.”

Under her influence, talent such as Katie Piper, Sophie Morgan, Alex Brooker and Lost Voice Guy have secured key on-screen roles on ITV.

Tatlow previously worked at consultancy and training organisation thinkBIGGER!, where she worked on the launch campaign for Channel 4's 2012 Paralympics coverage and set up ScreenSkills Re:Calibrate, a mentoring scheme for disabled creatives.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours also included OBEs for Creative UK chief executive Caroline Norbury and All3Media chief executive Jane Turton.