Celebrating the 2026 Leadership Award winners and runners-up

The Innovation with Impact Award celebrates organisations driving positive, measurable impact for their people, customers and wider communities through innovative projects and initiatives.  

Runner-up: Dallam School with Leader-Connect 

Dallam School brought 21 senior and middle leaders together through a shared, year-long leadership programme combining coaching and practical work. The initiative has helped embed leadership development into the school’s daily operations.  

Winner: UCL Technical Skills Development Hub 

UCL created a permanent home for the development and recognition of around 1,000 technical professionals. The Hub has increased the visibility of the technical workforce while creating lasting routes for skills development, career progression and representation.

The Emerging Young Leader Award celebrates individuals demonstrating leadership potential and making a contribution to their organisation, profession or community. 

Runner-up: Alister D’Souza 

Alister continues to build more inclusive leadership across the NHS, supporting colleagues to progress while bringing underrepresented voices into National Healthcare conversations. 

Winner: Ahmad Al-Hiari 

Ahmad has developed partnerships and research structures extending beyond the traditional scope of his lecturer role. His work has contributed to safer demining research and a network spanning nine universities, alongside new degree programmes and funding for community-focused research. 

The Leadership Provider of the Year award recognises organisations delivering leadership development and supporting leaders to grow and create lasting impact. 

Runner-up: Ivy House 

Ivy House begins leadership development with self-awareness and has reached more than 19,000 leaders across 37 countries. Its approach combines personal coaching with ongoing tracking of development and progression beyond its programmes. 

Winner: Genos Europe 

Over the past year, Genos Europe worked with 26 organisations and delivered more than 60 programmes, combining emotional intelligence, coaching and tailored development with a clear focus on creating change that lasts beyond the learning session. 

The Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme Award celebrates innovative approaches to leadership development. 

Runner-up: The Positive Leader Programme, The Academe 

The six-month programme combines app-based learning, coaching and peer support to help leaders change how they respond under pressure and apply their learning in their everyday work. 

Winner: NOVA – Women in Technology Leadership Programme, Genos Europe 

Designed specifically for women working in technology, NOVA is a six-month leadership development journey focused on visibility, influence and practical leadership skills. The programme has supported 41 participants across two cohorts. 

The Leadership Book of the Year honours authors who contribute to leadership thinking, practice and debate. 

Runner-up: Accountability Under Fire, Kate Adams 

Kate Adams examines the increasing scrutiny faced by chief executives and explores practical approaches to navigating competing expectations from employees, customers, investors, and wider society. 

Winner: Beyond Words: How to Lead People from Survival to Success, Kerry-Lyn Stanton-Downes 

Kerry-Lyn Stanton-Downes explores the concept of relational poverty and encourages leaders to rebuild trust and connection between people. Since its publication in May, the book has prompted discussion and practical application among leaders.

The Leadership Excellence Award for Individual recognises individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership and making a meaningful contribution through their work. 

Runner-up: Claire Cunniffe 

Claire has strengthened CLAPA’s financial resilience and national voice while protecting support for people affected by cleft lip and palate. Her leadership helped grow income to £1.8 million in the last financial year. 

Winner: Dr Alex Rhys OBE 

Alex has led a substantial turnaround at the Infection Prevention Society, reducing its annual structural deficit by around £160,000 and turning its conference from a loss into a surplus, while continuing his work across national organisations and the LGBTQ+ community.

The International Leader of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose leadership is driving impact across borders and contributing to international communities and organisations. 

Runner-up: Jérôme Prieur 

As CEO and co-founder of AUREA Technology, Jérôme connects specialist teams to move quantum photonics from research into usable products. His team has advanced three patent-pending innovations. 

Winner: Dr Roger Achkar 

Roger has brought partners together across countries to tackle waste and environmental challenges through the Global Waste Cleaning Network. His work connects sustainability, research, and practical tools for measuring resource recovery. 

The International Organisation of the Year Award recognises organisations demonstrating leadership and creating meaningful impact internationally. 

Runner-up: Kulika Uganda 

In Yumbe District, Kulika Uganda trained 120 vulnerable young people in liquid soap production and business skills, with 68 participants going on to establish small income-generating businesses. 

Winner: Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group 

The Group’s submission highlighted Dr Ayman Alkhadra’s leadership in strengthening clinical governance, developing staff and bringing its largest private hospital into full operation with a focus on patient care.

The Institute Advocate of the Year Award commends individuals who champion The Institute and its work, helping to extend its reach and strengthen its community. 

Runner-up: Kevin Eastwood 

Kevin has demonstrated a strong commitment to The Institute, achieving Fellowship and completing all MyLeadership+ modules aligned to its five dimensions of leadership. 

Through mentoring with The King’s Trust Future Leaders Programme, he has supported emerging talent while creating opportunities for others to benefit from The Institute. 

Within Microsoft, Kevin continues to champion authentic, human-centred leadership through collaboration, coaching and supporting others to succeed. 

Winner: Beth Evans 

Beth continues to champion The Institute through her work and has achieved a 100% success rate for the Fellowship applications she recommends. 

The Institute Advocate of the Year is the highest award presented by The Institute, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the IoL community.

The Leadership Excellence Award for Organisation spotlights companies demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership development and creating an environment where people can grow and succeed. 

Runner-up: The West Group Limited 

The West Group has involved employees in defining its values and direction, invested in an Institute-accredited leadership programme and created more opportunities for internal development and promotion. 

Winner: Exceed Learning Partnership 

Exceed has made leadership development accessible across its Doncaster schools through a shared framework. In 2026, it reported 92% staff retention and 21 internal promotions, alongside Key Stage 2 results above the national figure.