Individuals and organisations tackling inequality, strengthening communities and widening inclusion across Britain have been recognised at the 2026 National Diversity Awards. Winners were selected from more than 85,000 nominees and 153 finalists across 15 categories.
The National Diversity Awards, held in association with HSBC UK, celebrated campaigners, community organisations, entrepreneurs, employers and public figures whose work is advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across the UK. This year’s winners span a wide range of advocacy, campaigning and community support – from disability inclusion and tackling violence against women and girls to supporting LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers and strengthening inclusion within local communities.
Among those recognised were disability educator Jenni Pettican, Freedom Charity, LGBTQ+ refugee support organisation African Rainbow Family, and Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The awards marked their 15th anniversary at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 18 September 2026. The event brought together individuals and organisations whose work often takes place away from the spotlight. The official awards programme confirms this year’s winners across 15 categories.
SHINING A LIGHT ON INCLUSION
The National Diversity Awards raise the profile of people and grassroots organisations working to challenge inequality and improve lives across Britain. Since launching in 2012, the awards have recognised more than 1,600 shortlisted nominees and around 200 diversity champions and community groups.
This year’s celebration comes against a backdrop of increasingly contested debate around diversity, equity and inclusion. While corporate approaches to DEI continue to evolve, the winners demonstrate how much inclusion work continues to happen at community and grassroots level, often led by individuals and organisations addressing practical barriers to participation, opportunity and belonging.
Television presenter and author Konnie Huq, who hosted this year’s ceremony, reflected on why that visibility matters. “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 shared my experiences represented on screen or celebrated in wider society. So standing on this stage, recognising people who are breaking barriers and lifting others up, feels deeply personal,” shared Huq. “These awards remind us how powerful it is when every community is seen, valued and given space to shine.”
INCLUSION IS NOT A TREND
Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards, said the awards also provide an opportunity to recognise work that can otherwise go unnoticed.
“The National Diversity Awards are a powerful reminder of what can happen when people refuse to stand by and instead choose to make a difference. Every year, we hear extraordinary stories of courage, compassion and determination from people working tirelessly to create change in their communities and beyond. At a time when the conversation around diversity and inclusion can feel increasingly challenging, it is more important than ever to celebrate those who continue to speak up, challenge inequality and open doors for others,” stated Sesay. “These awards are about shining a light on those making a genuine difference – and reminding us that inclusion is not a trend or a tick-box exercise. It is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued.”
Alongside headline sponsor HSBC UK, organisations supporting the 2026 awards include Airbus, BT Group, Kantar, Manchester Airports Group, The Phoenix Community Trust, Lush Liverpool and Able Magazine.
2026 NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS WINNERS
This year’s National Diversity Awards winners by category include:
- Positive Role Model – Age: Katie Callaghan
- Positive Role Model – Disability: Jenni Pettican
- Positive Role Model – Gender: Amanda Elwen
- Positive Role Model – LGBT: Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon FREng PFHEA
- Positive Role Model – Race, Religion & Faith: Omraw Khan
- Community Organisation – Age: Living Without Limits
- Community Organisation – Disability: Indepen-dance
- Community Organisation – Gender: Freedom Charity
- Community Organisation – LGBT: African Rainbow Family
- Community Organisation – Race, Religion & Faith: Newham Nurture (NCT)
- Community Organisation – Multi-Strand: Black Child Down Syndrome
- Entrepreneur of Excellence: Kirstyn Oliver
- Diverse Company: Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
- Celebrity of the Year: Bradley Riches
- Lifetime Achiever: Trevor Lyttleton MBE
Check out this year’s finalists here.
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