Inclusive Awards reveal 2024’s diversity and inclusion champions

The 2024 Inclusive Awards, organized by Inclusive Companies and sponsored by myGwork, TalkTalk and E.ON, revealed this year’s diversity and inclusion winners across eight categories.

Now in its tenth year, the 2024 Inclusive Awards returned to Manchester on November 28, where Coronation Street stars and diversity advocates joined the guests to recognize individuals and organizations who have excelled in their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Entertainment from the MDA – MYDC Dance Academy and the Sing Out Gospel Choir made the evening extra special as people celebrated another successful year of bringing meaningful change to workplaces and communities.

This year's Inclusive Awards saw the return of journalist and TV presenter, Sean Fletcher, to host the evening. “Championing inclusivity is a cause close to my heart, because without workplaces and bosses who prioritized diversity in my career and believing in me when others decided I didn't fit the mould, I wouldn't be where I am today presenting on TV,” says Sean. “It was an honour to return to host the Inclusive Awards this year and play my part in promoting inclusivity in businesses across the UK.”

The awards were judged by an independent panel, looked beyond policies and practices in their desire to find those individuals and organisations who could demonstrate they have worked tirelessly in their quest to bring about true diversity, inclusion, equality and equity in their workplace or community.

The eight winners were chosen from a truly diverse range of sectors from education to media, utility companies to charities and training organisations to community groups. In addition, a Lifetime Achiever Award was bestowed upon Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society.

Each year, the Inclusive Awards event supports a charity partner with funds raised through ticket sales and donations on the night. This year’s beneficiary is Fire Fighters Charity, chosen in memory of Wayne Brown whose tireless work for diversity and inclusion at West Midlands Fire Service was remembered and honored.

"Looking back over the last 10 years since our first Inclusive Awards event, we have come a long way in terms of the policies and practices implemented to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion," stated Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies. “However, we cannot be complacent as there is still more work to be done to drive home the diversity and inclusion message. By sharing our winners’ outstanding work and achievements and giving them a platform, I hope the Inclusive Awards will encourage others to follow their example and inspire lasting change.”

The Inclusive Awards also revealed the much-anticipated Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers (IT50) List with UK Power Networks topping the list closely followed by Touchstone in second place and Which? third. The definitive list of the most inclusive employers in the UK, the IT50 shines a light on best practice across all sectors and strands of diversity – age, disability, gender, LGBTQ+, race, faith, and religion.

Also announced on the night was the 2024 Diversity Power List which honors 50 champions of inclusion and diversity who are making a positive difference to the lives of others, creating an impact within their industry sector and showcasing outstanding dedication in their respective field.

Here are this year’s Inclusive Award winners and highly commended by category:

Head of Diversity & Inclusion, sponsored by mygwork

• Winner: Shelley Bishton (News UK)

• Highly Commended: Annika Allen (All3Media)

Consultancy of the Year

• Winner: The Clear Company

• Highly Commended: A New Normal

D&I Tech Initiative

• Winner: Global Equality Collective

• Highly Commended: Zero Gravity

Inclusive Culture Initiative

• Winner: Anglo American – Domestic Violence Policy & Awareness Campaign

• Highly Commended: Kin + Carta – The IDEA Programme

Outstanding Diversity Network

• Winner: OutMakingGames

• Highly Commended: BBC Enigma

Social Mobility Project

• Winner: Bridgend College

• Highly Commended: Happy Smiles Training

Diversity Team of the Year

• Winner: United Utilities People, Culture & Engagement Team

• Highly Commended: OVO Belonging Team

Chief Executive of the Year

• Winner: Jo Williams, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Highly Commended: Arfan Hanif, Touchstone

Lifetime Achiever

• Winner: Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society