Organisations and individuals continuing to champion workplace equality and inclusion have been named as finalists in the 2026 Inclusive Awards, as DEI leaders warn that now is not the time for employers to retreat from their commitments.
Finalists have been announced for the 2026 Inclusive Awards, organised by Inclusive Companies and supported by sponsors Bupa and TalkTalk. Now in its 11th year, the annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that have successfully harnessed and integrated a truly diverse workforce, celebrating those making a measurable impact across equality, diversity and inclusion.
The awards come at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion strategies are facing growing scrutiny and, in some organisations, being scaled back or deprioritised.
The winners will be announced at the Inclusive Awards on November 12, 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool, with actor and presenter Ash Palmisciano hosting the ceremony for the first time. “I’m very excited to be hosting this year’s Inclusive Awards and can’t wait to be back in a room full of amazing people creating real, life-changing opportunities for others,” said Palmisciano. “Nights like this always remind me of how much incredible work is happening every day to make people feel seen, supported and included. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone!”
RECOGNISING INCLUSION IN ACTION
The Inclusive Awards provide a national platform to recognise and showcase DEI practice across a broad range of sectors, with the aim of encouraging and inspiring other organisations.
This year’s finalists span the private, public and third sectors, from major employers and NHS organisations to universities, local authorities, charities, employee networks, technology initiatives and community organisations.
Entries were assessed by an independent judging panel, which looked for evidence of positive impact across different areas of diversity, including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion.
PIVOTAL TIME FOR DEI
“Once again, these Awards come at a pivotal time for equity, diversity and inclusion. At a moment when the value of DEI is being questioned, challenged and, in some cases, deprioritised, it has never been more important to recognise those who continue to stand by their values,” said Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies.
“The individuals and organisations we celebrate are proving that meaningful change is not achieved by simply following the conversation, but by having the courage and commitment to lead it. Their work is creating more equitable workplaces, changing lives and inspiring others to do the same. That is exactly why these achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
2026 INCLUSIVE AWARDS FINALISTS
D&I Consultancy Award
- The Life Rooms
- Diverse Matters
- MyPlus
- Access Cornwall CIC
- Diversity Scotland
- Men for Inclusion
- Aspire Consultancy
- Berkshire Consultancy
- Inclusive Culture Initiative Award
REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Project
- Balfour Beatty – “Right to Respect” programme
- Skyscanner
- Playground Games
- The Pharmacy Department at Kingston University
- Built Environment Access Panel (BEAP)
- Thames Valley Police
- United Utilities
Outstanding Diversity Network Award
- Aviva’s Social Mobility Working Group
- The Army Multicultural Network (AMCN)
- Woman @ Manchester
- Bupa Race & Ethnicity Network
- Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer Black and Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group (CNO/CMidO BME SAG)
- LNER – EMPOWER & ManKind
- HAND (Home of Accessibility & NeuroDiversity) – giffgaff
- Spectrum – the Race & Ethnicity Network at the Financial Conduct Authority
Head of Diversity & Inclusion Award
- Chantelle Brown, Great British Nuclear
- Veronika Pickford, SPS Global
- Joanne Vazquez-Kirby, Skyscanner
- Tracy McKim, Newport City Council
- Alicia McDonnell, Manchester Airports Group
- Kate Aldridge, England & Wales Cricket Board
- Emilie Fellingham, Royal Shakespeare Company
- Naheed Nazir, Manchester Metropolitan University
Chief Executive of the Year Award
- Dan Hopkinson, ElectraLink
- Dame Amanda Blanc, Aviva
- Paul Philpott, Kia
- Rebecca Pearson, Bupa
- Mark Cubbon, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Dame Carolyn McCall, ITV
- Joanna Prior OBE, Macmillan
- Dawn Carter-McDonald, Hackney Council
D&I Tech Initiative Award
- Xplore DisAbility
- Amazon Future Engineer UK
- techUK
- Everway
- Dolphin Computer Access
- Coding Black Females
- Stemettes
- Fraut
Social Mobility Project Award
- Leadership Through Sport & Business – Essex Community Foundation
- Aspirations Doncaster Ltd
- Bupa & Salford City Council
- INTOUniversity
- AMS Skills Creation in partnership with the Office for National Statistics
- The Brokerage
- Possibilities Beyond Limits
- Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture in partnership with Mablethorpe Neighbourhood policing team from Lincolnshire Police
Diversity Teams Award
- Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust EDI Team
- MAG Diversity & Inclusion Team
- giffgaff Affinity DEI Team
- Liverpool Women’s Anti-Racism Hub
- The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts
- D&I Champions at SPS
- ElectraLink Diversity & Engagement Team
- Mott MacDonald EDI Team
CELEBRATING UK INCLUSION LEADERS
The Lifetime Achiever Award will be announced on the night, alongside the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Index and Diversity Power List. The 2026 Inclusive Awards will take place at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool, on November 12, 2026.
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