What is National Inclusion Week?
National Inclusion Week (NIW) is an annual UK-wide event launched in 2013 to celebrate inclusion and inspire meaningful, sustained action in workplaces. It provides an opportunity for organisations to reflect, learn, and commit to making inclusion a core part of their culture and everyday practice.
In 2025, NIW will take place from 15th–21st September. It’s a chance to go beyond awareness-raising and ensure that inclusion is embedded into systems, strategies, and behaviours across all levels of an organisation.
This Year’s Theme – “Now is the Time”
The 2025 theme, #NowIsTheTime, stresses urgency and resilience in inclusion work. In a climate where some diversity and equity efforts face challenge or resistance, it calls for practical, measurable action that makes inclusion sustainable and impactful.
Key points behind the theme:
- Inclusion can’t wait – every organisation can take steps now.
- Measure impact – use data to evidence value and track progress.
- Go beyond tokenism – aim for meaningful change, not symbolic gestures.
- Build resilience – inclusion must thrive even in times of change.
- Everyone plays a role – inclusion covers all protected characteristics and dimensions of diversity.
Checklist for Designing, Planning, and Delivering NIW Activities
Before NIW (Now to 14 September)
- Create an NIW plan – identify objectives, themes, and intended outcomes.
- Engage your workforce early – run a planning session or Q&A to gather ideas and secure commitment.
- Raise awareness – use internal channels to count down to the week, share key messages, and invite staff to get involved.
- Identify resources – prepare activities, presentations, case studies, and discussion prompts.
During NIW (15–21 September)
- Launch with impact – host a keynote, panel discussion, or interactive workshop on the theme “Now is the Time”.
- Run daily themes or challenges – for example:
- Day 1: Allyship in Action
- Day 2: Neuroinclusion
- Day 3: Inclusive Leadership
- Day 4: Intersectionality in the Workplace
- Day 5: Tackling Bias in Everyday Decisions
- Facilitate engagement – use quizzes, storytelling sessions, or employee-led talks to share experiences.
- Offer bite-sized learning – such as micro trainings on psychological safety, inclusive language, or active bystander skills.
- Celebrate progress – share successes, highlight diverse voices, and connect inclusion to organisational goals.
After NIW (22 September onwards)
- Evaluate the week – collect feedback from staff and assess against your objectives.
- Publish commitments – share an action plan with timelines and responsibilities.
- Track and report impact – measure changes in engagement, retention, and organisational culture.
- Keep momentum – integrate NIW outcomes into ongoing diversity and inclusion strategies.
The Impact You Can Make
By actively participating in NIW and embedding its principles, organisations can:
- Increase employee engagement and sense of belonging.
- Improve retention and recruitment by creating a workplace where everyone feels valued.
- Foster innovation through diverse perspectives.
- Reduce bias in decision-making processes.
- Strengthen organisational resilience during times of change.