Shortlisted nominees:

Ben Cunliffe, NCUK

Gareth Jones, Housing Plus Group

Gemma Styles, Staffordshire County Council

Georgia Cole, Forge Holiday Group

Gurinder Chahal, Platform Housing

Hana Gunfield, Provide Community – Winner

Natasha Mann, Invest Walsall / Walsall’s Regeneration

Rob White, FNG

Sam Westwood, Lloyds Banking Group – Transport

Tom Horner, Health Innovation Manchester

Are you the go-to person when things get tough, creative, or chaotic in your comms world? This award celebrates individuals in communications, marketing, or PR who have truly embodied the commsHERO spirit over the past year — whether through professional growth, delivering outstanding campaigns, or stepping up when it mattered most.

Nominees for commsHERO of the Year show resilience, creativity, and inclusivity. They’ve made a meaningful impact on their organisation, colleagues, or the wider industry through their work and actions.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

🙌 Share their journey: Highlight what they’ve achieved over the last year. Have they led a standout project, stepped up in a crisis, or grown their skills to deliver measurable impact?

🌟 Spotlight their support: Share examples of how they’ve gone above and beyond — whether that’s supporting others, mentoring, or being the calm in the storm during fast-paced campaigns.

🦸 Celebrate their commsHERO qualities: What makes them a true commsHERO? Is it their passion, their problem-solving, their empathy or creative thinking? Tell us what sets them apart.

 🩵 Bring their story to life: Include testimonials, project highlights, results, or any creative ways they’ve left their mark over the year. Let’s celebrate the everyday commsHEROES doing extraordinary things behind the scenes.

Shortlisted nominees:

Andy Howells, NCUK University Pathways

Ed Thomas, Housing Plus Group

Jenifer Wickert, Southern Housing

Leeya Hendricks, Hark Consultants

Melissa Barber, Beard – Winner

Sarah Farrow, National Citizen Service

Zoe Butt, Lazard Asset Management

Are you leading the charge in the dynamic world of communications? We want to celebrate YOU – the visionary leaders shaping the industry with your outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication.

This prestigious award honours individuals in Managerial, Director or Head of department roles, who exemplify excellence in communications leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rising star, if you’ve demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, this is your moment to shine.

What should your submission include? Highlight your impactful leadership through examples of:

🚀 Leading transformative campaigns or projects that made a real difference.

🤝 Fostering team cohesion and empowerment through effective communication and collaboration.

🌱 Mentoring and developing talent within your team, nurturing the next generation of communicators.

🔑 Overcoming challenges with resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Whether you’ve navigated through crises, spearheaded innovative initiatives, or inspired your team to new heights, we want to hear your story. Don’t wait for recognition – seize the opportunity to showcase your leadership prowess or nominate a commsHERO leader who has made a significant impact. Together, let’s celebrate the leaders who are shaping the future of communications.

Shortlisted nominees:

Amy Thomson, Ciphr

Aroob Raja, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Caitlin Saxon, Vico Homes

Elliot James Davey-Hall, Whitecroft Lighting – Winner

Emily Backhouse, Northumbria Police

Grace Kearns, The Sovini Group

Hayley Snell, Housing Plus Group

Hayley Stuart, The Regenda Group

Holly Agar, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board)

Lauren Tye, Telford & Wrekin Council

Megan Hillery, Staffordshire County Council

Paulie Rowledge, Central and North West London NHS

Soundarya Ritzman, GOLD79

Steph Shencoe, Primary Engineer

Are you aware of a rising star under the age of 30 making waves in the field of communications? This award celebrates individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen profession but have also made a significant impact through their leadership, initiative, and innovative thinking.

Nominees for the Young Marketeer of the Year Award demonstrate exceptional abilities and presence, contributing to projects, launches, activities, or programs that leave a lasting impression. They inspire, motivate, and uplift their colleagues, creating a positive and inclusive environment wherever they go.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

⚡️ Share their story: Describe the outstanding work they’ve done and the impact it has had. Highlight specific projects, campaigns, or stories that showcase their exceptional abilities and energy.

🪄 Show their magic: Explain how they inspire and uplift others. Share anecdotes or examples of how they create a positive and inclusive environment, motivating their colleagues to excel.

🙌  Embrace their unique qualities: Discuss how they embody the qualities of a true young marketeer. Are they courageous in tackling challenges? Do they bring creativity, clarity, and innovation to their communication? Highlight their kindness, creativity, leadership, or sense of humor.

🎨 Paint a vivid picture: Provide examples, photos, metrics, and testimonials to illustrate their impact. Show with stories and visuals how their contributions have made a difference and why they stand out from the crowd.

Let’s celebrate the bright young minds shaping the future of communications with their talent, passion, and innovative spirit.

Shortlisted nominees:

Amplius Communications and Marketing Team

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

GM Cancer Alliance Comms and Engagement Team

Housing Plus Group

Kerri Edgar & Sam Priest, All Saints’ Academy

Marcelina Fila, Max Frankland, Elliot James Davey-Hall, Whitecroft Lighting

Marketing Manchester Team

NCUK University Pathways – Winner

NICE internal comms team

South Staffordshire College Marketing Team

Southern Housing Communications Team

Transport Strategy, Engagement & Advocacy Team, Lloyds Banking Group – Transport

Valleys to Coast Communications Team

Vico Homes Communications and Marketing Team

Are you part of an exceptional comms, marketing, or PR team that embodies the spirit of collaboration, support, and excellence? This award honours the collective efforts of teams within in-house departments, showcasing their outstanding achievements and impactful results.

We’re seeking teams that demonstrate:

🤝 Seamless collaboration on projects, where every member plays a vital role in achieving success.

🌟 A culture of support and mentorship, where team members uplift and empower each other to reach new heights.

🎯 Consistently producing exceptional work that delivers impactful results and drives the organization forward.

🚀 Recognition and promotions within the department, showcasing the team’s growth and contribution to the company’s success.

If your team embodies these qualities and has made a significant impact in the field of communications, marketing, or PR, now is the time to shine a spotlight on your collective achievements.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding teamwork and dedication that sets your department apart. Submit your nomination or share your team’s success story today! Together, let’s honour the commsHERO teams shaping the future of our industry.

Shortlisted nominees:

Charlotte Young, University of Cumbria

Chris Ferrier, Llanelli Mind – Winner

Edeje Onwude, IABC UK & Ireland

Karen Prince, Bank of England

Keli Tomlin, Mummy’s Star 

Lauren Perks, Lincolnshire Housing Partnership

Lauren Wilson, Thinking Schools Academy Trust

Leah Baxter, Optometry Wales

Máirtín Mac Gabhann, Donate4Dáithí

Zoe Bloss, Futures Housing Group

Not everyone starts their career in comms — and that’s exactly what this award is here to celebrate. The I Fell into Comms award recognises individuals who’ve transitioned into the communications world from a completely different background and are now thriving in the field.

Nominees have brought fresh perspectives, transferable skills, and new energy to the profession, proving that comms talent can come from anywhere.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

📖Share their story: How did they land in comms? What was their previous role, and what inspired the move?

⚡️ Spot the transferable skills: Highlight the unique qualities or experiences they’ve brought from their previous career. How have these helped them make an impact in their new comms role?

🌟 Celebrate their achievements: Whether it’s a campaign, a creative approach, or how they’ve fit into their team, show how they’ve become an integral part of the comms world.

📈 Show the journey: Share examples, metrics, or testimonials that show their growth, passion, and success since stepping into comms.

Because some of the best communicators never saw it coming — and we think that’s worth shouting about.

Shortlisted nominees:

Mel Thomas, Valleys to Coast – Winner

Alisha Denny-Moore, Southern Housing

Graham Gartside-Bernier, Travel Counsellors

Jess Lee, Northumbria Police

Surinder Kaur, BAE Systems

Violet Pugh, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing

Are you or someone you know championing the cause of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the realm of communications? This award recognises the heroes who are driving tangible, measurable progress in these critical areas. Whether through transformative initiatives, impactful advocacy, or quiet yet profound actions, we want to hear about your commitment to advancing EDI.

We’re seeking individuals who not only talk the talk but walk the walk, positively influencing their organisations and the broader community. From changemakers leading public-facing efforts to behind-the-scenes heroes effecting change in their own unique ways, this award celebrates actions that make a difference.

To craft a compelling nomination, consider the following:

📈 Detail measurable actions taken to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within communications.

💡 Illustrate how the nominee positively influences others and leads change within their organisation.

💕 Describe how the nominee considers multiple perspectives and factors in their initiatives, embracing inclusivity.

🙌 Share the positive outcomes and measurable impacts achieved through their actions.

🌈 Highlight collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders to drive EDI initiatives forward.

Let’s honor those who embody the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, recognising their commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Shortlisted nominees:

Callum Rudd, Housing Plus Group

Chris Robertson-Jones, Vico Homes

Emily Govier, The Sovini Group – Winner

James Pawlowski, Leeds City Council

Jane Rogers, Central and North West London NHS

Katie McDonough, Lloyds Banking Group – Transport

Kimberley Brierley, Stroud District Council

Kiran Brach, Walsall Council

Lauren Eden, Havebury Housing Partnership

Lindy Dark, Leeds City Council

Michaela Mok, The Compleat Food Group

Sam Priest, All Saints’ Academy

Do you know a comms professional who brings a touch of pure magic to the office? In partnership with Comms Creatives, we’re on the hunt for those exceptional individuals who infuse their work with talent, passion, and a creative sparkle.

The Comms Unicorn of the Year Award seeks to celebrate those remarkable individuals who not only excel in their professional endeavors but also radiate positivity and inspiration to everyone around them.

Whether they’re leading groundbreaking projects, overcoming challenges with ingenuity, or transforming a brand’s reputation through innovative thinking, we want to hear their story. This award isn’t about titles or credentials; it’s about recognising the true gems in the comms industry who consistently dazzle and uplift those they encounter.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

🌈 Share their story: Describe the outstanding work they’ve accomplished and the profound impact it has had. Highlight specific projects, campaigns, or anecdotes that exemplify their exceptional abilities and magnetic presence. Make the judges feel the brilliance and energy they bring to their work.

✨ Show their magic: Explain how they uplift and inspire others. Do they foster a culture of creativity and collaboration? Share examples of how they create a positive and inclusive environment, lifting the spirits of their colleagues along the way.

🦄 Embrace their unique qualities: Discuss how they embody the essence of a true Comms Unicorn. Are they fearless in the face of challenges? Do they infuse their communication with creativity and clarity? Highlight their kindness, creativity, leadership, or sense of humor that sets them apart from the rest.

🎨 Paint a vivid picture: Provide concrete examples, testimonials, and visual aids to illustrate their impact. Share stories, metrics, and screenshots that showcase how their contributions have made a tangible difference and why they shine brightly in the comms landscape.

Let’s celebrate those rare individuals who bring a touch of magic to the world of communications, illuminating the path with their creativity, passion, and positivity.

Shortlisted nominees:

Dafydd Llŷr Newton-Evans, Amgueddfa Cymru

Edeje Onwude

Julia Benning, MarCommEd 

Keri Trigg, Housing Plus Group

Kerri Edgar, All Saints’ Academy – Winner

Lois Fitzgerald, PolyMAT

Nafisa Ali Shafiq and Elizabeth Hall, CIPR Inside

Are you acquainted with an unsung hero in the realm of communications, quietly making waves with their selfless dedication and unwavering support for others? We want to honour YOU – the unsung champions who embody the true essence of a #commsHERO.

This esteemed award pays tribute to individuals who, behind the scenes, go above and beyond within their communications/marketing/PR careers, uplifting and supporting their peers without seeking recognition or reward. They are the unsung heroes whose contributions often go unnoticed but are invaluable to the fabric of our industry.

What should your nomination include? Illuminate the remarkable qualities of your unsung hero through examples of:

🩵 Dedication to supporting the community and fostering a culture of generosity and kindness.

🥾 Going the extra mile to aid colleagues and contribute to the betterment of the communications profession.

💖 Acts of selflessness and altruism, embodying the spirit of a true #commsHERO

😇 Quietly but profoundly enriching the lives of others, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Whether they’re offering guidance, lending a helping hand, or spreading positivity, we want to hear their story. Don’t let their contributions go unnoticed – seize this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes among us or nominate a colleague whose selfless efforts deserve recognition. Together, let’s celebrate those whose kindness and generosity shape the future of communications.

Shortlisted nominees:

Paul Price, Valleys to Coast 

Darren Childs, Housing Plus Group – Winner

Jack Bradshaw, Lloyds Banking Group – Transport

Katie Plimmer, Valleys to Coast

Lauren Scott-Jackson, Ciphr

Sufyan Iqbal, Lloyds Banking Group – Transport

William Spanjers, All Saints’ Academy

At the heart of every successful communications department lies a team of unsung heroes who may not work directly in comms, PR, or marketing but consistently support and uplift the work of their colleagues. This award recognises those individuals within your organisation or the commsHERO community who go above and beyond to champion the communications department, whether through their advocacy, engagement, or invaluable support.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

👥 Introduce the individual: Provide their name, job title, and organisation, highlighting their role within the company or community.

🌟 Share their story: Describe what the nominee has done or is doing that deserves recognition. Whether they’re a dedicated employee advocate, an enthusiastic supporter of internal communications and social media accounts, or someone who selflessly volunteers at internal events, share their story and the impact they’ve made.

🚀 Explain their positive impact: Detail how the nominee has positively impacted a campaign, event, or general day-to-day work within the communications department. Illustrate how their support, engagement, or advocacy has contributed to the success and effectiveness of communication initiatives.

Let’s shine a spotlight on these commsHEROES who play a crucial role in the success of the communications department, showcasing their dedication, support, and invaluable contributions to the team.

Shortlisted nominees:

Accent Communications Team, Accent Housing Group

Amplius Communications Team

Vico Homes Communications and Marketing Team

Elysium Healthcare

Gentoo Group

Havebury Housing Partnership

Helena Morley, TrustFord Internal Comms – Winner

Housing Plus Group

Priory’s Internal Communications team 

Sandwell Council

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust

dnata Catering UK

NCHA

Internal communications are the glue that keeps organisations connected, and this award celebrates the campaigns that got it right. Whether it was a transformation initiative, a colleague conference, or an engagement drive, we want to know how you connected with your teams and delivered impact from the inside out.

Nominees have demonstrated strategic thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of their audience, creating campaigns that informed, inspired, and truly engaged.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

💻 Set the scene: What was the objective of your internal comms campaign? What were your KPIs? Who was your audience and why was it important?

💡Show the strategy: Walk us through your approach, from messaging and channels to tone and timing.

📊 Measure success: Share the results. Did engagement rise? Was feedback positive? What’s changed as a result of the campaign?

🩷 Highlight the human touch: Internal comms is all about people, so show how your campaign connected with hearts as well as minds.

Let’s celebrate the campaigns that brought teams together, drove change, and made employees feel truly seen and heard.

Shortlisted nominees:

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Danielle Taylor, Staffordshire County Council – Winner

Emma Milne, Northumbria Police

Internal Communications and Engagement Team, Forge Holiday Group

James Pawlowski, Leeds City Council

Joanna Wardill, Leeds City Council

Rachael Lythgoe & Izzy Martin, Stroud District Council

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Sovini Group

Waltham Forest Council

West Kent communications team

Do you have a strategy or campaign that left your audience feeling an emotional whirlwind? This award celebrates those impactful initiatives that resonated deeply with audiences, evoking a range of heartfelt emotions.

We’re seeking campaigns that have left a lasting imprint on hearts and minds, driving meaningful engagement and even inspiring behavior change. Whether it’s a tear-jerking story, a heartwarming moment, or an uplifting message, we want to hear how your organisation touched the hearts of your audience.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

💖 Describe how your strategy or campaign captured the hearts and minds of your audience.

🧠 Did you observe any noticeable behavior changes before and after implementing this strategy or campaign?

🫶 Share the tactics used to engage your customers or audience on an emotional level.

👍 Provide feedback or quotes from your audience to support the impact of your submission.

💡 Offer insights into what others can learn from your approach to evoke similar emotional responses from their audience.

Let’s celebrate the power of emotional storytelling and connection, recognising those campaigns that truly made audiences feel ‘all the feels.’ 💛

Shortlisted nominees:

Frank Dias, Ai x Comms Lab

Internal Communications and Engagement Team, Forge Holiday Group – Winners

Ryan Green, MarCommEd

Wythenshawe Community Group Comms Team

AI is transforming how we communicate and this award is all about recognising those who are leading the way. Best use of AI celebrates communications, marketing, or PR professionals who’ve used AI in innovative and effective ways, either to streamline internal processes or power up a campaign.

Nominees have embraced technology to drive better results, smarter strategies, or more meaningful engagement.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following:

⚠️ Explain the challenge: What was the objective or problem you were trying to solve? Why was AI the right tool?

🤖 Describe your approach: How did you use AI? Was it in content creation, analysis, chatbots, personalisation, or something else?

📈Measure the impact: Share clear results, whether that’s improved engagement, time saved, audience insights, or campaign success.

💡Share the knowledge: Tell us how AI helped you work more creatively, efficiently, or strategically and what others can learn from your approach.

This is your chance to spotlight the powerful role AI is playing in shaping the future of communications.

Shortlisted nominees:

Communications and Marketing Team, Care Link by Vico Homes

Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London and NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network South London

Housing Plus Group

Marketing Manchester Team

Mummy’s Star

NCUK University Pathways

Radar Healthcare

Sheffield City Council Communications Team

South Staffordshire College Marketing Team

Southern Housing

The Growth Company

West Kent Housing Association’s Communication and Marketing Team – Winners

Police Scotland

John Lewis Partnership

In today’s noisy digital world, consistency is key and creativity is everything. The Best Multichannel Campaign award celebrates communications and marketing campaigns that have delivered a cohesive, creative message across multiple platforms and formats.

Nominees in this category have demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and execution using the strengths of each channel to maximise impact while maintaining a clear, unified voice.

To craft a winning nomination, consider the following: 
💻 Set the scene: What was the purpose of your campaign? Who was your audience, and what were you trying to achieve?

🌟 Break down the channels: Show us how you used a mix of formats and platforms, from social and email to video, events, web content, paid media or print and how each one played a role in the bigger picture.

✨ Stay consistent, get creative: Tell us how you kept your messaging aligned while tailoring your content to suit different audiences and touchpoints. How did you strike the right balance between brand consistency and creative flair?

 📈 Prove the impact: Share the results. Did you reach new audiences, drive engagement, generate leads or change perceptions? Include metrics, testimonials, or other signs of success. 
Let’s celebrate the campaigns that refused to stay in one lane and instead delivered a joined-up, high-impact experience across the board.  

Shortlisted nominees:

Disclosure and Barring Service – Winners

PolyMAT

University of East Anglia

Are you tired of social media’s negative reputation? Here’s your chance to spotlight the positive and flip the script. 

The Social Media Champions Award celebrates those exceptional social media interactions that truly connect and engage your community. Whether it’s a moment that sparks laughter or a conversation that tugs at the heartstrings, we want to see how you bring the human touch to social media. 

To craft an award-winning entry, consider the following: 

👥 Explain how this interaction helped strengthen your community. Did it drive high engagement or attract new followers to your organisation?  

💬 If the interaction involves a customer query, share how you addressed their needs while providing a seamless online experience.  

🌍 Describe whether this interaction raised awareness about a sensitive issue.  

🌟 Did the interaction transform a serial complainer into a devoted fan of your organisation? 

Let’s shine a spotlight on those social media moments that break barriers, foster connections, and showcase the power of authentic engagement. It’s time to celebrate the bright spots in our digital landscape with Social Media Champions Award. 

• All entries should be no longer than 1500 words 
• Only work/individuals from in-house teams will be accepted. 
• Please use Arial, font size 12 in your submission 
• Use links to examples where applicable
• Any work completed during Jan 2024 – May 2025 will be accepted