The event celebrated the incredible work of individuals and groups around the UK
BY DIVA STAFF, IMAGE BY BRETT COVE
This year’s Employee Network Awards (ENA) took place on 1 October at the London Hilton on Park Lane to celebrate the incredible work of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) around the country. Hosted by Dawn Butler MP, the evening featured powerful speeches on the necessity of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Dawn said: “These awards exist to shine a light on the incredible work of employee networks and resource groups — work that drives positive change, strengthens inclusion, and celebrates the unique contributions that make every workplace stronger.”
The evening created a much-needed environment to champion the individuals and groups who are helping employees feel seen in a variety of sectors. Guests also saw an electric performance from The Queens of Lovers Rock, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson. Celebrity guests included Olympians Montell Douglas and Jennifer Stoute, actor Chizzy Akudolu and activist Lady Phyll.
ENA founder Linda Riley added: “This year, these awards feel even more important. The world is changing fast, and conversations around Inclusion are growing more complex – and in some spaces, more challenging. That makes what you do even more vital. Whether it’s shaping policies, sparking conversations, or creating spaces where people feel safe and supported, networks are driving change every single day.”
Here is the full list of winners from this year’s ENAs.
Best Network Initiative of the Year (sponsored by Ruebik)
Winner: Transgender Inclusion Policy (+ Network), Centrica
Highly Commended: Disability Awareness, Hedleys College – Percy Hedley Foundation
Network Inspirational Role Model of the Year (sponsored by EmployAbility)
Winner: Nina Goswami, Clifford Chance
Highly Commended: Olivia Grant, Reed Smith
Outstanding Ability Network of the Year
Winner: Disabled Staff Network, University of Wolverhampton
Highly Commended: Enabled, BDO LLP
Outstanding Employee Network of the Year (sponsored by Pfizer)
Winner: Young Professionals Network, EDF (UK)
Highly Commended: Savills Social Mobility Group, Savills
Outstanding Family Network of the Year (sponsored by The Voice)
Winner: Parents & Carers@Sky, Sky UK Ltd
Highly Commended: Balance, National Grid
Outstanding LGBTQIA Network of the Year
Winner: BeYou@Entain, Entain
Highly Commended: L&GBT+Allies Network, L&G
Outstanding Ethnicity Network of the Year (sponsored by Paramount)
Winner: Enrich, Virgin Media O2
Highly Commended: Embrace ERG, Haleon
Outstanding New Network of the Year (sponsored by Denovo Legal Services)
Winner: Well-being Employee Resource Group, HSBC Innovation Banking UK
Highly Commended: Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), Cisco
Outstanding Wellness Network of the Year
Winner: Menopause & Menstruation Support Group, Everywhen
Highly Commended: Health & Wellbeing ERG, AMS
Outstanding Women’s Network of the Year (sponsored by Centrica)
Winner: Altitude Network, Heathrow Airport
Highly Commended: Spirited Women, Diageo
Outstanding Network Lead of the Year
Winner: Luke Martin & Rosie Whitfield, Virgin Media O2
Highly Commended: Melissa Brette Ogée, Hyatt UK & Ireland
Outstanding Executive Sponsor of the Year (sponsored by Sedulo)
Winner: Jacquline Alcindor, L&G
Highly Commended: Dr Noelia Noël, University of Surrey
Head of Diversity of the Year (sponsored by Haleon)
Winner: Tiernan Brady, Clifford Chance
Highly Commended: Charlie Magadah-Williams, Primark
Network of Networks (sponsored by HSBC Innovation Banking)
Winner: Menopause & Menstruation Support Group, Everywhen
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