Categories and Nominations
There will be awards given in 10 categories this year.
Please note some award categories are restricted to women nominees only. However, anyone can submit a nomination, whether an individual, team or organisation (depending on the category). Self nominations are also welcome.
The last date for submission of nominations is 18th September 2026, but we recommend submitting your nomination early.
Nominees will be judged on a set criteria. However, the number of times a person is nominated is not one of those criteria, so please do not submit multiple nominations for the same person as this will not improve their chances of winning.
Line Manager of the Year Award
An award for an individual which recognises an outstanding female line manager within the organisation who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, management skills, and a commitment to cultivating a positive work environment and fostering culture of continuous learning and growth for their team.
*women only entries
Mentor of the Year Award
An award for a female individual who has gone above and beyond as a mentor to support the growth and advancement of future female leaders both personally and professionally across the Civil Service/wider public sector.
*women only entries
Mental Health & Wellbeing Advocate of the Year Award
An award for an individual, team or network who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to promoting mental health and wellbeing among female colleagues within the Civil Service/wider public sector.
*women only entries
Ally of the Year Award
An award for an individual who has shown exemplary support towards female colleagues, addressing the gender imbalance and implementing materials that create a conducive environment for women in the Civil Service/wider public sector.
Women’s Network of the Year Award
An award for a network which has been able to demonstrate impact in supporting female staff and demonstrated the sustained value it has added to the business.
Exceptional Programme of the Year Award
An award for an individual/team that has utilised their skills and expertise in a range of fields to deliver an exceptional programme for citizens and made a tangible difference to people’s lives.
*women only entries
Emerging Leader of the Year Award
An award recognising the potential of a female who is in one to five years of their Civil Service/public sector career.
*women only entries
Inclusive Leader of the Year Award
An award for an individual, team, or network who demonstrates outstanding inclusive leadership through their behaviours, influence, and actions that create environments where ethnic minorities and colleagues from diverse backgrounds can thrive, belong, and progress. This award recognises those who actively shape inclusive cultures and improve lived experience through visible leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, rather than through formal HR or people function responsibility.
HR Leader of the Year Award
An award for an ethnic minority HR professional or people leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in shaping inclusive people strategies, improving employee experience, and driving organisational impact across the Civil Service/wider public sector. This award recognises individuals who have championed progressive HR practices, supported workforce development, and created environments where ethnic minorities and diverse talent can thrive.
*ethnic minority entries only
Woman of the Year Award
An award for a female leader who has shown demonstrable long service, either continuous or cumulative, within the Civil Service/wider public sector and who has left a legacy championing inclusion for women. This award is also open to former female leaders across these sectors.
*women only entries
