The Civil Service Diversity & Equality Awards:  2006

Outstanding Achievement

John Flanner of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs single-handedly pioneered a series of inspirational talks about his experiences as a blind person. Staff who have attended his talks have found his presentation, engaging, humorous and inspiring. Through his talks, John has led many staff, including top management, to change their perceptions about disabilities and to better face and deal with their own, relatively small challenges in life. He has been a great inspiration and role model.

The judges were similarly moved and inspired by John’s ability and courage in overcoming obstacles such as learning to cope so effectively with his own disability, whilst continuing his persuasive promotional work on diversity. Countless testimonials including feedback via e-mails and phone calls, show that John has continuously inspired and motivated others. John also shows outstanding pride and passion in his work, both in his commitment to his “day job” and in his mission to engage people in diversity issues. He is undoubtedly a role model and a deserved winner of a special award recognising outstanding achievement.

Since June 2004 John has not only written and developed his talks from scratch but has also coped with the delivery of talks at numerous locations despite his blindness and the associated travel implications and convinced his managers to allow him to take time-out to deliver motivational sessions, which have become increasingly in demand.

In November 2005, John was invited by Helen Ghosh, now Permanent Secretary at DEFRA, to represent the Department at the 'Race for Opportunities' dinner in London, attended by representatives from 40 top UK companies. The event recognised that John was one of nine people across the Department who had most advanced the cause of diversity and equality.