Communities, individuals and organisations determined to stand firm and NOT dial back on diversity have the perfect platform to publicise the impact of their work and celebrate their achievements as the 2025 National Diversity Awards open for nominations on March 12, 2025.
Now in their 14th year, the annual National Diversity Awards bring a beacon of hope as they highlight the great work being done by individuals and organisations committed to diversity. As the recent damaging and shortsighted rhetoric risks making some people feel disenfranchised by DEI, this year’s awards are more important than ever before. Celebrating individuals, groups and organisations committed to continuing with diversity and inclusion activities, the National Diversity Awards will show, once again, the indisputable and positive impact of society heroes standing up for equality.
Organised by Inclusive Companies in association with ITV News, the 2025 National Diversity Awards are supported by headline sponsor HSBC UK alongside AutoTrader, Airbus, BT, Kantar and Ovo.
The following six categories will celebrate champions defending diversity across race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.
- Positive Role Model: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion
- Community Organisation: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion / Multi-Strand
- Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Diverse Company
- Celebrity of the Year
- Lifetime Achiever
“We are all diverse by design and cannot allow the threat of an anti-diversity narrative to take hold,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “The National Diversity Awards provide a powerful platform to give public recognition to those who are changing other people’s lives for the better and I defy anyone reading the entries and impact statements from nominees to tell me diversity doesn’t work. At difficult times such as now, we must stand firm and seize every opportunity to show the positive impact of diverse individuals and organisations within our communities.”
Rachel Montgomerie, Head of People, HSBC UK said: “As an organisation that deeply values difference, we’re incredibly proud to be a long-time sponsor of the National Diversity Awards – recognising individuals and groups across the UK who are making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations and communities. We look forward to celebrating all the incredible role models and change makers nominated this year.”
The closing date for nominations is May 14, 2025 and finalists will be named in late June. The winners will be revealed at a star-studded awards ceremony on September 19th at Liverpool's Anglican cathedral, hosted by Clare Balding CBE.
"I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for The National Diversity Awards,” says Clare Balding OBE. “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."
www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk
Media contact for further information or to attend the Awards:
Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk / 07787 533143