Entries are now being welcomed for the Personnel Today Awards 2026, the annual event recognising standout achievements in HR and learning and development.
Employers and suppliers have until Friday 12 June 2026 to prepare and submit their entries, with winners to be announced at a black‑tie ceremony on Park Lane this November.
The awards offer organisations a chance to highlight the work of their people teams over the past year and come together for an evening of dining and entertainment.
A new category, Excellence in AI Adoption, has been added for 2026. It acknowledges HR and learning and development teams that have integrated AI into their organisations in ways that improve the employee experience, deliver measurable efficiencies, and uphold ethical principles. Successful entries will show how the technology has been embedded coherently across the business.
Rob Moss, editorial director of Personnel Today, said: “Together with our amazing judging panel, I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and finding out what HR and L and D teams have been up to, so we can showcase the very best work in people management. Our new AI award is designed to recognise employers that are embracing AI tools and developing coherent ways of working. We really want to learn what the effective adoption of AI technologies can look like.”
Judging will begin in late June, with category shortlists expected towards the end of July.
Last year, financial services organisation Aegon took the overall title for its work streamlining recruitment and improving the candidate experience. Other winners included Welcome Break, Lloyds Banking Group and NHS Property Services.
Each year’s ceremony features a special guest host. In 2025, actor and comedian Stephen Mangan took on the role, known for Green Wing, Fortune Hotel and The Split. Previous hosts have included Richard Ayoade, Claudia Winkleman and Lucy Porter.
The 28th Personnel Today Awards will be held on the evening of 17 November 2026 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair.
Entries generally require organisations to outline a challenge, the approach taken to address it, and the resulting benefits for both the organisation and its workforce.
There are 23 categories available, including 18 for employers and five for suppliers and consultancies.
LHH, NatWest and Reward Gateway | Edenred return as sponsors this year, joined by Tusker. Download the entry guide.
Entries close at 11:55pm on 12 June 2026. Enquiries about submissions can be sent to info@personneltodayawards.com.
This article is based on a piece written for Personnel Today
