Award categories
Demonstrating impact
The Demonstrating impact award recognises organisations that are able to clearly demonstrate their effectiveness, and their ability to learn from what works. We're interested in:
- how you measure the difference your service is making
- about your methodologies and the tools used
- how the evidence is being used to shape the support you provide to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Tell us about how your evidence-driven approach enables your organisation to do better, whether that's through tailoring your services to better meet the needs of the people your work with, allocate resources more effectively, or help you advocate for policy change based on proven outcomes.
Excellent support
The Excellent support award celebrates the heart of homelessness delivery; those core support services that make a real difference in peoples’ lives. Whether it's through day provision, an accommodation service, an outreach team, or specialist health care, we're interested in initiatives that can show tangible results in supporting individuals out of homelessness. We are seeking:
- inclusive and accessible services
- services that provide tailored support to meet individuals’ needs and aspirations
Share how your organisation's person focused approach is making a difference and helping to end or prevent someone from experiencing homelessness.
Innovative housing
Ensuring there is access to suitable, affordable housing is critical to preventing and resolving homelessness. But faced with a chronic housing shortage this can be extremely challenging. The Innovative housing award celebrates organisations that are creative in how they are increasing access to appropriate housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We are interested in all housing models, including:
- long-term move-on accommodation
- “off the streets” accommodation options
- specialist supported housing
- Housing First provision
It may include how you have sourced alternative funding, formed an unusual partnership, acquired access to empty properties, developed community-led housing or any other initiative that has increased your access to affordable housing. We want to hear about the approach you are taking, the outcomes the service is achieving and what is enabling you to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Successful partnerships
The Successful partnerships award celebrates organisations within the homelessness sector that can demonstrate exceptional collaboration and partnership initiatives. This award acknowledges partnerships that extend beyond traditional boundaries, whether they involve:
- corporate collaborations
- partnerships with other public sector entities such as probation or hospitals
- engagement in local strategic alliances
We're interested in hearing about the innovative ways your organisation has formed a partnership to address homelessness; the collaborative efforts undertaken, and the impactful outcomes achieved as a result. We invite you to share how this partnership has contributed to advancing your mission, improving service delivery, and ultimately making a difference in the lives of those affected by homelessness.
Workforce development
The Workforce development award celebrates organisations within the homelessness sector that prioritise the professional growth and wellbeing of their staff. We are looking for initiatives that create a thriving, skilled workforce; this could include projects that:
- provide opportunities for skills and knowledge growth
- create the space for career development
- promote a supportive and nurturing working environment
- have effective methods to retain staff
We are interested in hearing about your organisation's approach to workforce development, the tangible outcomes achieved, and how it is making a positive impact on the lives of both staff and the people they support.
The Judges
The Excellence Awards judging panel is made up of external judges and judges from Homeless Link. They bring a variety of experiences and perspectives, as well as a passion for the sector to ensure that all applications are fairly considered and award winners really stand-out.
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Dr. Lígia Teixeira
Chief Executive, Centre for Homelessness Impact
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Kathy Mohan
Former Chief Executive, Housing Justice
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Sally Daghlian OBE
Former Chief Executive, Praxis
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Natalie King
Head of Development, St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity
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Rick Henderson
Chief Executive, Homeless Link
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