The National Diversity Awards (NDA), one of the UK’s most prestigious annual recognitions of grassroots inclusion efforts, has unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist for 2025.
Now in its 14th year, the NDAs drew a record-breaking 85,000+ nominations and votes, spotlighting a wide spectrum of individuals and organisations pushing forward the frontiers of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The finalists represent the very best of British society – people and groups from every walk of life working tirelessly to uplift marginalised communities, dismantle inequality and build a more inclusive future.
This year’s finalists offer a vivid snapshot of the UK’s social landscape, encompassing lived experiences across disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and faith. Among those shortlisted are a blind veteran advocating for accessibility, a trans activist celebrating gender identity, a fashion designer pioneering adaptive clothing, and a young leader fighting youth violence. Community nominees include a neurodivergent-led mentoring initiative, a network for Black autistic women, and a grassroots fatherhood collective challenging gender norms.
CELEBRATING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
“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,” said Clare Balding CBE, who returns as host of the ceremony.
From queer parenting networks to migrant women’s publishing collectives and disability-inclusive outdoor groups, this year’s list is as diverse as it is powerful. As global conversations around DEI face renewed scrutiny and resistance, the role of initiatives like the National Diversity Awards becomes more vital than ever.
“The unsung heroes help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities,” said Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies, the organisation behind the NDA. “We are living in a time when funding and support are limited. This makes community action invaluable as a resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.”
Sesay emphasised that now, amid polarising rhetoric and growing disenfranchisement, honouring those leading inclusivity on the ground is not only timely, but it’s essential.
CORPORATE SUPPORT FOR DEI & COMMUNITY IMPACT
The 2025 NDA is hosted in association with ITV News and proudly supported by headline sponsor HSBC UK, alongside partners Airbus, Amazon, AutoTrader, BT Group, Kantar, OVO and Lush Liverpool. “As an organisation that deeply values difference, we’re incredibly proud to be a long-time sponsor of the National Diversity Awards,” said Rachel Montgomerie, Head of People at HSBC UK. “Recognising individuals and groups across the UK who are making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations and communities is something we look forward to every year.”
Winners will be revealed at a star-studded awards ceremony on September 19th, held at the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, with Clare Balding CBE as host. The event promises to be an inspiring evening of storytelling, recognition, and hope. The awards are presented across six major categories, including:
- Positive Role Model Awards (Age, Disability, Gender, LGBT, Race, Faith & Religion)
- Community Organisation Awards (across multiple DEI strands)
- Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Diverse Company Award
- Celebrity of the Year
- Lifetime Achiever
MEET THE FINALISTS
Among this year’s finalists are prominent change-makers and unsung heroes alike. Here’s the full list of this year’s NDA finalists, by category.
Positive Role Model Age
- Luke Cato
- Issy Hawkins
- Katie Killick
- Kyrelle Lammy
- Ilhora-Lee Louison BCyA
- Anton Noble
- Sam Ogle
- Mohammad Erfan Sharifi
Positive Role Model Disability
- Scott Burns
- David Gray-Hammond
- Victoria Jenkins
- Katie K
- Caroline O’Neill
- Karolina Pakenaite
- Aidy Smith
- Nick Wilson
Positive Role Model Gender
- Holly Hostettler-Davies
- Natasha Day MBE
- Hilda Hwoffie
- Alex Knight
- Daniella Maison
- Caz May
- Delyth Pannett
- Steph Richards
Positive Role Model LGBT
- Fox Fisher
- Mr DK Green
- Rob Hurley
- Susan Logie
- Katie Neeves
- G Sabini-Roberts
- Patrick “Poggy” Murray Whitham a
- Adam Zane
Positive Role Model Race, Faith or Religion
- Amrit Bahia
- Jakia Hussain
- Mars Lord
- Marsha Martin
- Annisha Taylor
- Mark Nam
- Baljit Singh
- Tumi Sotire
Community Organisation Age
- Black Swan Collective
- The Kindness Postbox
- Cornerstone Benwell
- Little Hiccups
- Agent Academy CIC
- Start Young UK
- The Special Lioness
- 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
- West Yorkshire ADHD
Community Organisation Gender
- ADHD Babes
- Blackburne House
- Endo Buddies
- Migrant Women Press
- Stow Inspire
- Train the Boys
- Women in Data
- Womenzone
Community Organisation LGBT
- In Focus Education & Development
- LGBT Sparkle
- Marching Out Together
- Proud 2 b Parents,
- Sahir
- Transparent Presence CIC
- Trans Pride Hastings
- 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
- The Mango Ensemble
Community Organisation Multi-Strand
- Enough
- Mysterious Minds
- Project Accountability CIC
- RISE.365
- Tomorrow Meets Today
- The H Foundation
- Wellies-On
- Windrush Foundation
Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Segun Akinwoleola
- Daniella Blechner
- Shelley Cowan
- Millie Flemington-Clare
- Hannah Hawkney
- Emma Mander
- Caroline Popoola
- 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
- 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
- Fatima Whitbread
Lifetime Achiever
- Colleen Amos OBE
- Jacqui Gavin BEM
- Stephen Gill
- Kathryn Halford OBE
- Weininger Irwin
- Patrick Kwesiga
- Mick Lagbir Singh
- Mik Scarlett Wallace
Check out last year’s winners here.
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