2026 Categories
We recognise outstanding performance, innovation and leadership across the credit and financial services sector. The Awards shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals and high-impact teams who are actively driving diversity and inclusion forward.
Getting started
Login or register for free to view the category criteria. From there you can enter as many categories you wish and can edit and return to your entries as many times as you like before the final deadline.
Entry deadline
An admin fee is applied for each entry submission. An early entry fee of £188 + VAT will be applied until 29 May 2026. A standard entry fee of £298 + VAT will be applied until the final deadline of 07 August 2026.
Did you know, Premium members receive 50% off award entries and Affiliate members receive 25% off? Find out more here.
Need help?
Whether that be support with writing your entries or suggestions on which categories are best fit for you, we’re here to help. Contact our Awards team.
Categories
Allyship Champion of the Year
Who should enter?
This award celebrates an individual who has actively worked as an ally to underrepresented groups, fostering inclusion, advocating for diversity, and driving systemic change within their organisation or the wider industry.
Business Leader of the Year
Who should enter?
An award for a woman who has shown outstanding board level leadership, encompassing strategic, processing, and communication skills, evidenced by good results at the organisation for which she works.
Diversity Network of the Year
Who should enter?
An award for an employee resource group (ERG), community, or network within an organisation that has driven meaningful progress in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Employer of the Year
Who should enter?
An award for the organisation that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace for all employees
Entrepreneur of the Year
Who should enter?
An award for a woman who has shown outstanding leadership, encompassing strategic, processing, and communication skills, evidenced by good results at the organisation for which she works.
Equity & Inclusion Advocate of the Year
Who should enter?
This award recognises an individual from one of the 9 protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation) who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
ESG Champion
Who should enter?
This award recognises an individual from one of the 9 protected characteristics who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within their organisation.
Inclusive Workplace Initiative
Who should enter?
This award recognises an organisation or team that has implemented an initiative or policy aimed at creating a more inclusive workplace, with demonstrable results in improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Innovation & Transformation of the Year
Who should enter?
This award celebrates a woman who has driven groundbreaking innovation or transformative change within their organisation or industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Who should enter?
This award is for a woman who has made a significant impact in her career and will leave a lasting legacy, whether in her own firm or in the wider industry, from work that goes beyond the call of duty.
Mentor of the Year
Who should enter?
An award for an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing the potential of their mentees, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating a significant impact on the career development and personal growth of those they mentor.
Outstanding Returner
Who should enter?
An award for an individual who has returned to work in the UK financial services sector, whether it be from a sabbatical, for health reasons, maternity/paternity/adoption leave or indeed anything else, and have acted as a role model to others.
Rising Star of the Year
Who should enter?
An award for a woman who, within her first five years in the industry, has made a significant and measurable impact in her organisation or field, with a focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Service Provider of the Year
Who should enter?
This award celebrates a service provider that has delivered exceptional, innovative, and inclusive services or products within the credit and financial services sector.
Team Leader of the Year
Who should enter?
This award recognises a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing a functional team, delivering outstanding results for their organisation.
Team Player of the Year
Who should enter?
This award celebrates a woman who has made an exceptional contribution to their team, demonstrating collaboration, dedication, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Vulnerability Leader of the Year
Who should enter?
This award recognises a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting vulnerable customers.
Woman of the Year
Who should enter?
This award is for a woman who doesn’t necessarily fit any of the other categories but who has served as a role model for other woman in both her own firm and/ or the wider industry or her community.
More information
Confidentiality
All materials will remain confidential to the judges. Winning case studies may be used in post-event materials to promote best practice but permission will be sought from entrants before publishing.
Terms & Conditions
By entering the awards, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
" These awards provide a great podium to celebrate trailblazers of women and allies in credit, and put a spotlight on their achievements that can hopefully inspire others to step up or out of the comfort zone to make a real difference."
Matthew Jones
Nationwide Building Society
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