Building Heroes 2026 Awards: Nominations Are Now Open

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We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the Building Heroes 2026 Awards, which will be presented at our flagship Annual Gala Dinner and Fundraising Evening on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the magnificent Drapers’ Hall, London.

The Building Heroes Awards were launched last year, with the Minister for Armed Forces, The Rt Hon Al Carns, presenting awards to our very worthy winners. It was a proud and memorable moment for Building Heroes, giving us the opportunity to recognise the people, organisations and partnerships that make a meaningful difference to our learners and the wider Armed Forces community.

This year, we are once again inviting nominations from across our community of colleagues, alumni, sponsors, partners, employers and supporters.

The awards are designed to celebrate those who go above and beyond to support Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists, military family members and Building Heroes learners. Whether through advocacy, mentoring, employment support, industry insight, partnership working, community contribution or long-term commitment, these awards are an opportunity to shine a light on those creating confidence, opportunity and positive change.

The award categories open for nomination are:

• Armed Forces Network / Allies of the Year
  Recognising a business network, employer group or organisation showing exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community and the Building Heroes mission.
• Veteran Community Champion Award
  Recognising someone who gives back to the Veteran community and supports successful transition, belonging and opportunity for the wider Armed Forces community.
• Industry Advocate of the Year
  Celebrating an individual from construction or the built environment who actively champions Building Heroes and helps create meaningful opportunities for learners.
• Industry Inspiration Award
  Recognising a partner or employer that inspires learners through real industry insight, site engagement, mentoring, work experience or employment support.
• Strategic Partnership Award
  Celebrating a sustained partnership that has made a significant and meaningful contribution to Building Heroes, its learners and its wider mission.

Nominations do not need to be lengthy, but they should be clear, specific and evidence-led wherever possible. Short examples, links, figures, feedback, photos, testimonials or case studies are all welcome. The nomination forms also include award criteria, judging guidance and a helpful structure to support clear and consistent submissions.

Completed nomination forms and supporting evidence should be submitted by no later than 30 June 2026 to:BHEvents@buildingheroes.org.uk

Following the nomination deadline, a selected judging panel made up of representatives from our Board of Trustees and Friends of Building Heroes will complete the judging process, with shortlists announced at the end of the summer. The awards will then be presented on Thursday 8 October 2026.

If you know an individual, organisation, employer, partner, network or supporter who deserves to be recognised, we would love to hear from you.

To request a nomination form, please contact:
BHEvents@buildingheroes.org.uk

Let’s celebrate the people and partnerships helping to build confidence, create opportunity and change futures across the Building Heroes community.

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