Communities, individuals and organisations determined to stand firm and NOT dial back on diversity have the perfect platform to publicise the impact of their work and celebrate their achievements as finalists in the 2025 National Diversity Awards.
Now in their 14th year, the annual National Diversity Awards bring a beacon of hope as they highlight the great work being done by individuals and organisations committed to diversity. As the recent damaging and shortsighted rhetoric risks making some people feel disenfranchised by DEI, this year’s awards are more important than ever.
A remarkable 85,000 nominations and votes were received, celebrating individuals, groups and organisations committed to continuing with diversity and inclusion activities. From these entries, the National Diversity Awards shortlist shows, once again, the indisputable and positive impact of society heroes standing up for equality.
Vibrant and brave
The finalists are a vibrant reflection of the UK’s rich social fabric, spanning countless identities, passions and acts of advocacy. Group nominees include a neurodivergent-led mentoring organisation, a support network for Black autistic women and a grassroots initiative helping fathers challenge gender stereotypes. Among the individual finalists are a blind veteran championing accessibility, a young changemaker spotlighting youth violence, a trans activist reminding us it’s actually cool to be trans and a fashion designer innovating with adaptive clothing. From inclusive data initiatives to queer parenting networks, migrant women’s publishing to disability-inclusive outdoor experiences, each nomination embodies a unique story of resilience and change.
Hosted by Inclusive Companies in association with ITV News and headline sponsor HSBC UK, the 2025 National Diversity Awards are also supported by Airbus, Amazon, Autotrader, BT Group, Kantar, OVO & Lush Liverpool.
“As an organisation that deeply values difference, we’re incredibly proud to be a long-time sponsor of the National Diversity Awards – recognising individuals and groups across the UK who are making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations and communities,” says Rachel Montgomerie, Head of People, HSBC UK. “We look forward to celebrating all the incredible role models and change makers nominated this year.”
Invaluable community action
The awards bring into the spotlight people and communities who work tirelessly to make life better for others as Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies, explains: “The unsung heroes help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities. The work these people do and the empathy they show is more important than it has ever been.
“We are living in a time when funding and support are limited,” he continues. “This makes community action invaluable as a resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.”
The winners will be revealed at a star-studded awards ceremony on September 19th at Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral, hosted by Clare Balding CBE.
“I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for the National Diversity Awards,” says Clare Balding CBE. “Recognising the individuals, organisations and charities that go above and beyond to improve their communities is truly vital. These inspiring and uplifting awards shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and positivity of an inclusive society, celebrating community heroes whose dedication and achievements might otherwise go unrecognised.”
The six categories of the National Diversity Awards are as follows and finalists named below.
- Positive Role Model in Age, Disability, Gender, LGBT, Race and Faith & Religion categories
- Community Organisation in Age, Disability, Gender, LGBT, Race, Faith & Religion and Multi Strand categories
- Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Diverse Company
- Celebrity of the Year
- Lifetime Achiever
2025 National Diversity Awards Finalists
Positive Role Model Age – Luke Cato, Issy Hawkins, Katie Killick, Kyrelle Lammy, Ilhora-Lee Louison BCyA, Anton Noble, Sam Ogle and Mohammad Erfan Sharifi
Positive Role Model Disability – Scott Burns, David Gray-Hammond, Victoria Jenkins, Katie K, Caroline O’Neill, Karolina Pakenaite, Aidy Smith and Nick Wilson
Positive Role Model Gender – Holly Hostettler-Davies, Natasha Day MBE, Hilda Hwoffie, Alex Knight, Daniella Maison, Caz May, Delyth Pannett and Steph Richards
Positive Role Model LGBT – Fox Fisher, Mr DK Green, Rob Hurley, Susan Logie, Katie Neeves, G Sabini-Roberts, Patrick “Poggy” Murray Whitham and Adam Zane
Positive Role Model Race, Faith or Religion – Amrit Bahia, Jakia Hussain, Mars Lord, Marsha Martin, Annisha Taylor, Mark Nam, Baljit Singh and Tumi Sotire
Community Organisation Age – Black Swan Collective, The Kindness Postbox, Cornerstone Benwell, Little Hiccups, Agent Academy CIC, Start Young UK, The Special Lioness and Trekkers UK
Community Organisation Disability – ADD-vance, Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum, GROVE Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education, Little Rainbows Doncaster, Pulp Friction, RAWD CIO, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and West Yorkshire ADHD
Community Organisation Gender – ADHD Babes, Blackburne House, Endo Buddies, Migrant Women Press, Stow Inspire, Train the Boys, Women in Data and Womenzone
Community Organisation LGBT – In Focus Education & Development, LGBT Sparkle, Marching Out Together, Proud 2 b Parents, Sahir, Transparent Presence CIC, Trans Pride Hastings and The Proud Trust
Community Organisation Race, Faith or Religion – Academy Achievers, Europia, Keshet UK, Nubian Jak Community Trust, Spark Inside – The Black Hero’s Journey, The Amos Bursary, Wai Yin Society and The Mango Ensemble
Community Organisation Multi-Strand – Enough, Mysterious Minds, Project Accountability CIC, RISE.365, Tomorrow Meets Today, The H Foundation, Wellies-On and Windrush Foundation
Entrepreneur of Excellence – Segun Akinwoleola, Daniella Blechner, Shelley Cowan, Millie Flemington-Clare, Hannah Hawkney, Emma Mander, Caroline Popoola and John & Funso Uwagboe
Diverse Company – Airbus, Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Merseyside Police, Rethink Mental Illness, Savills, Sytner Group, TUI UK, Volkswagen Group UK Ltd and YHA England and Wales
Celebrity of the Year – Danny Beard, Yolanda Brown OBE, Nicola Coughlan, Stephen Graham, Georgia Harrison, Vick Hope, Mark Hoyle / Ladbaby, Jamie Laing, Joe Locke & Kit Connor, Chris McCausland, Jodie Ounsley and Fatima Whitbread
Lifetime Achiever – Colleen Amos OBE, Jacqui Gavin BEM, Stephen Gill, Kathryn Halford OBE, Weininger Irwin, Patrick Kwesiga, Mick Lagbir Singh and Mik Scarlett Wallace
