The Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei), the leading not-for-profit organisation helping employers build and maintain diverse and inclusive teams, has announced the results of the Inclusivity Excellence Awards 2023. The awards recognise the individuals and organisations making strides in promoting and progressing workplace diversity, equality, inclusion (DEI) and belonging.
This year enei received a record 172 nominations from across the UK, up 39% from 2022, highlighting the continued demand for celebrating influential work pushing the boundaries in DEI. Winners and highly commended were selected by a judging panel of DEI experts and were announced at the annual gala event hosted at the Institute of Physics (IOP) and sponsored by AWE, EMBED, HeX, NHS Employers, McLean Public, IOP and SCC.
enei was also delighted to welcome a new award category – Leveraging Data to Advance Workplace DEI – to celebrate entrants that have a taken a unique and pragmatic approach to the use of data in driving excellence in workplace DEI. This award recognised the power of data in identifying and addressing biases, tracking progress, and measuring the real impact of DEI initiatives.
Sandi Wassmer, Chief Executive Officer, enei said: “Although it is evident that diversity, equality, and inclusion are all essential components of successful organisations, the current economic, social and political pressures faced by those working in the DEI space in the past year have not abated. In this context, I am delighted and humbled that we have had more submissions for the awards than ever before. This tells me that, despite everything, individuals and organisations remain steadfast and dedicated to creating that sense of belonging that all employees deserve.”
The most successful entries were those that showcased a positive and measurable impact to enhance inclusivity within their organisation, from improved performance and diversity or representation to increased levels of employee engagement and retention.
Full list of award winners and highly commended:
Innovative Approach to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion – Sponsored by McLean Public
- Winner: Secure Trust Bank Group
- Highly Commended: Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust
Inclusive Culture – Sponsored by SCC
- Winner: AECOM
- Highly Commended: Burness Paull
Progressive Agile and Flexible Working Practices – Sponsored by EMBED
- Winner: National Highways
- Highly Commended: Local Partnerships LLP
Driving Social Mobility and Social Inclusion in the Workplace – Sponsored by AWE
- Winner: The Wheatley Group
- Highly Commended: Mishcon de Reya
Enhancing Wellbeing & Belonging at Work – Sponsored by HeX Productions
- Winner: Balfour Beatty
- Highly Commended: Buckinghamshire Council
Leveraging Data to Advance Workplace DEI – Sponsored by NHS Employers
- Winner: Asahi UK
- Highly Commended: Medical Protection Society
Employee Network Group of the Year – Sponsored by Institute of Physics
- Joint Winners:
- North East Ambulance Service
- Business Growth Fund (BFG)
DEI Influencer of the Year – Sponsored by NHS Employers
- Winner: Rachel Billington, Head of ED&I Europe and India, AECOM
- Highly Commended: Nina Elliot, ED&I Champion, Secure Bank Trust Group
Submissions will open in April for enei’s Inclusivity Excellence Awards 2024. You can register your interest here.
