Celebrating Excellence in Corporate Inclusion
This new accolade celebrates excellence in corporate inclusion. From hiring practices to inclusive strategies, it will honour the organisation or company that demonstrates the most outstanding commitment to inclusive practices.
Judge profile:
Joanna’s Expertise in Inclusive Education
Joanna Gibbs brings over 20 years of dedicated experience as a qualified specialist teacher, supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She is the founder and director of SENsational Tutors, recognised as the UK’s favourite tutoring agency (2023 and 2024) – and is proudly neurodivergent herself.
Joanna’s lived experience gives her a unique personal understanding of the importance of inclusion and the real-world impact it can have. Her work spans multiple countries and educational settings, from the UK to South Korea, South Australia and Indonesia, equipping her with deep insight into inclusive practices across the world.
Through her career, Joanna has championed empowering every individual, regardless of background or ability, to reach their full potential. The Award for Inclusion has been developed to shine the spotlight on organisations that share this ethos.
What is the award criteria and how will the winner be selected?
The Joanna Gibbs Award for Inclusion is a closed award, eligible only to the exhibitors and speakers at Bett UK 2026. Joanna will be examining eligible candidates and selecting a winner based on rigorous criteria.
The Joanna Gibbs Award for Inclusion will recognise large organisations and enterprises that excel in:
- Inclusive hiring and HR practices: Creating recruitment and retention policies that support diversity and neurodivergent talent.
- Neurodiversity and SEND-friendly programmes: Providing accommodations or tailored initiatives for neurodivergent employees, learners and clients.
- Inclusive organisational strategy: Embedding inclusion as a core value, not just a one-off initiative.
- Use of inclusive tech: Utilising inclusive technology or design to remove barriers and support accessibility for all.
- Employee and client wellbeing: Fostering a culture where everyone feels supported and able to thrive.
- Demonstrable impact: Evidence of real, measurable results, such as increased representation, improved experience or enhanced inclusivity.
The winner will have inclusion woven throughout their culture as a defining commitment – and demonstrate inclusivity in practice.
Why the Joanna Gibbs Award matters for organisations
- Affirm your commitment to meaningful inclusion, showing that you are recognised for your dedication to authentic inclusive practices.
- Enhance your reputation, sending a powerful message to employees, clients, partners and stakeholders about your inclusive values.
- Signal inclusive leadership, positioning the winner as a thought-leader ahead of competing organisations.
- Encourage positive organisational change, inspiring continuous improvement within the wider industry.
When will the winners be announced?
The recipient of the Joanna Gibbs Award for Inclusion will be revealed on 22nd January 2026 at the IFIP Global Inclusion Awards ceremony, held at Bett, ExCeL London. The Award will be presented in person by Joanna Gibbs herself.
You can learn more about the event on the IFIP website.