Diversity & Inclusion Award
Identifying employers that are leading the way in ensuring their workforce is reflective of society with equal opportunities for all.
Diversity & Inclusion Award
Identifying employers that are leading the way in ensuring their workforce is reflective of society with equal opportunities for all.
British Gas/Centrica
Centrica Transformation Delivery Team
As Centrica’s Transformation Delivery team, our greatest strength is not that we think alike, but that we do not. We deliberately unite different backgrounds, cultures, career stages, locations and disciplines to deliver for our business and customers. We democratise decisions: expertise and customer insight carry more weight than hierarchy. In our psychologically safe culture, challenge is respectful, every voice matters and new colleagues can belong, contribute and grow. During the past 12 months, this approach has strengthened inclusion, improved delivery and helped us identify risks earlier, with multiple customer migration programmes and technical decommission activities resulting in lasting impact.
EXL Service (UK) and British Gas
The Inclusive Batch – British Gas Payments
Our Inclusive Batch is a powerful example of resilience, determination and excellence. What began as a commitment to equal opportunity has become an inspiring success story. Through customised training, strong support systems and a growth mindset, the team transitioned into live operations, processing over 245,000 transactions while maintaining 100% quality and continuously expanding capability through cross-skilling. Zero attrition reflects real engagement and belonging. Their achievements extend beyond business performance into CSR contribution, cultural engagement and community building. Recognised with the All-Star "Best Team Award" sponsored by British Gas, they continue to inspire through perseverance, passion and commitment to excellence.
Northumbrian Water
TIDE: Together for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
TIDE, Together for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, is Northumbrian Water Group’s strategy for creating a workplace where everyone can belong, contribute and progress. Over the past year, NWG refreshed its 2026–30 strategy, strengthened leadership accountability and delivered measurable change. The gender pay gap fell to a record-low 9.9%; women now represent 33% of colleagues, 41% of managers and 44% of the Executive Leadership Team. Through colleague networks, inclusive talent pathways and practical workplace improvements, TIDE is removing barriers today while creating a more representative workforce for the future.
Southern Water
PPE for safety, comfort and inclusion
As part of our commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace at Southern Water, we reviewed and updated our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure all frontline colleagues have access to clothing and equipment that is safe, comfortable, and suitable for their needs. Traditionally, PPE was designed using a one-size-fits-all approach, which didn’t work for everyone. Led by our Women’s Network and supported by the Health and Safety team, the initiative introduced a wider range of PPE options that better reflect the diversity of our workforce. The changes help colleagues feel more comfortable, secure and included.
TotalEnergies Gas & Power
TWICE Network
TWICE has transformed into a business-wide inclusion community, delivering career, wellbeing and allyship support to more than 500 colleagues over the past year. What began as a women's network has evolved into a business-wide inclusion community, supporting women through every stage of their career and life while creating opportunities for colleagues across the organisation to learn, connect and grow together. Through mentoring, maternity returner support, career development, allyship, financial wellbeing, coaching programmes and health awareness campaigns, TWICE takes a practical, holistic approach to inclusion, helping build a stronger, more inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued and empowered to succed.
United Utilities
Opportunity for All
In 2025, United Utilities refreshed their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy under the banner of 'Opportunity for All'. By talking in a language our colleagues can connect with, referencing real life experiences and adopting all kinds of diversity that makes up who they are. They have focussing on inclusive leadership, transparent reporting and a culture of belonging which is helping them create an environment where every colleague can thrive, with a proactive approach in highlighting that ‘diversity’ means all of us, without using ED&I, a language not commonly used in every day homes and communities.
Utilita Energy
Smart Meter Apprenticeship
Utilita’s Smart Meter Engineer Apprenticeship Programme is transforming access to careers in the sector by removing traditional barriers to entry and creating opportunities for under-represented talent. Recognising that recruiting only fully qualified engineers restricted access to the profession, Utilita developed a new pathway with Cheshire College South & West requiring no prior industry qualifications or experience. Working with organisations including Energy & Utility Skills and the Women in Utilities Network, it redesigned its recruitment strategy to be more inclusive and accessible. The result has been a significant increase in female applicants, with women now representing 21% of apprentice engineers.