Entries have officially opened for the 2026 Northern Ireland Hummingbird Awards, with employers across the regional being urged to showcase their leadership in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at a time when workplace culture has become a defining factor in attracting and retaining talent.

Following a sold-out inaugural year, the awards return to Belfast City Hall on Thursday, 28th May 2026 to recognise the organisations and leaders driving measurable progress and meaningful change across Northern Ireland.

With Northern Ireland’s labour market remaining highly competitive, EDI has evolved from a reputational consideration into a strategic business priority. Recent industry data underscores this shift: 76% of job seekers on Glassdoor cite workforce diversity as a non-negotiable factor when assessing potential employers, while strong employee belonging can increase engagement by up to 45%. Organisations with robust EDI frameworks also report a 50% reduction in turnover risk – reinforcing that inclusive workplaces are not only fairer, but more commercially resilient.

The 10 categories for 2026 reflect modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) and HR excellence, including Diverse Employer of the Year, Workplace EDI Champion, and Innovation in Accessibility.

Head Judge and Legal Review Manager at Cleaver Fulton Rankin Solicitors Jude Copeland said: “We are thrilled to see the return of the NI Hummingbird Awards this year. The response to, and impact from, our inaugural awards was truly incredible. To see so many businesses, community groups, and individuals across Northern Ireland quietly and powerfully driving real change was a reminder of just how much meaningful work is happening right on our doorstep. These Awards are a celebration of the quiet, tenacious people and organisations driving progress and delivering helpful change.

“Returning for a second year feels like an important statement in itself: this isn’t a one-off celebration, but a growing movement. The NI Hummingbird Awards exist to recognise those who are breaking down barriers and championing excellence for everyone, regardless of community background, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. We cannot wait to celebrate that again this May.”

This year also sees a fresh face on the judging panel, with Q Radio DJ Ibe Sesay joining an experienced group of judges committed to identifying and celebrating the region’s EDI trailblazers.

Joining the panel for 2026, Ibe Sesay commented: “I am delighted to join the judging panel this year. I’ve seen firsthand how diversity sparks creativity and growth in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to celebrating the businesses making inclusion a reality across our local industries.”

Valerie Ludlow, CEO of ASG and founders of the awards added: “The calibre of entries we received in our inaugural year demonstrated that Northern Ireland is home to truly forward-thinking organisations. The Hummingbird Awards were founded to shine a light on businesses that understand inclusion is not simply a policy – it is a driver of innovation, performance and long-term growth.

“As we return for 2026, we want to raise the bar even further. These awards are about setting a regional standard – recognising organisations that are not only responding to change, but leading it.”

Submissions are now open for the public, private, and third sectors, with organisations encouraged to demonstrate measurable impact, clear strategy and meaningful cultural change. With strong interest expected following last year’s sell-out event, early entry is advised.

For entry forms, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information, visit: www.nihummingbirdawards.com.

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