ENTRY

How to Enter

Once you have decided on the category, or categories, you would like to enter, please click the Enter Now button where you will be directed to our Awards Entry form.

A Word document version of the form is available for working offline. To submit via this method, please contact charlotte.jebson@newsquest.co.uk with the category/categories you would like to enter.

If you have any questions regarding the entry process, please see the FAQ section below or get in touch via the details at the bottom of this page.

Entry Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2016

2026 Categories

Employer Brand of the Year (National / Local) – sponsored by Allied Vehicles

This category recognises organisations that have built a compelling and authentic employer brand that attracts and resonates with talent.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly defined employer value proposition (EVP) and how it reflects the organisation’s culture and values
Evidence of how the brand has improved attraction, engagement, and/or retention (e.g. application volume, quality of hire, brand perception)
Consistency of brand messaging across multiple touchpoints (e.g. careers site, social media, campaigns)
Innovation and creativity in storytelling, visual identity, and tone of voice
Demonstrated authenticity – how the brand reflects real employee experiences
Collaboration between HR, marketing, and leadership to develop and deliver the brand

Recruitment Campaign of the Year

This category celebrates standout recruitment campaigns that successfully attract talent through targeted, creative, and results-driven activity.

Judges will be looking for:

Clear campaign objectives, target audience, and rationale for approach
Creativity and innovation in campaign execution (e.g. channels used, messaging, content formats)
Evidence of measurable impact such as application numbers, quality of candidates, time-to-hire, or diversity outcomes
Strong alignment between campaign messaging and the employer brand
Effective collaboration between HR, marketing, and external partners (if applicable)
Insight-led approach, including use of data to inform and optimise the campaign

Candidate Experience Award

This category recognises organisations that deliver a positive, engaging, and inclusive experience for candidates throughout the recruitment journey.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly designed candidate journey from application through to onboarding
Evidence of improved candidate satisfaction, engagement, and/or acceptance rates
Use of feedback or data (e.g. candidate surveys, drop-off rates) to shape and improve the experience
Personalisation, communication, and transparency at each stage of the process
Inclusive and accessible practices that support diverse candidates
Demonstrated alignment between the candidate experience and the organisation’s employer brand

Employee Culture Award

This category focuses on the everyday culture employees experience, recognising organisations that have built a strong, values-led culture where employees feel a genuine sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly defined organisational culture, including values, behaviours, and how these are communicated and embedded
Tangible evidence of cultural impact (e.g. engagement scores, retention, performance, culture focused stories and examples)
Demonstration of long-term cultural indicators (e.g. values being referenced in decisions, cross-functional collaboration, ethical behaviour)
Visible leadership role-modelling and accountability in shaping and sustaining culture
Examples of employee voice influencing cultural initiatives and decision-making
Consistency between stated values and lived employee experience

Employee Engagement Strategy Award

This category celebrates organisations that take a structured, insight-led approach to improving employee engagement. Entrants should demonstrate a clear, documented approach to understanding, designing, implementing and reviewing engagement initiatives.

Judges will be looking for:

A clear engagement strategy with defined objectives, priorities, and success measures
Use of data and employee insight (e.g. surveys, feedback tools, listening strategies) to inform actions
Evidence of measurable improvements in engagement, retention, performance, or wellbeing, including baseline and follow-up data where available
Demonstration of how inclusion, trust, and collaboration are actively fostered
Strong leadership involvement and accountability for engagement outcomes
Ongoing use of employee voice to shape, refine, and evolve the strategy

Onboarding & Integration Programme of the Year

This category recognises organisations that deliver a structured and impactful onboarding experience that helps new hires feel connected, supported, and set up for success.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly designed onboarding and integration programme, from pre-boarding through early tenure
Evidence of positive impact on new hire engagement, retention, and time-to-productivity
Inclusive and supportive practices that help individuals integrate into teams and culture
Opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and understanding organisational values
Use of feedback from new hires to continuously improve the experience
Involvement of leaders and teams in creating a welcoming and cohesive experience

Excellence in Flexible Working Award – sponsored by Flexibility Works

This category recognises organisations that have successfully embedded flexible working practices that benefit both employees and business performance.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly defined flexible working approach (e.g. hybrid, remote, compressed hours, job sharing) and why it was introduced
Evidence of how flexibility has improved employee engagement, wellbeing, and/or retention
Measurable business outcomes such as productivity, performance, or reduced absenteeism
Demonstration that flexible working is embedded in day-to-day operations, not limited to policy or pilot schemes
Inclusive design – how the initiative supports a diverse workforce (e.g. different roles, life stages, accessibility needs)
Examples of leadership buy-in and cultural adoption across the organisation

Reward, Benefits & Wellbeing Strategy of the Year

This category celebrates organisations that deliver a holistic and effective approach to employee reward, benefits, and wellbeing.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly articulated strategy that links reward, benefits, and wellbeing to organisational goals and employee needs
Evidence of impact on engagement, wellbeing, retention, and overall employee satisfaction
Use of data or insight to design and evolve the offering (e.g. employee feedback, utilisation rates)
Tangible outcomes such as improved productivity, reduced turnover, or enhanced employer brand
Integration into everyday culture, rather than a collection of disconnected initiatives
Consideration of inclusivity and accessibility across different employee groups

Employee Recognition Programme of the Year

This category recognises organisations that effectively celebrate and reward employee contributions in a meaningful and consistent way.

Judges will be looking for:

A structured recognition programme with clear objectives and alignment to company values
Evidence that recognition positively impacts employee engagement, motivation, and retention
Measurable outcomes such as participation rates, feedback scores, or performance improvements
Consistency and fairness in how recognition is delivered across teams and levels
Integration into everyday culture, ensuring recognition is ongoing rather than occasional or ad hoc
Examples of how recognition supports inclusion and ensures all employees feel valued

Apprenticeship/Graduate Programme of the Year

This category recognises organisations that deliver high-quality early careers programmes that develop future talent and create clear pathways into the business.

Judges will be looking for:

A well-structured apprenticeship or graduate programme with clear objectives, learning journey, and support mechanisms
Evidence of career progression, including retention, internal mobility, or conversion into permanent roles
Measurable skills development aligned to business needs
Use of innovative approaches or external partnerships (e.g. education providers, training bodies)
Demonstration of inclusivity and accessibility in attracting and supporting diverse early careers talent
Long-term impact on both participants and organisational talent pipelines

Learning & Skills Development Initiative of the Year

This category celebrates organisations that deliver impactful learning initiatives to build skills and capability across their workforce.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly defined learning initiative linked to organisational goals or skills gaps
Evidence of measurable skills development and application in the workplace
Use of innovative learning methods (e.g. digital learning, blended approaches, partnerships)
Tangible outcomes such as improved performance, productivity, or business results
Accessibility and relevance for a diverse workforce
Demonstration of sustained impact beyond initial delivery (e.g. ongoing capability building)

Employee Career Development Award

This category recognises organisations that actively support employees to grow, progress, and build long-term careers within the business.

Judges will be looking for:

A clear approach to career development, including pathways, frameworks, or progression opportunities
Evidence of internal mobility, promotions, and succession planning outcomes
Support mechanisms such as mentoring, coaching, or career planning tools
Demonstration that employees are empowered to take ownership of their development
Inclusive access to development opportunities across different roles and levels
Long-term impact on retention, engagement, and organisational capability

Scottish Top Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Turnberry

A judge-selected honour awarded to the Scottish organisation that demonstrates the strongest overall performance across attraction, culture, wellbeing, and development, based on evidence submitted across the awards programme.