The Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) has revealed the highly commended and winners of this year’s RIDI Awards, which recognise outstanding efforts to advance disability inclusion in the recruitment industry.
The awards ceremony, which took place yesterday evening (5 December 2024), showcased and celebrated the individuals and organisations leading the way in breaking down barriers and championing inclusive recruitment practices to build equitable workplaces for all. For finalists across the 10 categories and supporters of disability inclusion, it was a chance to be part of a movement that is driving real change.
“This year’s RIDI Awards highlight a positive wave of action to challenge ableism and build workplaces where everyone can thrive,” stated Maria Grazia Zedda, the new Chair of Judges for the RIDI Awards and Head of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Marie Curie. “These organisations and individuals are leading the way in removing barriers and proving the undeniable value of inclusion. It is amazing to see what happens when we just ask, ‘how can I include you?’. The judges were inspired by the passion and innovation displayed across every category, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their achievements.”
INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT MATTERS
The event was hosted by global leader in specialist recruitment PageGroup at its London offices and online. Sponsors include Amazon, The Clear Company, DWF, Evenbreak, Guidant Global and Lloyd’s.
“At PageGroup, we are passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where every individual can thrive. Hosting the RIDI Awards is a proud moment for us, as it shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done to champion disability inclusion,” shared Sheri Hughes, Global DEI and Social Impact Director at PageGroup. “This year’s winners and finalists inspire us all to push for greater equity and accessibility, proving that inclusive recruitment isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do for building a diverse, innovative workforce.”
2024’S WINNERS & FINALISTS
This year’s RIDI Awards winners, highly commended and finalists include:
Building Disability Confidence
- Winner: Unlearning Ableism
- Highly Commended: XPS Group
- Finalists: Arts Council England, Irwin Mitchell
Creating Disability Confident Recruiters
- Winner: Irwin Mitchell
- Highly Commended: Unlearning Ableism
- Finalists: Public Sector Resourcing by AMS, Randstad Academy for Talent (RAFT), part of Randstad Sourceright
Disability Confident – Private Sector
- Winner: DWF and their Early Careers Team
- Finalists: Randstad Academy for Talent (RAFT), part of Randstad Sourceright, Public Sector Resourcing by AMS, GXO Logistics
Disability Confident – Public Sector
- Winner: The CRUMBS Project
- Highly Commended: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Finalists: Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Disability Specialist
- Winner: SIC
- Highly Commended: Meghan Reed, Evenbreak
- Finalists: Opulent Access Events & Consulting, Unlearning Ableism
Inclusive Recruitment Campaign
- Winner: Randstad Academy for Talent (RAFT)
- Highly Commended: Irwin Mitchell
- Finalists: Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Inclusive Technology
- Winner: The Stepstone Group
- Finalists: WriteRecruit, Clu, Danone UK&I
Pioneer of the Year – Organisation
- Winner: Fair Shot Café
- Highly Commended: Randstad Academy for Talent (RAFT)
- Finalists: AMS/ PSR – Diversity Alliance, SIC
Pioneer of the Year – Individual
- Winner: Mimouna Mahdaoui
- Highly Commended: Emma Mendes da Costa
- Finalists: Natalie Collingwood and Sehar Mir, Robert Edwards
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO DISABILITY INCLUSION
The ceremony culminates in the presentation of the Greatest Impact Award, chosen live from the category winners. This special honour recognises the most exceptional contribution to disability inclusion, as voted for by the recruitment industry.
“There is a recruitment revolution taking place, with candidates increasingly expecting disability confidence in the workplace. We’re delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and be inspired by their actions to make recruitment accessible and equitable for all,” concluded Kate Headley, RIDI Chair and Government Disability Access Ambassador for the Recruitment Sector.
For more information about the RIDI Awards and the stories behind the winners, visit RIDI.
RELATED ARTICLES
Check out 2023’s RIDI Awards winners here.
Check out 2022’s RIDI Awards winners here.
The Business Disability Forum (BDF) has opened nominations for its Disability Smart Awards 2025.
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