20 November 2025 Institute News

Celebrating excellence at The Leadership Awards 2025!

The Leadership Awards 2025, held on Friday 14 November 2025 at the Hilton London Bankside, brought together an inspiring community of leaders, innovators, and changemakers - and we're still buzzing from the energy in the room.

The night was all about celebrating those who go above and beyond in their leadership to make a lasting impact. Our finalists once again proved that great leadership can transform people, organisations, and entire communities. Their dedication, vision, and courage continue to shape a better future for us all.

Honouring the 2025 winners

A huge congratulations to this year's outstanding winners. Each award recognised individuals who are not just leading, they're trailblazing. Their achievements remind us that leadership is about action, influence, and the ability to drive real, positive change.

From the beautiful setting to the incredible food and connections being made in every corner of the room, the evening was packed with unforgettable moments. And of course, Gatsby's Jukebox truly elevated the celebrations with show-stopping entertainment.

Meet the winners
Event gallery
Sourcing sustainably

Meet the winners

Supporting Young Leaders Award: Woldingham School

Woldingham School have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to developing authentic, compassionate, and resilient young leaders. Through initiatives like the Woldingham Leadership Award, Sixth Form Leadership Programme, and Big Sisters mentoring scheme, the school has created a culture where every student can lead with purpose and integrity.

Its innovative use of coaching-based Personal Growth Journals and Institute Approved accreditation ensures students gain both self-awareness and recognised leadership credentials. By listening to feedback and continuously improving its programmes, Woldingham has built a thriving, future-focused leadership community that empowers young women to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond the school.

Runner-up: Kujia Kenya

Employee Wellbeing Award: Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett have been recognised for creating a truly holistic and inclusive wellbeing programme that supports every aspect of employees' mental, physical, and financial health. Far more than a benefits package, it represents a genuine culture shift where wellbeing is led from the top and championed at every level.

From 24/7 counselling and menopause support to physiotherapy, financial guidance, and mental health first aid training, the programme has delivered measurable impact - reducing absence, improving retention, and boosting morale. Most importantly, it has built a culture of care and authenticity where colleagues feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive both at work and in life.

Runners-up: Becca Meadows Nutrition / Mindful Station

Emerging Young Leader Award: Maya Kirti Nanan

Maya has been recognised for her extraordinary leadership in transforming the conversation around autism in Trinidad and Tobago from awareness to true acceptance. As the founder of the Autism Siblings and Friends Network and Rahul's Clubhouse, she has built a powerful youth-led movement empowering more than 500 young advocates and providing over 30,000 educational sessions for autistic children and adults. Her work has made special needs education accessible to families who would otherwise be excluded and created safe, inclusive spaces that celebrate neurodiversity.

Runner-up: Alister D'Souza

Digital Leaders Award: Kujia Kenya

Kujia Kenya have been recognised for their outstanding digital leadership in transforming how technology empowers young people across Kenya. They have demonstrated how digital transformation can drive social and economic progress. Their pioneering approach to using technology for inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable employment has positioned them as a leader in building Kenya's future digital economy.

Runner-up: GreenSquareAccord

Leadership Training Centre of the Year Award: Eliesha Training

Congratulations to Eliesha Training, who are exemplary in how they attract, train, engage, and convert their learners into active members of our community and users of our services. Their work makes a direct contribution to our goal of growing membership, enhancing engagement, and deepening the impact of our partnership with ILM.

Runner-up: Made to Measure Mentoring

Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme Award: Leaderlike Limited in partnership with L'Oréal, RoSPA & Nike

Leaderlike Limited in partnership with L'Oréal, RoSPA & Nike, has been recognised for its inspiring work on the Women in Safety Leadership Programme, a global initiative empowering women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Leaderlike has helped hundreds of women in safety leaders grow in confidence, visibility, and career progression. The programme combines world-class training, peer learning, and mentoring to build a global community of empowered leaders who are breaking barriers, challenging bias, and shaping the future of safety leadership.

Runner-up: Future Talent Learning

Institute Advocate of the Year Award: James Moffatt

James Moffatt has been recognised for his outstanding and long-serving dedication to promoting the values and vision of The Institute. Since joining in 2008 and achieving Fellowship in 2016, James has spent the past 17 years championing leadership excellence, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to engage with our mission.

His enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to developing leaders at every level embody what it means to be part of our community. Through consistent advocacy, mentorship, and active involvement, James has strengthened our network and demonstrated the true spirit of leadership in action.

We would also like to extend an honourable mention to all the incredible finalists in this category, for their valuable contribution to our mission here at The Institute. Read more about them here.

The Leadership Book of the Year Award: KIND by Graham Allcott

In this powerful book, Graham challenges outdated ideas of leadership by showing that kindness and empathy are not soft skills, but essential strengths for the modern workplace. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and management research, KIND demonstrates how compassion builds trust, psychological safety, and creativity - ultimately driving performance, loyalty, and innovation.

With his trademark clarity and insight, Graham offers practical tools to help leaders and teams embed kindness into everyday practice, transforming workplaces into thriving, human-centred communities where people and performance flourish.

Runner-up: The Belonging Paradox by Danny Gal

The Leadership Excellence Award for Individuals: Michelle Dowse, Principal and CEO at Heart of Worcestershire College

Michelle Dowse has been recognised for her outstanding and transformative leadership, driving a remarkable turnaround at her college and creating a culture where people and performance thrive. Through a bold organisational strategy, she has positioned the College as a leading anchor institution, delivering growth, sustainability, and excellence.

Under Michelle's leadership, achievement rates, satisfaction levels, and enrolments have all risen, while financial stability and environmental targets have been surpassed. Her authentic, collaborative, and visionary approach has inspired staff, empowered students, and strengthened partnerships across the community. Michelle embodies the true spirit of leadership excellence; purposeful, inclusive, and deeply impactful.

Runner-up: Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor at WMCA, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member at Birmingham City Council

The Leadership Excellence Award for Organisations: Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company have been recognised for their bespoke two-year Mawhoob programme, designed to enhance leadership capabilities which is testament to their unwavering commitment to the development of ADNIC employees.

They have set an example which highlights and proves the importance of nurturing talent as a vital component when working towards sustained business growth and success.

Runner-up: The West Group Limited, Senior Leadership Team

Congratulations to all our winners once again, and thank you to our brilliant community of changemakers and trailblazers, dedicated to creating and supporting great leaders everywhere.

Event gallery

Photography by Eugene Fleming

The Leadership Awards 2025

Gatsby's Jukebox

Michael Tabirade, Trustee (IoL), collecting on behalf of Holland & Barrett, winners of the Employee Wellbeing Award

Two women stand smiling at an awards event. One wears a navy jumpsuit, the other a sparkly beige gown. They hold wooden awards, with a branded backdrop behind them.

Employee Wellbeing Award runners-up, Becca Meadows (Becca Meadows Nutrition) & Karen Farrell (Mindful Station)

Gatsby's Jukebox

Two women stand smiling on a stage. The woman on the left wears a teal dress, and the woman on the right holds a wooden award, wearing a colorful shawl. It is an award ceremony setting.

Charmaine Wright (Commonwealth Secretariat) collecting on behalf of Maya Kirti Nanan, winner of the Emerging Young Leader Award

Two people in formal attire stand on stage, smiling, during an awards ceremony. The person on the right holds a wooden award plaque. A backdrop and spotlight enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

Micaela Barlow (HIT Training) with Alister D'Souza, runner-up for the Emerging Young Leader Award

Two men in formal suits smile as they shake hands. One holds an award plaque. The background has star-like lights, conveying an elegant event.

Oliver Rendell (left), Institute Advocate of the Year (2024) with James Moffatt (right), winner of Institute Advocate of the Year 2025

Gatsby's Jukebox

Institute Advocate of the Year Award winners from 2025 and 2024, and category finalists

The IoL Team with Jess Pressland, CEO (JP Training)

The Leadership Awards 2025

A man in a gray suit and glasses presents a wooden award to a smiling woman in a black dress on stage. Both appear joyful and celebratory.

Jerome Goodluck, Senior Business Manager (IoL) with Michelle Dowse, Principal & CEO (Heart of Worcestershire College), winner of The Leadership Excellence Award for Individuals

The Leadership Awards 2025

The Leadership Awards 2025

The Leadership Awards 2025

A smiling man and woman stand together at an event, holding awards. The woman wears a glittery gown, while the man is in a suit with a bow tie.

Sarah Clayton-Jones (Read to Lead) with Graham Allcott, author of KIND, the winner of The Leadership Book of the Year Award

A woman in a sparkling gown shakes hands with a man in a tuxedo at an elegant event. He holds a book. The scene is celebratory and formal.

Sarah Clayton-Jones (Read to Lead) with Danny Gal, author of The Belonging Paradox, runner-up for The Leadership Book of the Year Award

Two women stand on a stage. One wears a sparkly black dress, the other a dark off-the-shoulder gown, holding an award. They smile warmly.

Nicole Horsman (Embed Learning) with Gonia Miksch from Future Talent Learning, runner-up for the Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme Award

The Leadership Awards 2025

A woman in a blue evening gown and a man in a suit holding an award smile on stage against a starry backdrop. The atmosphere is celebratory and formal.

Sarah Cooksedge (Netex) with Gent Ahmetaj, Head of Insights (IoL), accepting on behalf of GreenSquareAccord, runner-up for the Digital Leaders Award

The Leadership Awards 2025

A woman in a sparkly off-shoulder dress stands beside a man in a tuxedo holding an award. They smile in front of a "Congratulations to our Winners" backdrop.

Adrian Ross & Tania Carrilero from Woldingham School, winner of the Supporting Young Leaders Award

The Leadership Awards 2025

A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a silver sequin dress stand on a stage, smiling while exchanging an award. The background features a drum set and soft lighting, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

Alun Bedding with Sarah Fox, Trustee (IoL) collecting on behalf of Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, winner of The Leadership Excellence Award for Organisations

The Leadership Awards 2025

John Mark Williams, CEO (IoL)

A man and woman stand smiling on a stage, holding an award. The man wears a grey tuxedo, while the woman wears a colorful patterned dress. Stage lights illuminate them.

Jerome Goodluck, Senior Business Manager (IoL) with Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor (WMCA), runner-up for The Leadership Excellence Award for Individuals

The Leadership Awards 2025

John Mark Williams, CEO (IoL) with Rachel Mullings, Membership Manager (IoL) collecting on behalf of Kujia Kenya, runner-up of the Supporting Young Leaders Award, with Pete Fullard (Upskill People)

The Leadership Awards 2025

Two men in tuxedos smile and shake hands at an award ceremony. They hold an envelope. The setting is formal with dim lighting and a blue glow.

Alun Bedding with Richard Oddy, MD of The West Group Limited, runner-up for The Leadership Excellence Award for Organisations

The Leadership Awards 2025

Two women in evening gowns hold an award against a backdrop with logos. The mood is celebratory and formal, highlighted by their elegant attire.

Gonia Miksch & Jana Veryard from Future Talent Learning, the runner-up for the Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme Award

Sourcing sustainably

Menu choices

Our menu for this event featured a chicken starter and a duck main. Many factors inform our menu choices, and we were pleased to note that duck has a significantly lower carbon footprint at approximately 2.13 kg CO₂e per kg, compared with around 25.75 kg CO₂e per kg for beef.

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our events, and sustainability will continue to play an important role in our menu planning.

Our new eco-friendly awards

We chose to partner with Lasers Are Us for The Leadership Awards 2025, a supplier whose commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our own values. Partnering with Ecologi, they’ve adopted a powerful principle: 1 order = 1 tree.

Since 2022, Lasers Are Us has powered its operations using 100% renewable energy. Now, in 2025, they’ve taken their eco-commitment even further; with every order, a new tree is planted to help regenerate our planet.

With over 80 million trees funded and millions of tonnes of CO₂e avoided, Ecologi’s science-led approach perfectly complements the sustainability goals behind our new awards.

Each tree planted helps:

Combat climate change
Support biodiversity
Improve air quality
Restore natural habitats

This is just one of the many conscious, sustainable choices we’re making across our events, helping ensure that every celebration of leadership also supports a healthier planet.You can explore the forest we’re helping to grow here Lasers Are Us | Ecologi.

Thank you to our sponsors

COMING SOON

The Leadership Awards 2026

Thank you to everyone who came along to this year's awards. Details for The Leadership Awards 2026 will be shared in the new year.