For a detailed breakdown of each of the Awards and the specific criteria judges are looking for, please click here.
Categories and Nominations
There will be awards given in 10 categories this year and nominations are now open.
Please note some award categories are restricted to ethnic minority 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 16th October 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 ethnic minority 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.
*ethnic minority only entries
Mentor of the Year Award
An award for an ethnic minority individual who has gone above and beyond as a mentor to support the growth and advancement of future ethnic minority leaders both personally and professionally across the Civil Service/wider public sector.
*ethnic minority 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 ethnic minority colleagues within the Civil Service/wider public sector.
*ethnic minority only entries
Ally of the Year Award
An award for an individual who has shown exemplary support towards ethnic minority colleagues, addressing race inequality and implementing materials that create a conducive environment for ethnic minorities in the Civil Service/wider public sector.
Race Network of the Year Award
An award for a Race Network which has been able to demonstrate impact in supporting ethnic minority staff and demonstrated the sustained value it has added to the business.
*ethnic minority only entries
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.
*ethnic minority only entries
Emerging Leader of the Year Award
An award recognising the potential of an ethnic minority who is in one to five years of their Civil Service/public sector career.
*ethnic minority only entries
Inclusive Leadership of the Year Award
An award for an individual, team or network who takes leading action to remove workplace barriers for ethnic minority colleagues, improve the working experience and engagement levels of ethnic minority employees, and create an environment where ethnic minority civil servants/public sector workers feel a sense of belonging and can be their authentic selves, or who show excellence in the delivery of services to ethnic minority employees.
HR Leader of the Year Award
An award for a female 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 women and diverse talent can thrive.
Ethnic Minority Leader of the Year Award
An award for an ethnic minority 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 ethnic minorities. This award is also open to former ethnic minority leaders across these sectors.
*ethnic minority only entries