How to enter 2025’s Culture Pioneer Awards
Cultivating an exceptional culture is critical to creating strong organisations and demonstrating successful leadership. Why not be recognised for your efforts by entering our 2025 Culture Pioneer Awards?
Awards timeline
Our 2025 categories
Leadership
The Culture Pioneer Leadership Award is for individuals in senior positions who are spearheading a thriving workplace culture.
We seek entries from leaders within the people profession AND the wider business function. If you are a C-Suite member, director or head of department who nurtures organisational culture, this category is for you!
This category allows you to illustrate your ability to cultivate an exceptional workplace culture, even through challenging times. (Nominations are also welcome.)
Choose a subcategory based on organisation size:
People professional: Leadership Award
Business professional: Leadership Award
Wellbeing
The Culture Pioneer Wellbeing Award recognises organisations that take a holistic approach to support the mental, emotional, financial and social needs of their workforce.
We seek businesses that cultivate a nurturing community, psychological safety, resilience and adaptability.
This category allows you to demonstrate how your organisation is evolving its wellbeing strategy to support changing employee needs.
Choose a subcategory based on organisation size:
Small & Medium organisations: 1-249 employees
Large & enterprise organisations: 250+ employees
Brand
The Culture Pioneer Brand Award commends organisations committed to nurturing a workplace culture that authentically represents their brand identity and company values.
Organisations are welcome to focus on any brand type – e.g. employer, consumer or corporate – or a combination of brand types in their entry.
This category enables you to showcase your organisation’s approach to creating a great place to work – where company values are lived and breathed, and a strong sense of purpose is shared.
Choose a subcategory based on organisation size:
Small & Medium organisations:
1-249 employees
Large & enterprise organisations:
250+ employees
Learning
The Culture Pioneer Learning Award honours businesses fostering a learning culture that supports their organisation’s growth and adaptability.
We seek companies that demonstrate how they build essential skills and harness continuous learning.
This category allows you to showcase your commitment to learning at individual, team, and organisational levels, in a business climate where skills development is vital.
Choose a subcategory based on organisation size:
Small & Medium organisations:
1-249 employees
Large & enterprise organisations:
250+ employees
Inclusion
The Culture Pioneer Inclusion Award recognises organisations making sustainable improvements in workplace inclusion and belonging.
We seek companies creating psychologically safe environments where employees feel respected and valued as their authentic selves.
This category enables you to show your organisation’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind.
Choose a subcategory based on organisation size:
Small & Medium organisations:
1-249 employees
Large & enterprise organisations:
250+ employees
The entry process
We are now welcoming organisations, people professionals and business leaders to enter the Culture Pioneer Awards.
The awards are free to enter and our application process is designed to showcase the culture journey you have been on – not simply an introduction of new practises.
For more details on how to craft a successful entry, download our useful guide.
What we are looking for from entrants
Our esteemed judges have shared tips to help you craft a compelling submission. Watch these videos for expert insights on showcasing your achievements, telling your story effectively, and demonstrating the impact of your initiatives. Follow these tips to increase your chances of being recognised as a Culture Pioneer.
“People who champion culture are the glue that hold organisations together.
Having been a Culture Pioneer winner, I’m thrilled to be able to give back as a judge and spotlight culture heroes.”
Why enter the Culture Pioneer Awards in 2025?
In 2025, workplace culture is more than a competitive advantage—it is a necessity. As organisations navigate economic uncertainty, evolving workforce expectations, and shifting political landscapes, those who prioritise culture will be the ones who thrive. The Culture Pioneer Awards provide a platform to showcase the organisations and people professionals who are proving that culture change delivers real business success.
Stand out in a changing world
Employees and customers are making choices based on values. Recognising your commitment to culture strengthens your employer brand and enhances your organisation’s reputation in a business climate where people-first leadership is essential.
Attract and retain top talent
With skills shortages and retention challenges still shaping the job market, a strong workplace culture is your best recruitment tool. Winning a Culture Pioneer Award signals to potential and existing employees that your organisation is committed to their growth, wellbeing, and success.
Create positive PR and industry recognition
Being recognised as a Culture Pioneer positions you as a leader in the evolving world of work. Our platforms will amplify your success story, offering valuable exposure to an engaged audience of HR professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers.
Inspire and lead the way
By sharing your journey, you help shape the future of work. Your organisation’s achievements will motivate others to challenge outdated practices, push for meaningful change, and build workplaces where people and businesses flourish.
