Finalists have been named in the 2026 Inclusive Awards, organised by Inclusive Companies and supported by sponsors Bupa and TalkTalk. Now in its 11th year, the prestigious Inclusive Awards is the only awards ceremony that rewards individuals and organisations who have successfully harnessed and integrated a truly diverse workforce. Recognising the significant effort and impact of those excelling in their commitment to equality and inclusion across all strands of diversity, the Awards defy those dialling down DEI in the workplace.
The winners will be announced at the Inclusive Awards on November 12, 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool and presented for the first time by actor and presenter Ash Palmisciano (pictured above)
“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.” Say’s Ash. “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!”.
The Inclusive Awards provide a powerful platform to recognise and showcase best DEI practice across a range of business sectors that will encourage and inspire other organisations. Finalists this year range from talking therapy to coding services, a housing association to a hospital, universities to utility companies and local councils to an international airline.
All entries were judged by an experienced and diverse independent panel who looked for evidence of positive impact across all strands of diversity including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion.
“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,” says Paul Sesay (pictured above) 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 and 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, Macmillian; 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, Fraught
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 Team 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
Lifetime Achiever Award to be announced on the night, in addition to The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Index, and Diversity Power List.
Media contact for further information, to speak to Paul Sesay or for a media pass for the evening: info@inclusivecompanes.co.uk
