Helpline Award Nominations: Tips to help you craft a strong submission
Nominations are now open for the Helplines Partnership Awards, a highlight of our annual conference.
Celebrating the unsung heroes of the helpline sector
The Helplines Partnership Helpline Awards recognise and celebrate the amazing work of the helplines sector.
Held every November, the awards are an important part of our annual conference and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of individuals and teams who are outstanding in how they provide support, guidance, and compassion to those in need.
Through the awards we honour those who have made a big difference, whether it’s through exceptional frontline support, new initiatives, or a lifetime of service.
Nominations for the 2025 Awards are now open until 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025.
Nominations are assessed by an independent team of judges.
There are six categories, with two winners in each category — one for organisations with a turnover of £1 million and over, and one for organisations with a turnover under £1 million.
This year, the Helpline Awards categories are:
- Helpline of the Year
- Employee of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Lifetime Service Award
- Staff Wellbeing Award
- Innovation and Sustainability Award
Helpline of the Year
The Helpline of the Year award celebrates the most outstanding helpline service, recognising excellence in providing support and guidance to those in need. This award honours a helpline that has demonstrated exceptional performance and quality of service. It will be presented to a helpline that has demonstrated commitment to best practices, dedication to service users, well-organised internal teams and processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Criteria:
- Demonstrated excellence in service delivery
- Positive user feedback and satisfaction
- Innovative practices and continuous improvement
- Significant impact on the community
Employee of the Year
The Employee of the Year award recognises a staff member who has shown extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and compassion, significantly contributing to the success of their helpline service. The recipient will have consistently exceeded expectations and made a substantial difference to both their colleagues and service users.
Criteria:
- Outstanding dedication and professionalism
- Exceptional contributions to the helpline service
- Positive impact on colleagues and service users
- Demonstrated initiative
- Commitment to the values and mission of the helpline
Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year award honours a volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to a helpline service. This award recognises the invaluable role of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting others. The recipient will have demonstrated remarkable commitment, compassion, and effectiveness in their volunteer role, significantly enhancing the service’s ability to support those in need.
Criteria:
- Extraordinary commitment and reliability
- Significant positive impact on the helpline service
- Demonstrated empathy and compassion
- Contribution to the overall success and effectiveness of the service
- Exemplary embodiment of the volunteer spirit
Lifetime Service Award
The Lifetime Service Award recognises an individual who has devoted a significant part of their career to the helpline sector, making a lasting impact over many years. This prestigious award honours a career marked by dedication, compassion, and a sustained commitment to supporting others. The recipient’s work will have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the helpline community.
Criteria:
- Long-term commitment to the helpline sector
- Significant and lasting contributions to service development and delivery
- Positive influence on the helpline community
Staff Wellbeing Award
The Staff Wellbeing Award recognises a helpline service that prioritises the wellbeing and mental health of its staff. This award highlights the importance of a supportive and nurturing work environment, acknowledging a service that has implemented effective wellbeing initiatives and created a positive workplace culture. The winning service will have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the health and happiness of its employees.
Criteria:
- Effective wellbeing initiatives and programmes
- Positive workplace culture and environment
- Demonstrated commitment to staff mental health and wellbeing
- High staff satisfaction and engagement
- Innovative practices to support employee wellbeing
Innovation and Sustainability Award
The Innovation and Sustainability Award celebrates a helpline service that has demonstrated exceptional innovation and a commitment to sustainability. This award recognises creative and forward-thinking approaches to service delivery, as well as initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of the helpline, including technical or organisation-led initiatives. The winning service will have successfully integrated innovative practices and sustainable solutions into their operations.
Criteria:
- Innovative approaches to service delivery
- Commitment to sustainability
- Successful implementation of new technologies or methods
- Positive impact on service effectiveness and efficiency
- Demonstrated long-term viability and sustainability