Planning for the 2026 Civil Service Awards is now underway, and we're excited to be refreshing our award categories. To stay informed about programme updates, entry information, and important deadlines, please sign up for alerts here.
We will be in contact once nominations have opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK government has a strong reputation for its world class Civil Service and its consistent ability to deliver a high standard of public services across the country. To maintain this standing it constantly strives to improve systems, drive efficiency and think innovatively. The Civil Service Awards celebrate the very best of the Civil Service, enabling the sharing of best practice right across government departments.
When do nominations open?
Nominations open in September 2026
When will the shortlist be announced?
The 2026 Civil Service Awards shortlist will be announced in January 2027.
When is the ceremony?
The Civil Service Awards ceremony takes place in March 2027.
Can I attend the award ceremony?
If you make the shortlist, you will be invited to the ceremony. Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards ceremony is invitation only.
Is there a particular format I need to follow when submitting a nomination?
Yes — nominations use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result), with a short overview and a main statement. The total word count is 600 words. Full guidance is on the How to Nominate page.
Which category should I choose?
Read the criteria for each category carefully. If your work genuinely fits more than one, choose the category that best reflects the main achievement. The judging panels understand that excellent work often spans multiple themes.
Who is eligible to take part in the Civil Service Awards?
Any person who is currently employed by the UK Civil Service can make a nomination or be nominated.
All departments, agencies and public bodies who are able to be nominated can be found in this list.
All departments, agencies and public bodies who are able to be nominated can be found in this list.
Can I nominate someone who works in a frontline or operational role?
Absolutely. The Civil Service Awards are open to civil servants at every grade and in every role — including frontline and operational staff. Several categories are particularly well suited to this kind of work.
Can I nominate a team rather than an individual?
Yes — some categories accept team nominations and some accept individual nominations only. Check the category criteria before submitting.
How are nominations assessed?
Nominations are reviewed by Category Champion judging panels, and a final judging panel.
I'm having a technical problem — what should I do?
If you experience a technical issue while submitting a nomination, please contact the awards team at civilserviceawards@totalevents.uk. We recommend drafting your nomination in a separate document as a precaution.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please email the awards team at civilserviceawards@totalevents.uk or call 0203 1420 800.
Who is organising the Civil Service Awards?
The awards are run in open partnership with Total Events, who have delivered the awards since their inception in 2006.
When do nominations open?
Nominations open in September 2026
When will the shortlist be announced?
The 2025 Civil Service Awards shortlist has been announced! Head to the link here to view the shortlist.
Who is organising the Civil Service Awards?
The awards are run in open partnership with Total Events, who have delivered the awards since their inception in 2006.
Who is eligible to take part in the Civil Service Awards?
Any person who is currently employed by the UK Civil Service can make a nomination or be nominated. Examples of this include but not limited to:
Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards do not cover public sector workers and others such as:
Please see a list here of all departments, agencies and public bodies here who are able to be nominated.
- working under a UK government department anywhere in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including civil servants who work in NHS England or other agencies and administrative bodies reporting to a government department
- working in any government of the devolved nations, such as a staff member working in Holyrood
- working overseas as a civil servant of the UK, such as an embassy staff or members of Government Communication Service International
- Civilian staff in the Ministry of Defence
- Foreign nationals who are employed by the UK Civil Service who may be working in the UK or overseas
Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards do not cover public sector workers and others such as:
- hospital clinicians
- school and university staff
- military personnel
- overseas staff working with the UK government but not employed by the UK Civil Service
Please see a list here of all departments, agencies and public bodies here who are able to be nominated.
Can I attend the award ceremony?
If you make the shortlist, you will be invited to the ceremony. Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards ceremony is invitation only.
When will the award ceremony take place?
The Civil Service Awards ceremony will take place at Lancaster House.
How are the awards funded?
The Civil Service Awards are nil-cost to the government. All costs are covered by delivery partner Total Events, which funds the event through advertising and sponsorship. Any profits raised are shared between Total Events and the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office will put forward any profit share towards future government events.
Why have some categories been changed?
Every year, the awards categories are reviewed to reflect the latest priorities of the government of the day and the Civil Service.
How many categories are there?
This year there are 11 award categories which reflect the key themes across government. Please head to the Categories tab on the top navigation bar to view the categories and criteria.
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the Awards process?
Should you need any further information please contact the team by email the team on: civilserviceawards@totalevents.uk or call 0207 593 5669.