The Investors in People Awards 2026
18th NOVEMBER 2026 | OLD BILLINGSGATE, LONDON
The Investors in People Awards celebrate organisations and individuals who are making work better.
Every year we recognise the leaders, teams and organisations that are setting the standard for workplace culture, leadership, development and wellbeing.
If your organisation is investing in its people and creating an environment where individuals can thrive, this is your opportunity to be recognised.
Whether you’re celebrating a transformational culture, an outstanding people team, or an individual who inspires others every day, The Investors in People Awards shine a light on the people making a difference.
Entries are now open.
See The Investors in People Awards in action
Relive the energy and celebration from last year’s Awards.
From inspiring stories to unforgettable moments, The Investors in People Awards bring together organisations from across the UK and around the world to celebrate what great workplaces look like.
Why enter The Investors in People Awards?
Entering The Investors in People Awards is a chance to celebrate your people and showcase the impact of your work.
Organisations that enter The Investors in People Awards often tell us that the process helps them reflect on their achievements and recognise the difference their teams are making.
When you enter, you can:
- Celebrate your people – Recognise the teams and individuals who make your organisation great
- Build your reputation – Showcase your commitment to creating a workplace where people thrive
- Share your story – Demonstrate the impact of your culture, leadership and people strategy
Want to learn more?
Not sure whether The Investors in People Awards are right for your organisation?
If any of these sound familiar, it could be the perfect opportunity to share your story.
Award Categories
The Investors in People Awards recognise excellence across organisations, employers and individuals. Below is a list of the categories for each award this year.Â
Organisation Awards
Recognising organisations demonstrating excellence in key areas of people management and workplace culture.
- The Award for Best Apprenticeship Programme
- The Award for Best Culture
- The Award for Best Newcomer
- The Award for Best People Team
- The Award for Best Use of AI and Technology
- The Award for Excellence in Building Purpose-Driven Impact*
- The Award for Diversity and Inclusion
- The Award for Employee Engagement
- The Award for Health and Wellbeing
- The Award for Leadership and Management
- The Award for Learning and Development
- The Award for Excellence in Employee Recognition
- The Award for Driving Positive ESG Impact
Employer of the Year Awards
Celebrating organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to investing in their people.
- The Award for Small Employer of the Year
- The Award for Overseas Employer of the Year**
- The Award for UK Employer of the Year**
Individual Awards
Recognising individuals who are making a real difference within their organisations.
- The Award for Leader of the Year
- The Investors in People Employee of the Year*
- The Award for HR Person of the Year
- NEW: Wellbeing Champion of the Year
- The Award for Young Person of the Year*
- The Award for Exceptional Long-Term Contribution*
How to enter
Entering The Investors in People Awards is simple.
We’re delighted to partner with Boost Awards once again, to bring you a comprehensive guide on how to structure your entries in order to gain the best scores possible. Be sure to download and read through their Entry Guide, and even get in touch to see how they can support you with your entries
Once you’re ready, submit your entry through the Awards portal.
Key Dates
- 1st April – entries open
- 4th September – entries close
- 25th September - shortlist announced / tickets on sale
- 18th November – The Investors in People Awards ceremony
Hear from last year’s winners
Winning at The Investors in People Awards is more than a moment on stage. It’s recognition of the commitment, culture and impact organisations create for their people every day.
Last year’s winners shared what the recognition meant to them and their teams, and how being recognised by Investors in People celebrated the work they’ve put into building great workplaces.
From proud teams celebrating their achievements to leaders reflecting on the journey behind their success, these stories capture the spirit of the awards.
Watch the interviews with our 2025 winners and hear what the recognition meant to them.
Their stories are a powerful reminder of the difference organisations can make when they truly invest in their people.
Could this be your story next year?
Ready to share your story?
If you’re investing in your people and creating a workplace where individuals thrive, this is your moment to be recognised and celebrated.
Enter The Investors in People Awards 2026 today and be recognised for the difference you’re making.
Our Awards are OUTSTANDING
(...and we're proving it!)
We recently retained our ‘Outstanding’ status from The Independent Awards Standards Council.
That means that you can trust The Investors in People Awards as a fair, trusted and transparent awards programme. We take pride in maintaining the highest level of accreditation for our Awards, to hold ourselves accountable not just for a great ceremony, but for a fair entry and judging process that truly highlights and celebrates the very best individuals and organisations.
