HR and recruitment company Gi Group UK has been named a finalist in the 2025 Rainbow Honours. The business has been shortlisted in the category of ‘Large Brand or Organisation of the Year’, recognising its work in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), particularly for its focus on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Gi Group employs nearly 260 people and supports over 1,000 clients across a wide range of sectors including logistics, industrial, engineering and automotive. The organisation operates from 69 locations across the UK.
The Rainbow Honours acknowledge the achievements of individuals and organisations promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion. Gi Group’s entry highlights the work of its EDI team, led by Emma-Louise Taylor, Group Head of Learning and Development, and focuses on its ‘This is me’ initiative. The initiative is designed to support neurodivergent talent through resources, training and role models.
Emma-Louise Taylor commented, “This recognition is a fantastic honour for our whole team. Our initiatives are aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of neurodivergence among employees and clients, leading by example by showcasing neurodiverse role models, supporting personal development to provide neuro-friendly training opportunities and creating a flexible and supportive working environment.”
Neurodiversity focus
The ‘This is me’ programme includes internal and external webinars, neuro-inclusion training, and a tailored employee value proposition. One of its core features is the Role Model Initiative, a neurodiverse employee-led scheme that shares experiences and promotes diverse thinking across the business.
Gi Group has delivered 262 hours of additional training through internal webinars and sessions to increase understanding of neurodiversity. It has also designed neuro-friendly development programmes and adapted its recruitment processes to be more inclusive. These efforts are backed by improved employee wellbeing systems to support long-term engagement and retention.
The Rainbow Honours 2025 will be held on Friday 27 June at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Gi Group will compete in its category alongside other well-known brands including Colgate-Palmolive, DHL Group, Pfizer, first direct, Amey, Haleon, Hyatt, LV=, Ocado Group and Ogilvy UK.
Supporting diverse talent
The Rainbow Honours celebrate contributions to advancing inclusion and visibility for LGBTQIA+ communities, and the 2025 event will highlight examples of best practice from across UK industry.
Emma-Louise said, “We’re proud to be recognised for this honour alongside other leading businesses in the UK. We recognise the importance of supporting the talent of neurodivergent people and championing members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Acknowledging the values and requirements of individuals across our business, and putting the suitable support structure in place, is the key to a fruitful and driven workforce.”
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, an HR news and opinion publication, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues. She is a journalism graduate and self-described lifelong dog lover who has also written for Dogs Today magazine since 2014.
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
