The HELOA National Conference Awards return in 2027 to celebrate and recognise the inspiring work being carried out by our members across the UK. These awards shine a light on excellence, creativity, and impact within the fields of student recruitment, outreach, and access.
We will be accepting nominations from member institutions on Thursday 3 September 2026. Whether it’s a pioneering project, an innovative initiative, or a resourceful low-budget solution, this is your opportunity to showcase the brilliant work taking place in your institution and team.
🗓 Entries open: Thursday 3 September 2026
📘 A nomination guide available here
To help you prepare a strong submission, a full guide outlining the requirements and judging criteria for each award category is available. This will include what the judges are looking for and tips to help your nomination stand out.
Award Categories
🏆 Award for Best Practice in Widening Participation, Outreach, and Access
Celebrating impactful work that improves access to higher education for underrepresented groups, supports fair access, and empowers learners to make informed decisions.
📈 Award for Best Practice in Student Recruitment
Recognising excellence and innovation in student recruitment activity—from campaigns and communications to events and engagement strategies that support prospective students on their journey to higher education.
🎓 Award for Best Postgraduate Initiative
This category honours outstanding work that supports and informs prospective postgraduate students, whether through targeted outreach, tailored events, or dedicated content and resources.
🏆 Award for Best Undergraduate Initiative
Recognising initiatives that make a significant impact on undergraduate recruitment or support—from creative campaigns and virtual experiences to bespoke support for applicants and offer holders.
💡 Award for Best Small or Low Budget Initiative
Celebrating creativity and innovation achieved with limited resources. This award showcases the power of small-scale initiatives to deliver big impact across recruitment, outreach, or access.
🏆 Award for Best Community Impact (NEW for 2027!)
Celebrating informal, non-workplace initiatives that strengthen connection and community across HELOA. From social clubs and regional get-togethers to everyday acts of kindness, this category recognises the peer-led and grassroots activity that builds wellbeing, belonging, and support beyond formal working environments.
Why submit a nomination?
The HELOA Awards offer a platform to highlight and share best practice, inspire the wider membership, and celebrate the hard work of individuals and teams making a real difference in the sector.
Note: Sponsorship details for the 2027 awards will be confirmed in due course.
📬 Ready to shine a spotlight on success?
Entries open 3 September 2026 – keep an eye out for the nomination guide and submission link.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Keir Robinson who is managing the awards this year: chair@heloa.ac.uk.
Let’s celebrate excellence together—nominate and help us recognise the fantastic achievements of our HELOA community!
Llinos Angharad Williams (Bangor University | Prifysgol Bangor) on the institution’s award in Best Practice in Widening Participation, Outreach, and Access;
“Winning the award was a fantastic way to recognise the collaborative work between Bangor University’s North Wales Medical School and Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales. The application process was easy to follow and gave us a chance to reflect on the project and bring together its achievements and impact in one place. |
Roedd ennill y wobr yn ffordd wych o gydnabod y gwaith cydweithredol rhwng Ysgol Feddygol Gogledd Cymru, Prifysgol Bangor ac Ymestyn yn Ehangach Gogledd a Chanolbarth Cymru. Roedd y broses ymgeisio yn hawdd ei ddilyn ac yn gyfle gwerthfawr i ni fyfyrio ar y prosiect a dod â’i lwyddiannau a’i effaith ynghyd mewn un lle.”
“Attending the conference was a great opportunity to share the project with colleagues from universities and other organisations, leading to useful conversations and new ideas around widening participation. Having the project recognised through the award was also a great way to share its success more widely across Bangor University, helping raise awareness of the excellent work taking place in different departments and highlighting the value of collaborative initiatives. It was incredibly rewarding to see the project recognised and to celebrate the positive impact it has had on learners across the region. |
Roedd mynychu’r Gynhadledd yn gyfle gwych i rannu’r prosiect gyda chydweithwyr o brifysgolion a sefydliadau eraill, gan arwain at sgyrsiau defnyddiol a syniadau newydd ynghylch ehangu mynediad. Roedd cael cydnabyddiaeth i’r prosiect drwy’r wobr hefyd yn ffordd dda i rannu ei lwyddiant yn ehangach ar draws Prifysgol Bangor, gan helpu i godi ymwybyddiaeth o’r gwaith rhagorol sy’n digwydd mewn gwahanol adrannau ac amlygu gwerth gweithio mewn partneriaeth. Roedd o werth chweil gweld y prosiect yn cael ei gydnabod a dathlu’r effaith gadarnhaol y mae wedi’i chael ar ddysgwyr ar draws y rhanbarth.”
🏆 Commendations of Contribution
These commendations recognise HELOA members who have gone above and beyond in supporting the sector. They are awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional impact, whether over the past year or across a longer period, in advancing best practice in student recruitment, outreach, widening access, or marketing. View the 2026 Commendations of Contribution of Honorary Memberships.
