Your essential guide to Social Impact Awards 2026-27

Social impact is a core part of how modern organisations build trust, attract talent and grow sustainably. But doing great work isn’t enough if nobody knows about it. That’s where social impact awards come in. 

This type of recognition proves that your commitment to sustainability, ESG, social value and inclusion isn’t just a statement on your website. Instead, they are measurable, meaningful and making a difference. 

Whether it’s creating equitable workplace policies, ensuring diverse leadership representation, improving accessibility, or delivering community programmes that reach underrepresented groups, inclusive impact is measurable impact. 

Judges are increasingly looking for evidence of: 

• Diverse stakeholder engagement 

• Community collaboration 

• Equitable outcomes 

• Long-term, sustainable change 

If this sounds like something your business has implemented, improved and is thriving in, it’s time to get recognised for it. Not sure where to start? Here is a list of awards for you to enter in 2026-27.  

If your focus is on social value, the public sector and housing 

Building the Future Awards – Recognising the best young talent in the construction and built environment. The deadline is April 30 2026. 

Business Charity Awards – The Business Charity Awards are open to all UK-based companies of all sizes and across all industries and recognise the impact companies have on charitable causes. The deadline is Feb 19 2026. 

Inside Housing Development Awards – These awards are famous for celebrating excellence in housing development and regeneration. The deadline is usually early July 2026. But make sure to check the websites for updates.  

MJ Awards – The prestigious MJ Awards recognise excellence in local government. The deadline is usually early February 2026. But make sure to check the websites for updates. 

Northern Housing Awards – Recognising innovation and impact in northern housing. Nominations are usually open at the start of the calendar year, but it’s worth checking their website for updates. The nominations close in early March.  

Property Awards – Sustainability Award – These awards recognise and reward high achievers within black, Asian, and ethnic minority groups and celebrate the very best of multicultural Britain. The deadline is usually in the summer, with the ceremony taking place in September. 

Women in Housing Awards – If you’re a woman who is making moves in the industry, this award Is for you. These awards celebrate women in the housing sector. Deadline is March time with the ceremony in the summer.  

If your focus is on sustainability & social impact 

British Citizens Awards – these awards honour corporate citizenship and community engagement. They have two BCA presentation ceremonies per year (January and July) and one BCyA presentation (October). Their FAQ’s section explains how it works.  

International Sustainability Awards – Global awards celebrating sustainability leadership by rewarding those who put the planet first. The deadline is 27 March 2026.  

World Sustainability Awards – Showcasing leadership in sustainable business practices. The deadline is 14 April 2026, with the ceremony taking place on 22 October at The Garden of Amsterdam.  

Ragan CSR & Diversity Awards – Ragan’s CSR Awards honour the outstanding CSR, ESG and other impactful initiatives, campaigns and programs that are driving positive change within organisations, communities and the world. The deadline is 7 March 2026. 

Shorty Impact Awards – These global awards celebrate social impact storytelling. The 11th Annual Impact Awards will open for entries on April 21, 2026. 

If your focus is ESG and sustainability 

Digital Leaders Impact Awards – These awards recognise digital innovation delivering positive social impact. Entry deadline is February 6, 2026. 

British Business Excellence Awards – Positive Social & Sustainable Impact Award – These awards showcase organisations demonstrating positive social and environmental impact. The entry date is usually in July.  

Environmental Finance IMPACT Awards – Awards are given for impactful environmental and sustainable investment strategies. There are many awards; it’s worth checking the website to find the right deadline. For example, the Sustainable Investment awards nominations and submissions are open from 1 March 2025 to 1 April 2026. 

ESG Investing Awards  – These awards are designed exclusively for banks, investment managers, research houses, ratings agencies, index and ETF providers and exchanges.  They are open to sustainable funds of all asset classes, as well as impact, infrastructure, climate transition, private equity and real estate funds. The entry deadline is December. 

Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards – The Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards recognise the businesses and organisations in the region that are making permanent and positive changes to their environmental impact. The deadline is early Jan with the ceremony in May.  

Yorkshire Sustainability Excellence Awards – Another regional award recognising sustainability excellence in Yorkshire. The deadline is early Jan with the ceremony in May. 

If your focus is on wellness, wellbeing and people 

Inspiring Workplaces Awards (UK & Ireland) – Celebrating people-first workplace cultures. The early bird deadline is 5 December 2026.  

Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards – Celebrating organisations prioritising employee wellbeing. Entries open in the middle of the year, so make sure to register your interest to keep updated with the dates.  

Turning your company’s impact into a winning story 

A strong award submission: 

• Aligns tightly with judging criteria 

• Uses data and evidence effectively 

• Balances commercial performance with social outcomes 

• Clearly demonstrates inclusion and long-term change 

• Tells a compelling, human story 

From sector-specific recognitions to broader responsible business awards, there are more opportunities than ever to showcase your work, but competition is strong. This is where you need a team of award-winning experts to help tell your story.  

If you’ve found an award to showcase your organisation’s dedication to ESG, diversity, and community programs, but need support with writing the entry, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today, and let’s start crafting entries that work as hard as you do.