FREDIE Awards 2026-2027

Announcing the FREDIE AWARDS 2026/2027!

Tickets now available & nominations are open for NCFD clients

Should We Ban the Burqa?

Banning the burqa would be an act of cultural and gendered unfairness. The principle of fairness demands that we allow individuals to make personal choices about their lives—choices that don’t harm others but are deeply tied to identity, belief, and conscience. It is fundamentally unfair to single out Muslim women and ask them to bear the burden of societal discomfort with visible religious expression. Fairness means listening before judging and recognising that one person’s discomfort does not justify another person’s loss of liberty.

Planning Inclusive Social Events: Why It Matters

With warmer weather and the return of team socials, gatherings, and community events, it’s a great opportunity to consider how we can make these moments welcoming for all. At the National Centre for Diversity, we believe inclusion should go beyond formal spaces — influencing every part of an organisation’s culture, whether it’s in meetings or at informal get-togethers.

Lesbian Visibility Week 2025

At the National Centre for Diversity, we’re proud to stand in solidarity with lesbian individuals and communities as we celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week April 22-28th. This important week shines a light on the experiences, contributions, and resilience of lesbian people — and serves as a reminder of why inclusion must be intentional, visible, and ongoing.

Diversity Fatigue: What It Is – and How We Can Tackle It Together

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real surge in commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across all sectors. Many organisations are doing more than ever to address inequality, improve representation, and create inclusive spaces. But with that progress has come a quieter, and sometimes uncomfortable, side effect: diversity fatigue.

How Solat Chaudhry is Redefining Leadership Through Diversity and Inclusion

A photo of a man in a formal suit delivering a speech at a podium in a modern conference hall

For over two decades, Solat Chaudhry, founder and CEO of the National Centre for Diversity, has been a trailblazer in advancing workplace equality and inclusion. With his groundbreaking FREDIE framework—Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement—Solat is shaping the future of leadership by embedding inclusive practices into organisational cultures.

Discover how Solat’s pioneering initiatives, like the Investors in Diversity standards and Inclusion IQ, are transforming businesses and empowering leaders to embrace equity and diversity as drivers of success. Whether you’re curious about actionable steps for fostering inclusive workplaces or inspired by stories of real-world impact, this interview offers invaluable insights for anyone passionate about creating meaningful change.

Practitioner Profile: Helen Redman

A purple graphic image with a portrait photo of a smiling woman. text reads 'be comfortable with the uncomfortable, listen to peoples voice and seek to understand what they are telling you

FREDIE practitioner Helen Redman brings a wealth of experience from the Post-16 education sector, championing equity for learners and professionals alike. In this insightful blog, she shares her inspiring journey with the National Centre for Diversity, from transformative client experiences to her dedication to creating meaningful change through FREDIE principles. Discover Helen’s advice for organisations starting their EDI journeys and the impact of fostering true inclusivity in education and beyond.

Practitioner Profile: Kam Urwin

A purple graphic with a photo of a smiling woman. Text reads 'Really think about and articulate what difference you want to see by embracing FREDIE, and then invest in it, and empower people to lead and deliver on it. Kam Urwin, Investors in Diversity. Assessor'

Kam Urwin’s journey in the not-for-profit and social enterprise sectors has been one of dedication and passion, particularly in the areas of mentoring, inclusion, and diversity. Over nearly a decade, she has worked with disability-focused charities and supported women escaping domestic abuse. Working with the National Centre for Diversity Kam collaborates with a wide range of organisations to foster inclusion, fairness, and engagement.

Practitioner Profile: Jo Barton

a purple graphic image that includes a profile image of a smiling woman. Text reads "Our assessors have a broad range of knowledge, and the commitment to FREDIE and the skillsets to support organisations to achieve - Jo Barton, Head of Assessors (UK)'

At the National Centre for Diversity, we are proud to highlight the work of our EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) practitioners and Investors in Diversity Assessors through this series of profiles. Jo Barton is the Head of Assessors (UK) and has worked with the National Centre for Diversity for over 14 years.