Phil Attfield, NextGen Co-Founder, honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Award

Phil Attfield, the Co-Founder of NextGen Skills Academy, recently received the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion award at the UK Screen Alliance and Animation UK Outstanding Contribution Awards, held during their 20th anniversary gala dinner at the prestigious Stationers’ Hall in London.

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In a night dedicated to honouring the special anniversary of both organisations and highlighting the outstanding achievements and progress made in the industry, Phil's win echoed his values of teamwork, inclusivity, and breaking down barriers within the creative industries.

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This recognition underscores Phil’s commitment to carving alternative pathways into the creative industries, such as his championing of VFX and Animation Apprentices and Skills Bootcamps. It is also testament to Phil’s dedication to ensuring that promoting diversity and equality of access to under-represented groups is at the very heart of NextGen.

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Phil said after the awards:

“It is an absolute honour to receive this award and it is testament to the power of collaboration and unity in driving meaningful change. There are a lot of other deserving people who could have won it, but like others said on the night, it is a team effort and without the work that everyone does, you don’t get anywhere. This is a victory for the countless individuals and employers who I work with at NextGen who are striving to create a more equitable industry.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, and to UK Screen Alliance and Animation UK for 20 years of unwavering support for the creative industries. Here's to many more years of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.”

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Neil Hatton, CEO of UK Screen Alliance, said of the night:

“The breadth of outstanding talent shown by the winners and nominees honoured tonight is truly breathtaking. Their contribution to our industry really shows that the UK is second to none when it comes to people with exceptional skill and commitment. It augers well for the future.”

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If you're inspired by the awards and passionate about driving positive change in the creative industries, consider getting in touch with NextGen Skills Academy and seeing how we can work together. Let’s continue to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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You can read more about the awards evening, including the full list of winners and nominees here: UK Screen Alliance and Animation UK unveil Outstanding Contribution Award winners