UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2025: Celebrating Champions of Inclusivity
The second annual UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards took place on 11 July 2025 at the Chicago Booth London Conference Centre, shining an even brighter light on the individuals and organisations driving meaningful progress in equity and inclusion. This event brought together a diverse group of global thought-leaders, innovators, and community champions to recognise their work and celebrate the impact they’re making across sectors.
Co-hosted by London-based writer and stand-up comedian Emmy Fyles and Global Keynote speaker and as seen on BBC Apprentice, Frederick Afrifa, they filled the afternoon with warmth, inspiration, and celebration.
Expanded Programme and New Honours
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the 2025 Awards saw the introduction of three new categories:
- Wellbeing Champion
- DEI Talent Acquisition
- Celebrity Diversity and Inclusion Champion (Honorary Award)
Additionally, the Awards honoured Highly Commended for the first time across 11 of the 12 categories, recognising outstanding submissions that demonstrated exceptional impact and innovation.
Celebrating Impact Across Categories
The following twelve winners were recognised for their bold leadership, inclusive cultures, and transformative impact:
- Wellbeing Champion: TUI UK&I
- Trailblazer Employee Resource Group: MaxPride, Maximus UK
- Inclusion in Sustainability: Finisterre
- Creative Diversity Campaign: England and Wales Cricket Board
- DEI Rising Star: Saira Khan, Supply Chain Sustainability School
- DEI Talent Acquisition: Greenpeace UK
- Diverse & Inclusive Company Culture: LAIKA Studios
- Social Impact & Community Engagement: Hatch Enterprise
- DEI Innovation: Monzo
- Global Inclusion Excellence: Capgemini
- DEI Thought Leader & Influencer: Kushal Khandhar, Boston Consulting Group
- Celebrity D&I Champion (Honorary): Idris Elba
Idris Elba was honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Celebrity D&I Champion Award for his powerful work across storytelling, advocacy, and systemic change. He has reclaimed authorship through a film studio in Ghana, amplified global Black identity, and championed agricultural equity, climate justice, and underserved communities through the Elba Foundation and his role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
Highly Commended Honourees
These recognitions showcase and celebrate the outstanding impact, innovation, or leadership within their fields:
- Wellbeing Champion: Ocado Group and Huddersfield Town AFC
- Trailblazer ERG: Parents and Caregivers Together, Verizon Business
- Inclusion in Sustainability: British American Tobacco
- Creative Diversity Campaign: Canon Europe & RNIB
- DEI Rising Star: Aneeka Neehaul, ReThink Mental Illness
- DEI Talent Acquisition: Disability & Neurodiversity ERG, AMS
- D&I Company Culture: Superdrug & Savers and Brentford Football Club
- Social Impact & Community Engagement: Watson Farley & Williams LLP
- DEI Innovation: Capgemini
- Global Inclusion Excellence: Laika Studios’ ERGs
- DEI Thought Leader & Influencer: Nahla Khaddage Bou Diab
Looking Ahead: Bold Blueprint
The celebration continues beyond the stage. The new Bold Blueprint editorial series, UnderOne’s digital platform spotlighting inclusion, innovation, and impact, will be released in the coming weeks. Featuring journeys, insights and practical strategies from this year’s finalist and beyond, the series aims to offer a deeper look at what drives DEI innovation, and how others can be inspired to follow.
A Close to the UnderOne Festival
The Awards followed on from this year’s UnderOne Festival, a one-day programme that brought together DEI leaders, business professionals, and community advocates. The day included panels, fireside chats, workshops, and networking, alongside interactive experiences like escape rooms, diversity-focused board games, and improv sessions. It was designed to challenge thinking, share ideas, build community and reimagine what inclusive spaces can look and feel like.
Corporate Sponsorship and Support
The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards were proudly sponsored by Clyde & Co for a second year, who played a crucial role in bringing the event to life, underscoring their commitment to supporting DEI initiatives.
Alan Holmes, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Clyde & Co, shared his reflections:
“It was an honour for Clyde & Co to support this year’s UnderOne D&I Awards as headline partner and to sponsor four categories that reflect the breadth of work happening across sectors. The afternoon brought together a truly diverse range of global companies and champions, a testament to the Awards’ growing influence and importance. The ceremony continues to shine a powerful light on those driving real, lasting progress on inclusion.”
For more information or to get involved in future programmes, contact: hello@uniteunderone.com.
