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.

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.

Here they are, your shortlisted institutions for the HELOA Awards 2027…

Winners will be announced at the HELOA National Conference on Thursday 14 January and online. Good luck!

*Commendations of Contribution close on Wednesday 25 November 2026 (midday)

📘 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 includes 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, supported by Save the Student

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, sponsored by UK University Search

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, sponsored by Find A University

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, supported by UCAS

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, sponsored by Unifrog

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!), sponsored by Rad Brothers

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.

Ready to shine a spotlight on success?

Entries close on Thursday 15 October at midday. If you have any questions, 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 2026 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 and Honorary Memberships.