Finalists for the 2026 National Diversity Awards have been announced, recognising individuals, organisations and community groups driving positive change and championing inclusion across the UK.
Now in its 15th year, the annual National Diversity Awards, organised by the Inclusive companies, shines a spotlight on the outstanding work being carried out by individuals and organisations committed to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. “As recent damaging and short-sighted rhetoric risks leaving some people feeling disenfranchised by diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, this year’s awards are more important than ever,” said the organiser.
More than 80,000 nominations and votes were received this year, recognising individuals, community groups and organisations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. From these entries, the 2026 shortlist once again demonstrates the powerful and positive impact of people working tirelessly to champion equality.
DIVERSE COMMUNITY HEROES
The finalists reflect the rich diversity of communities across the UK, recognising individuals and organisations driving meaningful social change. From disability advocates and LGBTQ+ champions to faith leaders, entrepreneurs, carers’ organisations and grassroots community groups, this year’s shortlist celebrates those breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for others.
Whether tackling inequality, promoting inclusion, supporting wellbeing or strengthening community connections, every finalist represents a unique story of resilience, leadership and lasting impact.
INVALUABLE COMMUNITY ACTION
The awards shine a light on people and organisations working tirelessly to improve the lives of others. “These unsung heroes remind us just how much goodness, compassion and humility exists at the heart of our communities. The work they do and the empathy they show are more important than ever,” said Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies. “We are living in a time when funding and support are increasingly limited. This makes community action an invaluable resource on which so many people rely. For some, it is quite simply a lifeline.”
Winners will be announced at a star-studded awards ceremony on 18 September at Liverpool’s Liverpool Cathedral, hosted by TV presenter Konnie Huq. “I’m genuinely honoured to host the National Diversity Awards on their 15th anniversary. Growing up in a British Bangladeshi family, I didn’t always see people who looked like me, or who shared my experiences, represented on screen or celebrated in wider society,” shared Huq. “Standing on this stage, recognising people who are breaking barriers and lifting others up, feels deeply personal. These awards remind us how powerful it is when every community is seen, valued and given the opportunity to shine.”
The 2026 National Diversity Awards are supported by headline sponsor HSBC UK, as well as Airbus, Lush, Manchester Airport Group, Kantar, BT Group and The Phoenix Community Trust.
NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS CATEGORIES & FINALISTS
The categories for the 2026 National Diversity Awards include:
- Positive Role Model Awards in Age, Disability, Gender, LGBT, Race, and Faith & Religion categories
- Community Organisation Awards in Age, Disability, Gender, LGBT, Race, Faith & Religion, and Multi-Strand categories
- Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Diverse Company
- Celebrity of the Year
- Lifetime Achiever
The finalists in each category are listed are as follows:
Positive Role Model (Age)
- Ty Bowring
- Bola Olayemi
- Everton Sutherland-Adebiyi
- Francis Nwofor
- Craig Henderson
- David Barton
- Anne Anderson
- Iqra Anjam
- Katie Callaghan
- Jack Charles Bailey
Community Organisation (Age)
- Santa Squad
- Core300 Tamworth
- Enactus UK & Ireland
- Nutritious Minds Trust Charity
- Dynamic
- Positive Futures
- SEND Protect
- MAMA Youth Project
- Living Without Limits
- Board in the City
Positive Role Model (Disability)
- Zara Beth
- Brian King
- Shauna Elise Hogan
- Isaac Samuels
- Katy Deacon
- Pete Wharmby
- Jenni Pettican
- Chloe Marie Gallagher
- Charlotte Horn
- Ashley Archer
Community Organisation (Disability)
- SEND Coffee
- Dimax Aquatic Services Ltd,
- Indepen-dance
- Every Body Queer
- Northern Stars
- Hair & Care CIC
- Speed of Sight
- Down Syndrome UK
- Thriving Autistic
- Conquest Centre
Positive Role Model (Gender)
- Amanda Elwen
- Saskhia Menendez
- Naima Ali
- Nick Barwick
- Daniel Sukula
- Christiana Naa Kwarley Hansen
- Yvette Cave
- Aysha Bosher
- Anna Cofone
- Lucy Kate Barnes
Community Organisation (Gender)
- Autistic Girls Network
- Women Centre
- Project Salama
- Female Veterans Alliance
- Babes of the Most High Global CIC
- Tope Dada – Men’s Porch CIC
- MLF UK, Black Female Entrepreneurs Greenwich
- Freedom Charity
- Afghan Sister Community (ACS)
Positive Role Model (LGBT)
- Aimee Blease-Bourne
- Shea Coffey
- Stephanie Lynnette
- Demitri Rodriguez
- Mark Cusack
- Sarah Cosgriff
- Jordan Chan
- Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon FREng PFHEA
- Daniel May
- Professor Catherine Lee MBE
Community Organisation (LGBT)
- African Rainbow Family
- Gyro, George House Trust
- Gaydio
- GoodVibes LGBT Youth Group
- Queer and Now CIC
- Proud Mary’s LGBT+ Choir
- Fighting With Pride
- Viva LGBTQ+
- Rainbow Families Yorkshire CIC
Positive Role Model Race, Faith or Religion
- Paul Campbell
- Lilian Seenoi Barr
- Hamed Amiri
- Rachael Reign
- Revd Jacob Caldwell CF
- Omraw Khan
- Domini Choudhury
- Maria McDowell
- Amjid Khazir
- Kuldip Johal
Community Organisation Race, Faith or Religion
- The Liverpool Lighthouse
- Association of Blind Asians Leeds
- Active Lives
- Grassroots Luton
- North West Migrants Forum
- Newham Nuture (NCT)
- Gladca, Asian Single Parent’s Network CIC
- Afrikindness
- Ace Programme Charity
Community Organisation Multi-Strand
- Coin Street
- AWARE NI
- Newcastle Carers
- Communities Inc
- Socially Mobile
- Mary’s Charity
- Ethnic Minority Council
- Black Child Down Syndrome
- Nore Academy and Estuary Academy Island
- Herefordshire Mind
Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Ashley Sweet
- Caroline Parnis
- Georgina Colman
- Kirstyn Oliver
- Shiraz Khan
- Tim Clare
- Selina Brown
- Andrew Roach
- Chloe Jackson
- Regina Martin
Diverse Company
- Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
- Creative Support
- Airbus
- North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (NEAS)
- Polaris Community
- Energy Systems Catapult
- Touchstone
- United Utilities
- Westminster City Council
- Mitie
- West Midlands Fire Service
- The Co-op Group
Celebrity of the Year
- Ella Morgan
- Stephen Graham OBE
- John Davidson MBE
- Sophie Morgan
- Jordan Stephens
- Motsi Mabuse
- David Harewood
- Phoebe Dynevor
- Bradley Riches
- Rosie Jones
- Niall O’Callaghan
- Ashley Walters
Lifetime Achiever
- Arthur Torrington CBE
- Ann Palmer
- Dr. Lisa Cherry
- Jonathan Hassell
- David Reid
- Trevor Lyttleton MBE
- Dr. James Punch
- Janet Williams MBE
- Sajda Shah MBE
- Dr. Ray Kendall-Corry
Click here to find out more about the National Diversity Awards, and here to check out last year’s winners.
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