A Wolverhampton campaigner has been named among the finalists for a national award that recognises efforts to improve representation and inclusion for ethnic minority groups.
Local work leads to national recognition
Phil Hocking, 38, who largely grew up in Wolverhampton and describes himself as from a Caribbean background, has been shortlisted in the Ethnicity Awards' exceptional inclusion category. The awards celebrate people and organisations working to support diverse communities across the UK.
The organisers said Hocking was nominated as an "inclusion advocate, speaker and mentor" who champions initiatives that build "representation, belonging and opportunity for ethnic minority colleagues". They added he was "recognised for combining insight, storytelling and lived experience to drive meaningful cultural change".
What he has done locally and at work
Hocking has organised Windrush-themed events in the workplace, helped expand a Black colleague network and taken part in Black History Month activities. He also mentors young people and speaks to children about careers in finance as part of his role as a "next generation talent consultant" at a bank, a position he took up last year after joining the bank in 2022.
- Organised Windrush events aimed at raising awareness and celebrating heritage.
- Helped grow a Black colleague network within his employer to strengthen community and support.
- Worked on Black History Month programming and school outreach on careers in finance.
Hocking told reporters that the nomination felt "a real surprise" and was particularly meaningful because he had followed "a very non-traditional career path." He said much of his work focuses on ensuring people feel represented and included, regardless of background, and that he draws on personal experiences when offering support.
"When people showed the interest, I'd help them [through] by mentoring and making connections."
Addressing cultural nuances in the workplace
Part of Hocking's campaigning has included tackling everyday issues of cultural misunderstanding. He recounted experiences where his hair had been criticised as "untidy", which he said overlooked cultural nuance. In response, hair professionals such as barbers and braiders were invited to the bank and discussions were held to promote what he described as "hair equality".
Hocking also highlighted barriers to social mobility, observing that some people from lower social and economic backgrounds "could never see themselves" in corporate environments. He said seeing colleagues who reflect those communities in bank branches was evidence to him that the measures were having an effect: "Now, I walk into [bank] branches [and] I see their faces. I know that it works."
Next steps and ceremony details
The Ethnicity Awards ceremony is scheduled for 22 October in London, when winners will be announced.
| Nominee | Category | Ceremony date |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Hocking | Exceptional inclusion | 22 October |
The shortlisting has brought attention to the kinds of inclusion work happening in Wolverhampton workplaces and the role individuals can play in creating more representative professional environments. The nomination also underscores efforts to improve social mobility and make career pathways more visible to young people from diverse backgrounds.
