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 awards have already closed their entry window and will be evaluated on the basis of anonymised employee surveys, we have decided to keep the nomination period open a little longer for the Special Awards.
These supplemental categories are designed to spotlight organisations that excel in particular aspects of workplace excellence, ranging from diversity and environmental stewardship to training and corporate responsibility. The extended deadline gives companies across the United Kingdom a fresh chance to put forward their candidates. Nominations for each of the following special categories will be accepted up until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September.
It is important to note that these awards operate independently of the main Best Places To Work (BPTW) categories; they are open to any UK‑based business that either works directly within the games sector or provides services to it. The special categories on offer are: - **The Diversity Award** – recognising firms that have implemented robust, measurable programmes to foster inclusion and represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, identities and perspectives within their workforce. - **The Green Award** – celebrating companies that have taken concrete steps to reduce their environmental impact, whether through carbon‑reduction initiatives, sustainable sourcing, waste minimisation or innovative eco‑friendly practices.
- **HR Hero Award** – honouring human‑resources professionals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity or resilience in supporting staff and shaping organisational culture. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging organisations that provide comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship schemes and upskilling opportunities that empower employees to grow their careers. - **Education Award** – highlighting businesses that contribute significantly to educational outreach, partnerships with academic institutions, or the development of curricula that prepare the next generation for careers in games.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding firms that go beyond profit‑making to make a positive social impact, through community engagement, charitable initiatives or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritise the mental and physical health of their staff through supportive policies, wellness programmes, and a culture that encourages work‑life balance. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the organisation’s performance in the relevant area – this includes internal employees, former staff members, partners, clients, or even external observers who have witnessed the company’s efforts first‑hand.
All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts and HR specialists. The judging process is scheduled to conclude next week, ensuring that the results are ready in time for the awards ceremony slated for 1 October. In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit is still open for registration.
This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work” and will run during the day preceding the awards ceremony. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from thought leaders, engage in panel discussions on emerging HR trends, and network with peers from across the games industry. The summit aims to provide actionable insights on topics such as remote‑working strategies, employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion frameworks, and the evolving role of HR technology. For organisations that are still considering a nomination, this is an ideal moment to reflect on the initiatives they have undertaken over the past twelve months.
Think about specific programmes that have delivered measurable outcomes – for example, a reduction in carbon emissions by a certain percentage, an increase in the proportion of under‑represented groups within senior leadership, or the launch of a mentorship scheme that has resulted in a quantifiable improvement in employee retention. Providing concrete data and clear examples will strengthen the nomination and give the judges a vivid picture of the company’s commitment to excellence. If you are an external stakeholder, such as a supplier, academic partner, or community organisation that has collaborated with a games‑industry business, your perspective is equally valuable. Your testimony can highlight how the company’s policies have translated into real‑world impact beyond its own walls, reinforcing the broader relevance of the award category.
To submit a nomination, simply visit the official Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the appropriate special category, and fill out the required fields with as much detail as possible. Supporting documentation, such as case studies, policy documents, or employee testimonials, can be attached to bolster the submission. Remember, the deadline is midnight on Monday 7 September, so there is still ample time to gather the necessary information and craft a compelling entry. Whether you are nominating your own organisation or recognising a peer that has set a benchmark in any of these critical areas, your contribution helps celebrate the best practices that drive the games industry forward.
Finally, don’t miss the chance to join the HR Summit and be part of the conversation shaping the future of work in gaming. Secure your tickets now, engage with industry leaders, and celebrate the achievements of the nominated companies at the awards ceremony on 1 October.