REVEALED: The UK’s most inclusive employers

Inclusive Companies revealed 2020’s most inclusive employers in the UK, during a virtual ceremony this week.

In a year like no other, the long-awaited Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Index showcases leading organisations working across all strands of diversity. Now in its fifth year, the list has become the premier cross-industry index, harnessing best practices and innovation to drive inclusion for all.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) scooped first place on the list as the most inclusive company this year, followed by West Midlands Police (2nd), UK Power Networks (3rd), Lancashire Constabulary (4th) and The Calico Group (5th). UHMBT replaced media giant Sky as the UK’s most inclusive employer, taking the top position for the first time ever, in recognition of their continued dedication to workplace diversity. 

POWER OF INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

“We are incredibly proud to feature in the Top 50 UK Employers list in a year that has truly shined a light on the power of inclusive leadership and inclusion networks in understanding and responding to the impact of Covid-19 on different groups, working together to keep each other safe while caring for those we serve,” stated Karmini McCann, Head of Inclusion and Engagement of UHMBT.

The Trust was the highest-ranking public sector organisation on the list last year, and is the first public sector organisation to ever feature at number one. A robust survey submission showed the inclusion and diversity agenda at UHMBT continues development at a massive scale in line with its Board approved strategy, confirmed the judges. Looking at the impact of Covid through an inclusion lens has been a real opportunity for them to engage with and support staff to really make a difference to their lives. 

RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYERS

“This year, more than any other, Inclusive Companies have seen a shift in the inclusion approach of organisations participating in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List,” stated Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO, of the Inclusive Companies and National Diversity Awards. “Companies featured on this year’s list have felt the importance of ensuring individual voices are heard and standing up as responsible employers against inequality, injustice and intolerance. Those who ranked are on a continuous journey, but have made it their mission to advocate for inclusive workplaces where everyone feels empowered to be the very best they can be.” 

Compiled by a dedicated panel of judges, the list has been collated based on each organisation’s performance in a range of areas within the diversity arena. Organisations featured have provided sufficient evidence on an amalgamation of topics including recruitment procedures, training and a host of diversity-related initiatives, confirmed the organiser.

INCLUSIVE PEOPLE-CENTRED APPROACHES

Commenting on this year’s list, Professor Amanda Kirby, Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers judge and CEO of Do-IT Solutions, stated: “This was an incredible opportunity to gain an insight into a number of companies across the UK who are taking the concepts of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are demonstrating inclusive practice in a variety of ways. Some of the leaders are doing some amazing ‘outward facing work’ reaching communities and making a tangible difference to the lives of their customers and supply chain. It is exciting to see a few excellent companies who are truly going one step further and delivering intersectional and integrated inclusive people-centered approaches.” 

Adding to her comments, Jiten Patel, Conscious Inclusion Specialist and judge, said: “This year, the world was rocked by Covid-19 and the senseless killing of George Floyd. Companies are talking about diversity and inclusion more than ever. And, of course, it is great to recognise those that are really creating culture change.” 

THE TOP 50

The top 50 inclusive employers this year are as follows (in reverse order): 

50. The British Army

49. Southern Water 

48. Government Commercial Organisation 

47. BLM 

46. Electrocomponents 

45. Jardine Motors Group

44. St Gemma’s Hospice 

43. Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC

42. Kantar

41. Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 

40. Derwent Facilities Management 

39. Blake Morgan 

38. Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House)

37. Hastings Group Holdings plc

36. Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust 

35. Yorkshire Building Society 

34. The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 

33. Durham Constabulary 

32. St Mungo’s 

31. Anglo American

30. MSD 

29. Allianz Insurance plc

28. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure 

27. TalkTalk 

26. Financial Services Compensation Scheme 

25. West Midlands Combined Authority 

24. Midland Heart

23. E.ON

22. Northern Care Alliance NHS Group

21. Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

20. West Yorkshire Police 

19. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

18. Capgemini UK

17. Moneysupermarket Group

16. Northumbria Police

15. House of Lords

14. St James’s Place Wealth Management 

13. Touchstone

12. Cheshire Constabulary 

11. Nielsen 

10. Mitie

9. Bupa Global & UK

8. Inspire North 

7. Auto Trader UK 

6. West Midlands Fire Service 

5. The Calico Group

4. Lancashire Constabulary 

3. UK Power Networks 

2. West Midlands Police

1. University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

Submissions for The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers 2021 are already open. Click here for more information. 

Earlier this year, Paul Sesay also launched the UK’s Black Leaders Network, along with Fiona Daniels. Click here to read more.