Inequalities campaigner to be honoured at the palace of Westminster

London: Atif Ali, from Birmingham is one of only 25 individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its eighth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities, charities, and individual cause.

Atif will be honoured on 7 the July 2022 with The British Citizen Award for Services to the Community at the Palace of Westminster and will receive the coveted Medal of Honour. As a legacy of his achievements, Atif will be invited to use the post-nominals, BCAc.

Atif is incredibly passionate about eliminating inequalities having experienced them for most of his life, growing up in Small Heath inner city Birmingham – one of the most deprived wardsin the UK. Despite a humble upbringing Atif Ali was the first in his family to go to University, and is now a social mobility and equalities campaigner. Atif has first hand experience in providing care since a young age. This created in him the desire to make a change in the community to ensure that every child, citizen and space matters.

Atif has also been a pioneer in encouraging organisations across Birmingham, to address equal opportunities and called for more diversity. He has been fundamental in tackling inequalities providing better opportunities for all citizens irrespective of their cultural background. He is the youngest Vice-Chair of Birmingham City Councils Corporate Black Workers Support Group, representing some 4000 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
employees. In this role he is instrumental in addressing racial inequalities within the councils workforce.

He organised an Eid celebration in the business district of Birmingham to reinforce a better understanding of Islam and encouraged the council to light up the Library of Birmingham in green in support of National Cerebral Palsy Day. Additionally, Atif mobilised a group of young people from various backgrounds to unite in undertaking a community clean up at a local park. He is passionate about providing opportunities for young people, equality and equally passionate about his community.

“This year’s medallists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during these challenging times. At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees”, said Jonny McQuarrie, from BCA partner One Stop.

The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV news presenter Naga Munchetty, and attended by BCA Patron Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon, Lord Dholakia. The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked.

Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’, each medallist has a day to remember befitting their achievements. At the Palace of Westminster medals will be presented by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Objective HR and Experian, who all support this unique programme. Following this, medallists are treated to an Open Top Lap of Honour tour around Central London, before attending a
reception at Church House.

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavour and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.