The best of Britain’s brave and bold diversity champions – whose voices and actions are too often ignored – have had their work recognised at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. The winning individuals and organisations, selected from over 85,000 nominees and 126 finalists in 15 categories, were chosen in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
The winners span a diverse range of campaigns, advocacy and community support. Among them are an adaptive fashion designer, inclusive and accessible beauty brand creator and a neurodivergent actor / influencer. Other award winners include a British born Chinese priest and two charities, one supporting underrepresented youngsters and the other engaging with prisoners from a Black or mixed-race heritage.
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 short-sighted rhetoric risks making some people feel disenfranchised by DEI, this year’s awards are more important than ever.
Winners were announced on September 19, 2025 at the prestigious National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, hosted by broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding CBE, a renowned champion of diversity, inclusion and equity.
“I was thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for the National Diversity Awards,” says Clare Balding CBE. “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.”
“As an organisation that truly values difference, we’re proud to be a long-standing supporter of the National Diversity Awards – recognising individuals and groups across the UK who are driving positive change in their organisations and communities,” says Rachel Montgomerie, Head of People, HSBC UK, headline sponsor of the National Diversity Awards. “It’s an honour to celebrate the remarkable role models and change makers who have been nominated and awarded this year.”
Other sponsors alongside HSBC UK are Airbus, Amazon, Autotrader UK, BT Group, Lush, Kantar and OVO.
“The National Diversity Awards spotlight people doing great and important work within their communities, day in and day out,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “This is our chance to give long-overdue recognition to courageous and generous people whose voices and actions are too often ignored. At a time when some people are dialling down on DEI, the National Diversity Awards remind us that diversity isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about people and the positive impact of their actions.”
The 2025 National Diversity Awards winners are as follows:
- Positive Role Model Age: Issy Hawkins
- Positive Role Model Disability: Victoria Jenkins
- Positive Role Model Gender: Alex Knight
- Positive Role Model LGBT: Katie Neeves
- Positive Role Model Race, Faith, Religion: Mark Nam
- Community Organisation Age: Black Swan Collective
- Community Organisation Disability: Surrey Coalition of Disabled People
- Community Organisation Gender: Train The Boys
- Community Organisation LGBT: LGBT Sparkle
- Community Organisation Race, Faith, Religion: Spark Inside – The Black Hero’s Journey
- Community Organisation Multi Strand: Mysterious Minds
- Entrepreneur of Excellence: Millie Flemington-Clare
- Diverse Company: Volkswagen Group UK Ltd
- Celebrity of the Year: Danny Beard
- Lifetime Achiever: Mick Lagbir Singh
