🏆
International Stress Management Association UK

Stress Management Awards2026

Recognising Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing & Psychological Safety

Closing Date 30 September 2026 All applications by midnight
Entry Fee £75 per entry Payment details on submission

About the Awards

Championing Workplace Wellbeing Since 1974

The ISMAUK Stress Management Awards celebrate individuals and organisations making a genuine difference to mental health and wellbeing at work. Now in their third year, these awards shine a light on outstanding practice across all sectors.

52+
Years of ISMAUK
3
Award Categories
30 Sep
2026 Deadline

Who can apply?

The awards are open to individuals and organisations of any size, across any sector — public, private, or third sector. You do not need to be an ISMAUK member to enter.

How are entries judged?

A panel of independent judges from ISMAUK assesses all entries against published criteria. Scoring is based on evidence of impact, innovation, and commitment to sustained wellbeing.

When will winners be announced?

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted in October 2026. Winners will be announced at the ISMAUK Annual Awards event in November 2026.

What does winning mean?

Award winners receive a certificate, digital badge, press release support, and recognition across ISMAUK's communications channels and social media.

Why Enter

Why Enter the 2026 Awards?

🏅
National recognition

Gain recognition from ISMAUK, a long-established professional body and charity trusted across the sector for over 52 years.

🌱
Demonstrate commitment to wellbeing

Show your organisation's commitment to wellbeing and psychological safety to peers, clients, and stakeholders.

📋
Strengthen ESG & governance credentials

An ISMAUK award is meaningful evidence of social responsibility that supports your ESG reporting and governance frameworks.

💡
Showcase best practice

Share your innovations and approaches with a wider professional audience and contribute to raising the bar across the sector.

🙌
Celebrate your people

Highlight the achievements of your teams and wellbeing champions and give their hard work the recognition it deserves.

£ Application Fee — £75 per entry

Supporting ISMAUK's charitable mission

As a registered charity, ISMAUK uses income from Awards fees to support its wider work in promoting stress awareness, workplace wellbeing, and psychological safety.

This includes providing education, resources, and professional support to help individuals and organisations create healthier working environments.

Your entry fee directly contributes to this ongoing charitable work.

The Process

How to apply in five steps

1
Choose your award tier
Select Bronze, Silver, or Gold based on the depth of your practice.
2
Complete the application form
Fill in the online form on this site. Most applicants complete 2–3 pages.
3
Download your PDF
Your completed application is generated as a PDF to save to your device.
4
Email your application
Send your PDF to admin@isma.co.uk before 30 September 2026.
5
Submit payment
A £75 fee applies per entry. Once your application is received you will be advised on how to pay.
Award Categories

Choose Your Level

Three award tiers recognise different stages of stress management and wellbeing practice — from those just starting out to organisations with embedded, strategic programmes.

III
Bronze Award
Starting Out
20 marks

For individuals or organisations who are beginning their journey and can demonstrate early commitment, initial actions, and positive intent in workplace wellbeing.

  • 5 application questions
  • Evidence of initial steps taken
  • Open to individuals & organisations
  • No minimum timeframe required
II
Silver Award
Established Practice
25 marks

For those with an established and evidence-based approach to stress management, showing sustained effort and measurable outcomes over time.

  • 6 application questions
  • Evidence of sustained practice
  • Measurable outcomes required
  • Open to individuals & organisations
I
Gold Award
Strategic Excellence
45 marks

For those demonstrating exceptional, organisation-wide commitment to psychological safety and wellbeing, embedded in strategy, culture, and leadership.

  • 10 application questions
  • Strategic, board-level commitment
  • Comprehensive evidence required
  • Open to individuals & organisations

⭐ Special Recognition Certificate

In addition to the three main award tiers, the judges may award a Special Recognition Certificate to any nominee or applicant who demonstrates exceptional contribution, innovation, or personal impact — even if not selected for a main award. This is at the sole discretion of the judging panel.

Hall of Fame

Meet the Winners

Stress Management Awards

2025 Winners

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Stress Management Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in stress reduction, mental health, and wellbeing.

🥇 Gold Award
Haslers

For exceptional commitment to creating a culture of wellbeing and embedding stress management across the organisation.

🥈 Silver Award
Rachel Madocks School

For innovative wellbeing initiatives that support both staff and students in building resilience and promoting positive mental health.

🥉 Bronze Award
Talerion

For practical, people-focused approaches to reducing workplace stress and encouraging healthier working practices.

⭐ Special Recognition Certificate
Sunway Malls

For their creative and inclusive wellbeing initiatives that inspire engagement across their teams.

⭐ Special Recognition
Alison Francis
Assistant Head, Rachel Madocks School

For her personal dedication to fostering wellbeing and supporting colleagues through compassionate leadership.

Congratulationsto all our winners and nominees for their continued work in improving mental health and wellbeing at work.


Stress Management Awards

2024 Winners

🥇 Winner
Ballyclare High School
With special recognition for Dr Michelle Rainey

Runners-Up

Sailing Wellness

Simon Collyer

Creating Compassionate Workplaces

Dr Elaine Smith

In Their Own Words

"Winning this award means we can celebrate all we do to champion wellbeing."

— Dr Michelle Rainey

"This exciting award will help us reach more people who could benefit from our support."

— Simon Collyer

"It has helped me reflect on what I have achieved and continue my mission to make work better for everyone."

— Dr Elaine Smith

A Look Back at Our Past Winners

Application Form

Apply for an Award

1
Category
2
Your Details
3
Questions
4
Review

Select your award tier & type

Choose the award level that best reflects your current practice, then select whether you are applying as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.

Award Tier

🥉
Bronze
Starting Out — 5 questions, 20 marks
🥈
Silver
Established Practice — 6 questions, 25 marks
🥇
Gold
Strategic Excellence — 10 questions, 45 marks

Applicant Type

👤
Individual
Sole trader or personal entry
🏢
Organisation
Company, charity or institution

Your details

Please provide your contact information. This will appear on your downloaded PDF application.

Application Questions

Answer each question as fully as possible. Word limits are shown below each answer box.

Review & Download

What happens next

Complete your application

Review your responses below. Complete the sections relevant to your category — most applicants will only need to complete 2–3 pages of the full document.

4

Submit your application

Download your completed form using the button below, then email it to admin@isma.co.uk before 30 September 2026.

Submit payment

A £75 application fee applies to each entry. Once you submit your application form, you will be advised on how to make payment.

Reminder

  1. Complete your application above — most applicants need 2–3 pages.
  2. Email your downloaded PDF to admin@isma.co.uk by 30 September 2026.
  3. Payment — a £75 fee applies. You'll be advised on how to pay once your application is received.