Education Estates® People's Awards Categories

Emerging Talent

The Emerging Talent Award recognises exceptional talent and demonstrates excellent potential for the future. This award is open for entries or nominations for someone that has recently left Education or the Armed Forces (for example) and is within the first 0-24 months of their career.

Entry Criteria

1. Role & Contribution (30%)

Prompt:

• What is the nominee’s role, and what have they contributed since joining your organisation or the wider sector?
• Provide a clear overview of their responsibilities and outline early signs of their impact or promise.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

2. Initiative & Learning (25%)

Prompt:

• How has the nominee shown initiative, adaptability or a desire to learn?
• Share examples of how they’ve approached new challenges, embraced learning opportunities or demonstrated resilience.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

3. Collaboration & Values (20%)

Prompt:

• How has the nominee worked with others or contributed to a positive culture?
• This might include teamwork, supporting others, reflecting your organisation’s values or bringing fresh perspective.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

4. Future Potential (25%)

Prompt:

• Why do you believe this person is one to watch for the future?
• Tell us what makes them stand out among their peers and how you see their contribution developing over time.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

Supporting evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

To sponsor this category, please contact Rebecca or call us on 01892 351626.

Estates Professional of the Year

The Estates Professionals of the Year award recognises exceptional talent and application leading to significant achievement in good estate management.

Entry Criteria

1. Role and Responsibilities (25%)

Prompt:

• What is the nominee’s role, and what do they contribute to their organisation or the sector?
• Give an overview of their remit, key responsibilities and the context in which they work.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

2. Impact and Outcomes (35%)

Prompt:

• What achievements in the last 12 months make this nominee stand out?
• Highlight estate improvements, innovations, or outcomes delivered through projects, strategy or operational management. Include metrics, where possible.

Word limit: Up to 350 words

3. Problem-Solving and Initiative (20%)

Prompt:

• How has the nominee tackled challenges or introduced new ways of working?
• Share examples of resourcefulness, leadership in difficult situations, or how they’ve overcome limitations.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

4. Collaboration and Culture (20%)

Prompt:

• How does the nominee support others and contribute to a positive estate culture?
• Consider their influence on colleagues, contractors, or the wider team. This may include leadership, mentoring or a values-driven approach.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

Supporting evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

Category Sponsor

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The EDI award seeks to recognise an individual or company/organisation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of EDI in education.
 

Entry Criteria

1. Purpose and Intent (25%)

Prompt:

• What did the nominee or organisation aim to achieve through their EDI work?
• Outline the need or inequality being addressed, the goals of the initiative or approach and how it was shaped.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

2. Action and Delivery (30%)
Prompt:

• What actions have been taken in the last 12 months to advance equality, diversity and inclusion?
• Provide examples of specific activities, events, policy changes, training, campaigns or built environment interventions.

Word limit: Up to 350 words

3. Impact and Outcomes (25%)
Prompt:

• What has changed as a result?
• Include evidence of improvement in awareness, participation, behaviour, design or organisational culture. Quantitative data is helpful but not essential.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

4. Embedding and Culture (20%)
Prompt:

• How is EDI embedded into ongoing practice or thinking?
• Discuss how inclusive values have been sustained, scaled or made part of everyday decision-making or organisational culture.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

Supporting evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

To sponsor this category, please contact Rebecca or call us on 01892 351626.

Developing Future Talent

The Developing Future Talent award seeks to recognise a company/organisation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment in Developing Future Talent in education.

Entry Criteria

1. Strategy and Commitment (25%)
Prompt:

• What is your organisation’s approach to developing future talent?
• Summarise your aims, guiding principles or frameworks that underpin your work with emerging professionals.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

2. Delivery and Support (30%)
Prompt:

• What activities, programmes or initiatives have been delivered in the last 12 months?
• Describe the structure of your approach. This could include schemes, mentoring, training or placements, and who they are aimed at.

Word limit: Up to 350 words

3. Impact and Outcomes (25%)
Prompt:

• What difference has this work made?
• Share evidence of success such as feedback from participants, retention into the sector, skill development or growth in confidence.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

4. Inclusion and Long-Term Value (20%)
Prompt:

• How is your organisation ensuring that future talent development is inclusive and sustainable?
• Explain how you are reaching a broad range of participants, removing barriers or building a lasting pipeline of talent.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

Supporting Evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

To sponsor this category, please contact Rebecca or call us on 01892 351626.

Inspirational Leader

The Inspirational Leader award seeks to recognise a leader working in the education sector that has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and commitment in  developing the people within their company/organisation. 

Entry Criteria

1. Leadership Approach and Philosophy (25%)
Prompt:

• What defines this person's approach to leadership?
• Describe their leadership style, values and the way they support or guide their team. 
• You may wish to include context around the environment in which they work.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

2. Actions and Achievements (30%)
Prompt:

• What has this person done in the past 12 months that makes them stand out as a leader?
• Include specific examples of initiatives, decisions, team support or leadership through change.

Word limit: Up to 350 words

3. Impact on Others (25%)
Prompt:
What difference have they made to the people they lead or work alongside?
Consider how they have built trust, inspired action or developed individuals or teams.
Word limit: Up to 300 words

4. Legacy and Culture (20%)
Prompt:

• How is this leader shaping a positive and lasting culture in their organisation or community?
• Think about their long-term influence, how they lead by example and how they promote inclusive and supportive values.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

Supporting Evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

To sponsor this category, please contact Rebecca or call us on 01892 351626.

Unsung Hero

The Unsung Hero Award shall be given to an individual who has achieved great things in 2024 yet is not publicly celebrated or recognised.

Entry Criteria

1. Role and Contribution (25%)
Prompt:

• What does this person do, and what do they bring to their role?
• Tell us about their job or position and the everyday contributions they make that often go unnoticed.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

2. Quiet Impact (30%)
Prompt:

• What have they done in the past 12 months that makes them a true unsung hero?
• Share examples of dedication, generosity, problem-solving or persistence that may not have been formally acknowledged.

Word limit: Up to 350 words

3. Personal Qualities (25%)
Prompt:

• What makes this person special to work with or be around?
• Describe their personal attributes such as kindness, dependability, calm under pressure or the way they support others.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

4. Why They Deserve Recognition (20%)
Prompt:

• Why do you believe this individual deserves to be celebrated?
• Explain why their efforts should now be brought into the spotlight.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

Supporting Evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

To sponsor this category, please contact Rebecca or call us on 01892 351626.

Let's Go Zero Hero Award

The Let’s Go Zero Hero Award recognises an individual who is leading bold, innovative and impactful climate action within their school, college or nursery. This person goes above and beyond to create measurable change, inspire others and champion the Let’s Go Zero vision that all UK schools become zero carbon by 2030.

They are:

• A passionate leader regardless of their level of authority. Leading bold,  innovative, effective and replicable actions or projects.
• Creating real and measurable impact in their setting’s climate action and progress towards net zero. They have gone beyond the easy and obvious actions.
• Proactively sharing their experiences to support other settings to take action.
• Advocating for the Lets’ Go Zero vision – that all schools, colleges and nurseries are zero carbon by 2030.
• Inspiring a whole setting approach that has impact beyond their own setting –
• working with their MAT, community, or other networks/stakeholders.
• A passionate and positive role model who enables others to take action through supporting their students, colleagues, and wider community.

Individuals can be teaching or non-teaching staff, as well as governors/MAT Trustees. 
Priority will be given to individuals in settings educating students aged 18 and below, 
and are signed up to the Let’s Go Zero campaign.

Entry Criteria

1. Leadership and Vision (25%)
Prompt:

• How has this person demonstrated leadership in climate action within their setting?
• Describe how they’ve taken initiative, inspired others and helped set a clear direction for climate and sustainability work.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

2. Action and Innovation (30%)
Prompt:

• What climate-focused actions has this person delivered in the past 12 months?
• Share examples of creative, challenging or meaningful activity that go beyond basic green actions.

Word limit: Up to 350 words

3. Measurable Impact (25%)
Prompt:

• What has changed as a result of their actions?
• Include outcomes such as behaviour change, energy savings, student engagement, wider community involvement or influence beyond their setting.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

4. Collaboration and Advocacy (20%)
Prompt:

• How has this person shared their learning and promoted the Let’s Go Zero vision?
• Include evidence of their support for students, colleagues, partner schools or community groups, and how they’ve encouraged others to act.

Word limit: Up to 250 words

Supporting Evidence

• Must provide at least 1 testimonial from either a client or from team members
• Optional note in support of your nomination (Up to 150 words)

Sponsored by:

Women in Construction Award

Open for nomination by an employer, client, colleague, or the individual themselves, this award recognises a standout woman who has forged a successful career within the construction industry. The award celebrates personal achievement, leadership, impact, and contributions to the wider industry.

Entry Criteria

1. Purpose and Intent (25%)

Prompt:
What makes this individual stand out in the construction industry?

• Describe their role, responsibilities, and career journey.
• Outline what they aimed to achieve professionally and why it matters.
• Highlight any barriers or challenges they have overcome in their career.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

2. Action and Delivery (30%)

Prompt:

What actions has this individual taken in the last 12 months to demonstrate excellence and leadership?

• Provide specific examples of projects, initiatives, or responsibilities they have led or contributed to.
• Explain how they have supported colleagues, mentored others, or championed diversity and inclusion.
• Highlight innovative solutions, problem-solving, or leadership through challenges.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

3. Impact and Outcomes (25%)

Prompt:

What difference have they made to their team, organisation, or the wider construction industry?

• Include evidence of measurable achievements, such as project success, efficiency gains, safety improvements, or positive cultural changes.
• Show how their work has inspired others, developed talent, or promoted women in construction.
• Testimonials from colleagues or clients are encouraged.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

4. Legacy and Influence (20%)

Prompt:

How is this individual shaping the future of women in construction and the broader sector?

• Describe how they act as a role model or ambassador for the industry.
• Provide examples of initiatives that have long-term impact, such as mentoring, advocacy, or promoting inclusive practices.
• Highlight the sustainability of their contributions beyond their immediate role or projects.

Word limit: Up to 300 words

Supporting Evidence

• Must provide at least one testimonial from a client, colleague, or team member.
• Optional note in support of the nomination (up to 150 words).
• Up to 3 Supporting Documents (optional).

Sponsored by: