From broadcasting icons and community champions to employers breaking down barriers, the Ethnicity Awards 2026 have celebrated individuals and organisations making a difference to ethnic representation, equality and opportunity across the UK.
The 2026 Ethnicity Awards have revealed this year’s winners, recognising influential figures from television, music and sport alongside business leaders, employers, employee networks and community organisations championing ethnic diversity and inclusion. Among those honoured are broadcasters Diane Parish, Trisha Goddard and Baroness June Sarpong OBE, alongside singer Heather Small, television presenter Charlene White and fashion expert Gok Wan.
The awards recognised London South East Colleges, Rolls Royce SMR, Network Rail, NatWest, Bloomberg and dentsu in the workplace categories for initiatives that widen opportunities, strengthen representation and support career progression for ethnically diverse employees. Supported by official partner Lloyds Banking Group, the awards celebrate achievements across business, media, culture and society, highlighting both high-profile figures and individuals working behind the scenes to create lasting change.
The organisers announced the winners yesterday evening at the awards ceremony (22 October 2026), following the publication of the shortlist earlier this year.
CELEBRATING TRAILBLAZERS IN MEDIA & CULTURE
This year’s special recognition awards celebrated four prominent figures whose careers have helped broaden representation in British media and entertainment. EastEnders star Diane Parish received the Media Progress Award, recognising more than two decades of work on television, including her portrayal of Denise Fox. Her character’s recent storyline involving acute myeloid leukaemia has helped raise awareness of the challenges facing Black patients, particularly inequalities in healthcare and difficulties accessing suitable stem cell donors.
The awards also honoured veteran broadcaster Trisha Goddard for her pioneering career spanning almost four decades across three continents. From becoming Australia’s first Black television presenter to hosting programmes in Britain and the United States, Goddard has helped bring previously overlooked social and personal issues into mainstream broadcasting.
Baroness June Sarpong OBE received special recognition for her contribution to representation and inclusion. A former T4 presenter, author and campaigner, she made history as the BBC’s first Director of Creative Diversity and the first Black woman to serve on its Executive Committee. Her work has included championing under-represented voices and creating opportunities for greater diversity across the creative industries.
The awards also recognised singer Heather Small, lead vocalist of M People and best known for her solo anthem Proud, for her contribution to British music and culture.
EMPLOYERS RECOGNISED FOR TURNING INCLUSION INTO ACTION
Beyond the high-profile honours, the corporate awards placed particular emphasis on initiatives delivering practical improvements in workplace equality, representation and career development. London South East Colleges won Outstanding Employer, reflecting its progress on ethnicity data disclosure, representation in middle management and staff inclusion training.
Rolls-Royce SMR received the Impact Award for progress made over the past year, including a career development programme for ethnically diverse employees and training modules helping line managers identify and remove barriers to progression. Meanwhile, Faizza Rumani of Network Rail won the Exceptional Inclusion Award for her work supporting employees internally and across the rail industry.
CHAMPIONING FUTURE LEADERS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The awards also highlighted individuals building new pathways into leadership, technology and professional careers. Alexander Matambo of Bloomberg received the Future Leader Award. He founded Black in Tech UK, a national coalition connecting Black employee networks across major technology businesses. His work includes developing a free tool to help people access career opportunities and supporting education/development for young people aged 16 to 24.
Rochelle Norton of NatWest was named Inspirational Leader for her work creating opportunities within and beyond her organisation. Norton co-founded the ESEA Network and Diversity Tech, helping strengthen representation and expand access to technology careers. Her initiatives have also supported hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds to explore opportunities in cloud technology.
The Workplace Hero Award went to Liyah Sudra of dentsu, who co-founded the Seat at the Table mentoring programme in 2022, pairing ethnically diverse colleagues with senior leaders. Now in its third cohort, the programme sits alongside her work to strengthen the company’s approach to anti-racism, including securing a formal commitment in its Respect at Work Policy and co-authoring an Anti-Racism Handbook for Managers.
Hannah Gilroy of Virgin Money received the Champion Ally Award for initiatives supporting diverse colleagues, leadership development and mental health. Her work helped raise £44,000 for mental health services.
EMPLOYEE NETWORKS DRIVING ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE
Employee networks were another focus of this year’s awards. Ramboll UK’s Racial Equality Network won the Network Group Award, demonstrating that meaningful change does not necessarily depend on having the largest membership or budget. With fewer than 100 members, the network was recognised for influencing senior leadership and helping embed ethnic inclusion into organisational practices. Barclays and Deutsche Bank received special mentions.
HONOURING COMMUNITY IMPACT & HEALTH EQUITY
The community categories recognised initiatives addressing inequality and supporting people whose needs can often be overlooked. The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Support Project Wolverhampton won the Charity or Community Initiative Award. For more than 35 years, the organisation has supported individuals and families affected by inherited blood conditions, working with the NHS and local communities across the Black Country. Its services include counselling, advocacy, education and specialist support, helping tackle inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Ali Najjar and Adam Imber received the Outstanding Contribution to Communities Award for sharing their story at the intersection of faith, sexuality and cultural heritage. Their recognition highlighted the importance of challenging assumptions, encouraging understanding and creating space for identities and experiences that are not always accepted or represented.
PUBLIC VOTE CELEBRATES INFLUENTIAL VOICES
The public categories also recognised well-known figures using their platforms to entertain, inspire and raise awareness of important social issues. Presenter and journalist Charlene White won the Broadcaster, Journalist or Host Award, while the judges named Gok Wan Inspirational Public Figure.
Musician Keanan won the Music Artist Award, Zeze Mills received the Online Influencer Award and swimmer Michael Gunning was named Sports Personality. Together, the winners reflect the increasingly influential role of media, culture, sport and online platforms in shaping conversations about identity, representation and inclusion.
ETHNICITY AWARDS 2026: FULL WINNERS LIST
The winners of 2026, by category, include:
Special Recognition Awards
- Media Progress Award: Diane Parish
- Special Recognition: Trisha Goddard
- Special Recognition: Baroness June Sarpong OBE
- Special Recognition: Heather Small
Corporate Awards
- Champion Ally: Hannah Gilroy, Virgin Money
- Exceptional Inclusion: Faizza Rumani, Network Rail
- Future Leader Award: Alexander Matambo, Bloomberg
- Impact Award: Rolls-Royce SMR
- Inspirational Leader Award: Rochelle Norton, NatWest
- Network Group: Racial Equality Network, Ramboll UK
- Outstanding Employer: London South East Colleges
- Workplace Hero: Liyah Sudra, dentsu
Charity & Community Awards
- Charity or Community Initiative: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Support Project Wolverhampton
- Outstanding Contribution to Communities: Ali Najjar and Adam Imber
Public Awards
- Broadcaster, Journalist or Host: Charlene White
- Inspirational Public Figure: Gok Wan
- Online Influencer: Zeze Mills
- Sports Personality: Michael Gunning
CORPORATE SPECIAL MENTIONS
The judges also recognised several individuals and organisations whose submissions demonstrated significant impact:
- Simon Morton, Warner Bros. Discovery — Champion Ally
- Sana Butt, DLA Piper — Exceptional Inclusion
- Tochi Emewulu, Amazon — Future Leader
- Atos — Impact Award
- Barbara Anthony-Okafor — Inspirational Leader
- Barclays — Network Group
- Deutsche Bank — Network Group
- Pavitar Bhullar, Pinsent Masons — Workplace Hero
The winners demonstrate the many ways ethnic inclusion can be advanced, from increasing representation on screen and challenging healthcare inequalities to opening up professional opportunities, developing future leaders and strengthening accountability within organisations. For employers, the achievements also offer examples of how inclusion commitments can translate into practical initiatives that change employees’ experiences and opportunities.
Mote details about the awards and winner are available on the Ethnicity Awards website.
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