Published 10th December 2025
Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries has ranked 49th in the National Centre for Diversity’s top 100 inclusive UK employers index 2025 and becomes the only library service in the country to feature in the index.
Recognised for outstanding efforts in fostering diversity and inclusion, the publication of the index highlights and celebrates the remarkable achievements of those who have committed to building inclusive workplaces.
The announcement came following the National Centre for Diversity’s annual National Conference at the Aagrah Midpoint, Bradford, which brought together representatives from a variety of sectors, organisations and businesses from across the UK to share learning and hear examples of best practice in all areas of inclusion.
Hosted by the National Centre’s Chair Shaid Mahmood and led by the National Centre’s Chief Executive Solat Chaudhry, presentations were shared which demonstrated FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality/Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) in practice, with key takeaways of ‘to be inclusive you need to make yourself includable’ and that ‘culture is key to everything. Inclusion and culture are inseparable, and inclusion is the key to productivity’.
Organisations ranking in the top 100 UK inclusive employers shared their learning including top ranked Grahams, (part of the construction sector), who made significant progress in increasing female representation in construction, while supporting male colleagues with initiatives around men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Angela Foulkes, Head of Sheffield College shared her personal journey in inclusion in the education sector while a presentation from Northern Rail highlighted how a collective, inclusive culture, has been developed with a transient workforce, who are literally always on the move.
“Inspire, since it was created by Nottinghamshire County Council in 2016 had an ambition to ensure the impact of our cultural, heritage, learning, library and music services are available to all right across Nottinghamshire."
Following the conference Inspire was delighted to receive the exciting news that Inspire has been ranked 49 in the top 100 UK inclusive employers 2025. This is fantastic recognition for all Inspire staff who are committed to working to embed FREDIE principals and are dedicated to continued learning and progression in this work. A special thanks to those in the Inspire Inclusion group who have been actively pushing this work forward across all Inspire service areas and teams.
“I send my warmest congratulations to Inspire on successfully reaching number 49 in the Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers Index 2025.
The inspiring organisations that make the Top 100, demonstrate excellent levels of employee retention and recruitment and clearly demonstrate how they value and respect the people that work for them.
What better than to be recognised by peers and those travelling in the same direction towards the common goal of Fairness in the workplace. It is hugely motivational.”
Peter Gaw, Inspire Chief Executive said: “Inspire, since it was created by Nottinghamshire County Council in 2016 had an ambition to ensure the impact of our cultural, heritage, learning, library and music services are available to all right across Nottinghamshire. Inclusion is one of our core values and we are delighted to be recognised in the top 100 Inclusive UK employers. This is testament to our ongoing commitment to make Inspire a great place to work and for all team members and volunteers and a place where customers and learners can thrive. The support from the National Centre has helped Inspire use FREDIE to continue to learn, develop and make conscious changes to improve and evolve, and being acknowledged in this way drives us to continue this work, maintaining and building an inclusive culture across Inspire.”
This recognition also follows Inspire undertaking the reaccreditation process for the Investors in Diversity Silver award, which Inspire colleagues, stakeholders and volunteers have all contributed towards. Look out for details of the reaccreditation outcome coming soon.
