With Gamescom now firmly in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the assessment phase of this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. While the primary award categories have already closed their entry windows and will be judged on the basis of anonymous employee surveys, we have decided to lengthen the nomination period for a suite of Special Awards that celebrate excellence in particular domains of workplace practice.
These Special Awards operate independently of the core Best Places To Work (BPTW) categories and are open to any UK‑based company that either works directly within the games sector or provides services to it. To give organisations ample time to gather support and submit thoughtful nominations, we will accept entries for the following categories until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September: - Diversity Award – recognising initiatives that foster inclusive cultures and promote representation across all levels of the organisation.
- Green Award – honoring companies that have implemented effective strategies to reduce their environmental footprint and champion sustainability. - HR Hero Award – celebrating individuals or teams who have made a standout contribution to people management and employee experience. - Training and Development Award – highlighting programmes that up‑skill staff, encourage continuous learning and support career progression. - Education Award – acknowledging partnerships with educational institutions, mentorship schemes or other efforts that nurture the next generation of talent.
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award – rewarding projects that deliver measurable social benefits and demonstrate responsible corporate citizenship. - Health and Well‑Being Award – focusing on initiatives that promote mental and physical health, work‑life balance and overall employee welfare.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone with a legitimate interest in the nominee’s work, whether that be an internal employee, a former colleague, a supplier, a client or any external observer who can attest to the impact of the programme or individual being recognised. All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts next week, with the final decisions announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, tickets remain on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which this year centres on the future of People & Work.
The summit will run earlier on the same day as the awards ceremony, providing a valuable platform for HR professionals, talent leaders and senior managers to discuss emerging trends, share best practices and explore how the industry can evolve its approach to workforce management in the coming years. The decision to extend the nomination deadline reflects our commitment to ensuring that a broad cross‑section of the games community has a fair chance to showcase the innovative and impactful work taking place across the sector. Many companies are still finalising their internal reviews or gathering the necessary evidence to support their entries, and the additional time should help them submit comprehensive, well‑documented nominations.
If you are considering entering, here are a few tips to strengthen your submission: 1. Provide concrete data and measurable outcomes wherever possible – numbers, percentages, and before‑and‑after comparisons make a compelling case. 2. Include testimonials or quotes from employees, partners or beneficiaries that illustrate the real‑world impact of the initiative.
3. Highlight any awards, certifications or external recognitions the programme has already received, as these add credibility.
4. Be clear about the scope and scale of the effort – whether it is a company‑wide rollout or a pilot project, detail the reach and any plans for expansion. 5.
Align your narrative with the specific criteria of the award category, ensuring that the most relevant aspects of your work are foregrounded. All entries should be submitted through the online portal on the GamesIndustry.biz website. The form will ask for basic company information, a description of the nominated programme or individual, supporting evidence and contact details for a reference who can verify the claims made. We look forward to receiving a diverse range of nominations that reflect the vibrant, forward‑thinking nature of the UK games industry.
Whether your organisation excels in fostering a diverse workplace, pioneering green initiatives, delivering world‑class training, or championing employee health, there is a Special Award that can recognise your achievements. Take advantage of the extended deadline, prepare a compelling case, and join us in celebrating the best places to work in games. Remember, the awards ceremony on 1 October will not only honour the winners but also provide a networking opportunity for industry leaders, HR professionals and talent development experts.
It is an occasion to share insights, celebrate successes and set the agenda for the next year’s workplace excellence. We hope to see you there, either as a nominee, a voter, or an attendee at the HR Summit.