The best of Britain’s diversity and inclusion trailblazers have been honoured at the 2025 National Diversity Awards, held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Friday 19th September.
Now in their 14th year, the awards – held in association with HSBC UK – celebrate people who have shown remarkable dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across society. They are often individuals and organisations whose work often goes unrecognised. Chosen from a staggering 85,000 nominees and 126 finalists across 15 categories, this year’s winners reflect the breadth and brilliance of grassroots change-makers.
Among the recipients were Issy Hawkins, a champion for intergenerational inclusion; Victoria Jenkins, an adaptive fashion designer; and Alex Knight, an advocate for gender equity. Katie Neeves, a trans awareness campaigner, received an award for her role in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Mark Nam, a British-born Chinese priest, scooped an award for his contributions to race, faith and religion.
SUPPORTING INCLUSION & EQUITY
Organisations celebrated included the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, LGBT Sparkle, Train The Boys, and Spark Inside, whose programme The Black Hero’s Journey works with prisoners of Black or mixed heritage. Others like Mysterious Minds and the Black Swan Collective received accolades for their work across multiple strands of diversity and age inclusion respectively.
The ceremony was hosted by Clare Balding CBE, a long-time supporter of inclusion and equity. “I was thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for the National Diversity Awards,” said Balding. “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.”
Headline sponsor HSBC UK reaffirmed its long-standing support for the awards. “As an organisation that truly values difference, we’re proud to be a long-standing supporter of the National Diversity Awards – recognising individuals and groups across the UK who are driving positive change in their organisations and communities,” said Rachel Montgomerie, Head of People at HSBC UK. “It’s an honour to celebrate the remarkable role models and change makers who have been nominated and awarded this year.”
CELEBRATING HOPE & RESILIENCE
Other major sponsors included Airbus, Amazon, Autotrader UK, BT Group, Lush, Kantar, and OVO. Commenting on this year’s awards, Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards, stated: “The National Diversity Awards spotlight people doing great and important work within their communities, day in and day out. This is our chance to give long-overdue recognition to courageous and generous people whose voices and actions are too often ignored. At a time when some people are dialling down on DEI, the National Diversity Awards remind us that diversity isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about people and the positive impact of their actions.”
In a year where diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have faced growing backlash, the awards served as a powerful counter-narrative – a celebration of hope, resilience and real impact.
2025’S NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS WINNERS
The full list of 2025’s National Diversity Awards winners include:
- Positive Role Model (Age): Issy Hawkins
- Positive Role Model (Disability): Victoria Jenkins
- Positive Role Model (Gender): Alex Knight
- Positive Role Model (LGBT): Katie Neeves
- Positive Role Model (Race, Faith, Religion): Mark Nam
- Community Organisation (Age): Black Swan Collective
- Community Organisation (Disability): Surrey Coalition of Disabled People
- Community Organisation (Gender): Train The Boys
- Community Organisation (LGBT): LGBT Sparkle
- Community Organisation (Race, Faith, Religion): Spark Inside – The Black Hero’s Journey
- Community Organisation (Multi Strand): Mysterious Minds
- Entrepreneur of Excellence: Millie Flemington-Clare
- Diverse Company: Volkswagen Group UK Ltd
- Celebrity of the Year: Danny Beard
- Lifetime Achiever: Mick Lagbir Singh
Click here to view the full list of 2025’s finalists.
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