It is safe to say that anyone working in the equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) space is well aware of the scepticism surrounding the need for this work. Moreover, many of us have experienced the consequences of ineffective EDI efforts firsthand. Public perception of EDI has shifted significantly over the years—from initial enthusiasm at addressing a societal issue to growing scepticism and even ardent opposition. 

What was once a collective rush to embrace EDI has quieted significantly; even, once prominent, EDI influencers have faded into the background. Is it any wonder? EDI has often been co-opted as a Trojan horse for various unrelated and often self-interested agendas, leaving people disillusioned. Without the post-2020 public scrutiny, it seems that many companies are reverting to business as usual, sidelining EDI and in some cases, actively pushing against it.

2025 presents a good opportunity to offer up some predictions for how we feel the EDI landscape will continue to evolve over the next 12 months. 

Growing UK vs US Tension; 

The start of 2025 has been marked by a significant political event: the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20th. This development is likely to influence the UK's EDI landscape. Prominent voices across the United States have been vocal in their opposition to EDI initiatives, with many seeing failed EDI initiatives as a source of ridicule.

We anticipate that Donald Trump’s return to office will have an impact on the UK’s EDI strategies, especially as Trump has already signed numerous anti-EDI executive orders and issued a mandate to put all US government diversity staff on paid leave.  Adding to this pressure is Elon Musk, a prominent member of Trump’s party, who has openly expressed his disapproval of the UK’s approach to EDI. 

We predict that the UK’s approach will become largely fractured, with the UK’s Labour government encouraging the public sector to demonstrate the effectiveness of EDI and strengthen the mechanisms around EDI. Private sector organisations with less reliance on government contracts are likely to quietly mothball EDI projects and scale back their activities in this area. Private sector organisations with some reliance on the public sector will seek to tick boxes and demonstrate a compliance-led approach to EDI. 

Public Failings in Regulated Sectors

There remains a critical need for effective EDI, specifically in the public sector. Public services must continue to prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure fair and accessible services for all communities. While the superficial approach to EDI may be fading, this is an opportunity to rebuild with strategies that focus on genuine impact, accountability, and long-term change. 

We predict there will be a number of high profile failings of public sector organisations in highly regulated arenas, as some of the superficial approaches to EDI begin to creak at the edges. Whilst public failures are never a good thing, this presents an opportunity for the public sector to lead by example, demonstrating how well-executed EDI initiatives can create more inclusive and equitable societies.

EDI Practitioners Leaving Roles

Although backlash against EDI is not a new phenomenon, it has evolved from mere disgruntlement or a lack of understanding into outright opposition to anything related to EDI. Where there were once opportunities to educate and help people grasp the importance of effective EDI, there is now a landscape where public interest and willingness to engage have significantly diminished. 

We predict that a significant number of EDI practitioners will step away from their roles. Many of these positions were initially created without a clear understanding of their purpose, often advertised as high-paying, low-effort roles. However, as the demand for meaningful, impactful EDI work increases, individuals who took on these positions as a passion project, side interest or for their perceived ease, are likely to leave their roles. Furthermore, with significant cuts to funding, these once well resourced, public-facing roles will now require significant expertise and the ability to deliver impact. The era of superficial EDI initiatives is over, and the remaining roles will demand resilience, deep understanding, and a commitment to real change—EDI roles are not for the faint-hearted.

2025 has started where 2024 left off when it comes to EDI - this work has always been challenging and the post-2020 honeymoon period of large contracts and an abundance of EDI opportunities is certainly over. The rise and fall of the EDI influencers has been and gone and EDI is back where it has historically been - unglamorous, tough but impactful work, when done well. 2025 will be a defining year for EDI and we are likely to see some organisations really starting to get things right. Everyone who has operated in this space for more than 5 years will know effective EDI takes time to embed and yield results - EDI cannot be effective if it is relegated to awards, badges, tea-breaks and awareness weeks in isolation - the disparities that are apparent in society are systemic, therefore the solutions have to be equally systemic. 

In 2025 we are aiming to partner with more organisations over the long term, so if you’re interested in discussing what this might look like, please do get in touch.

It’s been great to share our thoughts and 2025 predictions with you - do let us know what your predictions are for 2025, what have we missed and are there any key milestones on the horizon?

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