Collaboration Network Awards
2026
Exclusive to Collaboration Network Members | Winners revealed 25 November 2026
Celebrating Excellence in Customer Experience, Collaboration & Responsible Business
Entries are now closed and our finalists are confirmed. Each is taking part in a 15-minute Q&A with our judging panel, and the winners will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 25th November 2026 in Birmingham.
The Collaboration Network Awards 2026 celebrate people and organisations who are setting new standards for customer experience, service excellence and responsible business.
Across the Network, individuals and teams make a real difference every day by supporting customers through complex challenges, improving services through insight and innovation and building cultures where colleagues can thrive. Our Awards Programme recognises those who go beyond expectations to create meaningful and lasting impact.
More than a celebration of achievement, the Collaboration Network Awards shine a light on the ideas, partnerships and leadership that are shaping the future for customers and colleagues across sectors. They provide a platform to share best practices, inspire others and recognise the extraordinary work being delivered across different industries.
Categories highlight the power of collaboration, innovation and purpose, all demonstrating how commitment to customers and colleagues can drive real progress to improve outcomes.
Together, we celebrate the organisations and individuals who are not only delivering excellence today, but helping define what great looks like for the future.
Collaboration Network 2026 Conference & Awards Ceremony
Secure your place at the Collaboration Network 2026 Conference & Awards Ceremony
Collaboration Network 2026 Conference & Awards Ceremony
Where Collaboration Meets Celebration
For the first time, we’re bringing together the Collaboration Network Conference and Awards into one unmissable day. Members can join for the full Conference and Awards, or attend just the part that suits them.
During the day, there will be the opportunity to connect and network with delegates and exhibitors from across sectors and hear from our speakers who will be sharing ideas and insights, as well as facilitating opportunities for collaboration. The winners of the 2026 Awards will be announced during the evening ceremony, recognising Members who have gone above and beyond in delivering excellence, innovation and impact.
The evening will feature a drinks reception, a sit-down three-course meal and entertainment, whilst celebrating the successes of those within the Network.
Event Details
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Date: Wednesday, 25th November 2026
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Time: 17:30 – 01:00
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Venue: Eastside Rooms, Woodcock St, Birmingham B7 4BL
Tickets Available Now
Join us for a day of inspiration, networking and celebration.
Meet the 2026 finalists
The Complaints Champion Award
Recognises an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership in complaints handling, turning complaints into learning opportunities, improved outcomes and cultural change.
Finalists:
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Abigail Fry, NFU Mutual
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Chris Ward, Markerstudy
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Clair Daniel, Legal Ombudsman
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Karen Niblock, DWF Law
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Natalie Winters, Axa
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Paula Cornwall, Ageas
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Sarah Purdue, Pelican Business Services
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Simon Williams, Legal Ombudsman
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Suzanne Rogers, HSBC
The CX Champion Award
Recognises an individual who consistently drives excellence in customer experience.
Finalists:
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Amy Towler, Ageas
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Anna Roberts, Wessex Water
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Isobel Parker, Close Brothers
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Carolyn Delehanty, Delehanty Consulting
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Lisa Knights, First Central
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Rebecca Cherry, Royal London
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Sue Nimmo, Markerstudy
The Vulnerability Champion Award
Recognises an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting vulnerable customers.
Finalists:
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Charlotte Hall, Virgin Media O2
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Claire Smith, Wessex Water
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Emma Gibbons, PayPlan
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Luke Arnold, Hope 4U
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Mandy Edgar, Close Brothers
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Nikita Rowland, Places for People
The Best Vulnerability Team
Recognises teams delivering outstanding support to vulnerable customers.
Sponsored by: The Big Window
Finalists:
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Close Brothers
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Hope 4U
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HSBC
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Nationwide
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Places for People
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Wessex Water
The Vulnerability:
Identification Award
Recognises excellence in encouraging and supporting customer vulnerability disclosure.
Finalists:
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Lloyds Banking Group
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Nationwide
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PayPlan
The Vulnerability:
Accessibility & Inclusion Award
Recognises initiatives that remove barriers and enable equitable access to services for vulnerable customers.
Sponsored by: YES Energy Solutions
Finalists:
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Anglian Water
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Hope 4U
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IE Hub
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Lightening Reach
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South East Water
The Vulnerability:
Special Project
Recognises a specific project that delivered meaningful improvements for vulnerable customers.
Finalists:
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Citizens Advice
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Clear Voice
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HSBC
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Lightning Reach
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Lloyds Banking Group
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Markerstudy
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Money Wellness
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Nationwide
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Three Hands Insight
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YES Energy Solutions
The Best Colleague Training Initiative
Recognises outstanding training initiatives that have measurably improved colleague capability, confidence and performance.
Finalists:
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Allianz Partners
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Elephants Don't Forget
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National Windscreens
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Ofgem
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South East Water
The Best Team Award
Recognises teams that demonstrate exceptional collaboration, commitment and performance.
Sponsored by: Aptean Respond
Finalists:
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Legal Ombudsman
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Novuna
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South East Water
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StepChange
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Three Hands Insight
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UK Power Networks
The Culture & Inclusion Award
Recognises initiatives that strengthen organisational culture and inclusion.
Finalists:
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Close Brothers
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StepChange
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UK Power Networks
The Contact Centre of the Year Award
Recognises contact centres delivering exceptional customer service through operational excellence, colleague engagement and continuous improvement.
Finalists:
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M&G
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Novuna
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Ofgem
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UK Power Networks
The Best Use of
Customer Insights Award
Recognises organisations that use customer insight to drive meaningful improvement.
Sponsored by: Elephants Don't Forget
Finalists:
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Inclusive Outcomes
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LV=
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Markerstudy
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Money Wellness
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Monzo
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Nationwide
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The Big Window
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Wessex Water
The Complaints Award
Recognises Member organisations that have made significant progress in complaints handling and the customer journey.
Finalists:
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Amplius
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DWF Law
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HSBC
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Legal Ombudsman
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Markerstudy
The Collaboration Award
Recognises outstanding collaboration between teams, organisations or partners.
Finalists:
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Aviva
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Citizens Advice
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Hope 4U
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HSBC
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Lightening Reach
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Money Wellness
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Nationwide
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National Energy Action
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Northern Gas Networks
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OVO Energy
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Virgin Media O2
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Wessex Water
The Innovation Award
Recognises purposeful and innovative approaches that improve outcomes for customers or colleagues.
Finalists:
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AXA
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Clear Voice
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Elephants Don't Forget
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IE Hub
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Lightening Reach
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Lloyds Banking Group
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National Support Network
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Nationwide
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Policy in Practice
The Best Member Organisation Award
Recognises a Member organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the Network through active participation, sharing best practice and supporting fellow Members.
Finalists:
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Fidelity International
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HSBC
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Royal London
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South East Water
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Utility Regulator
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YES Energy Solutions
The Best New Member Organisation Award
Recognises an organisation that joined the Network in the last 12 months and has made a strong, positive impact through engagement, collaboration and sharing ideas.
Finalists:
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Allianz UK
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British Gas
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Home Group
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Samaritans
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Scope
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Yorkshire Water
Awards Timeline
01
Entries Closed
Entries closed on 12th June 2026.
02
Finalists Confirmed
Finalists were notified in the week commencing 17th August 2026.
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Judging Q&As: In Progress
Each finalist takes part in a 15-minute Q&A with the judging panel between September and mid-November.
04
Winners Announced
Winners will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony on 25th November 2026, Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.
Judging Process
Our panel of industry experts assessed each entry based on innovation, impact, and execution.
To ensure fairness:
✔ Judges do not assess categories where their organisation is competing.
✔ Scores are based on pre-defined criteria.
Judging Criteria
Entries were evaluated on:
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Business Background and Context: Introduction to your organisation and its role.
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Challenge Identification: Description of the problem or opportunity addressed.
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Actions Taken: Steps and innovations implemented to tackle the challenge.
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Outcomes Achieved: Results and impact of the actions taken.
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Future Plans: Sustainability and future implications of the initiative.
View Previous Winners
Discover the remarkable evolution of our Awards, which have grown from a single category to an expansive 17 this year - showcasing excellence, innovation, and dedication across countless fields.
Explore the timeline below to see how we’ve celebrated progress and impact over the years, captured through the faces and achievements of our inspiring winners.
From humble beginnings to today’s vibrant array of accolades, join us in honouring the diverse contributions that continue to shape our community’s success.
