Two charities have become the first voluntary organisations given an award aimed at tackling the sector’s “diversity problem”.
Health charity Arthritis Action and Inclusion Barnet, a voluntary organisation for disabled people, have been recognised with the Blueprint Diversity Mark amid a wave of anti-EDI sentiment.
The diversity mark was created by PR company the Pros Collective first to recognise EDI efforts in communications, and now in the charity sector.
Elizabeth Bananuka, founder of the Pros Collective, told Civil Society that as a Black woman who had worked in the charity sector, she had experienced its “diversity problem” firsthand – as well as seeing the positive impact not-for-profit organisations can have on diverse communities.
In April 2025, a Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics report found a lack of diversity on charity boards, with just 8% of people serving as trustees coming from minority ethnic backgrounds, compared with 17% of the English and Welsh population as a whole.
Two months later, trustee-focused charity Board Racial Diversity UK called for an end to informal trustee recruitment which it said favoured rich, white and older hires.
Bananuka said she hoped that recognising the two charities through the newly created award could prompt wider civil engagement.
“I understand the power of the charity sector as much as I do its diversity problem,” she said.
“As the first charities to ever be blueprinted [awarded], I hope Arthritis Action and Inclusion Barnet serve as an inspiration and a benchmark for others.”
Charity bosses ‘delighted’ to receive award
Caroline Collier, Inclusion Barnet chief executive, said her charity was delighted to be recognised for its diversity commitment.
“As an organisation led by and for disabled people, we recognise that equality is multifaceted,” Collier said.
“Embracing the authenticity of people’s lives at work can only enrich the support we provide to communities.”
Noha Al Afifi, Arthritis Action’s deputy CEO, said her charity was “very proud” to receive the diversity mark.
“Equality, diversity and inclusion are not just priorities, but fundamental to how we operate every day.
“It reflects the progress we have made in embedding EDI across all areas of Arthritis Action’s work,” Al Afifi added.
An independent judging panel marked the 40-question application forms detailing the charities’ work promoting diversity and inclusion.
Ten communications agencies also hold the Blueprint Diversity Mark, which has four application rounds annually – with the next deadline at midday on 4 June.
