Published 2nd March 2026
Peter Gaw, Chief Executive at Inspire, holds a silver plaque mounted on dark brown wood with the words Investors in Diversity Award.
Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries has once again been recognised for its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and has been successful in its re-accreditation of the Investors in Diversity (IiD) Silver Award from the National Centre for Diversity (NCD).
This fantastic achievement follows Inspire being ranked 49 in the top 100 Inclusive employers earlier in 2025 and acknowledges the ongoing commitment of Inspire staff, stakeholders and volunteers to developing FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) principles within teams, across service areas and for the benefit of Inspire customers.
Feedback received throughout the re-accreditation process through surveys and focus groups, together with an action plan shared by the NCD will be used to shape continual and ongoing improvement across the organisation.
The NCD praised the dedication of both staff and senior leadership to move the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda forward with almost 100% of staff in agreement that Inspire should be re-accredited in recognition of the excellent work around staff engagement, accessibility and significant revisions to the recruitment process to name a few.
Other key strengths highlighted included the development of varied training opportunities and the commitment to embedding FREDIE into the Inspire business strategy and values.
Solat Chaudhry CEO of the National Centre for Diversity said:
“The Investors in Diversity Silver journey and achievement of the standard gives a positive message to all the stakeholders, internal and external, and each person should be congratulated for their input and success of the organisation.”
“Through ongoing support provided by the National Centre for Diversity, we are delighted to have retained the Investors in Diversity Silver Award in recognition of the ongoing dedication to continual improvement around all aspects of Inclusion work across Inspire.
We are thankful to all staff, stakeholders, and volunteers who supported this process and look forward to progressing the findings of the award action plan. We remain committed to supporting staff, providing training, embedding Inclusion throughout regular working practices and raising awareness of FREDIE to ensure Inspire continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all, now and in the years ahead.”
