We’re a Winner in the British Training Awards 2026!
We’re thrilled to announce that Ask for Angela has been named as the National Not for Profit Initiative of the Year in the British Training Awards 2026!
The British Training Awards celebrate the organisations and individuals setting the standard for excellence in learning and development. This year saw a record-breaking 423 entries spanning from start-up pioneers to tech unicorns, global titans, not-for-profits and everything in between, making it the most competitive year to date. To be recognised as the Not for Profit Initiative of the Year amongst such an outstanding field is an incredible achievement and reflects the growing impact of Ask for Angela's commitment to creating safer socialising spaces through high-quality training and support.
Winners were revealed at a special celebration event in Covent Garden, London, hosted by comedian Lucy Porter. A range of categories were awarded, including ‘Training Initiative of the Year’, ‘Leadership Development Initiative of the Year' and ‘Leader of the Year’.
The British Training Awards 2026 Judges include:
· Paul Buckland-White, Senior Director of Global Learning and Development at Smith+Nephew
· Shannon Drew, Director of Learning and Development at IRIS Software Group
· Kate Large, Director of Learning & Development at Mitie
· Sarah Maclot, Talent & Culture Director, UK & Europe at Doubtless Pet Care Group
· Keith McDougall, Global Director of Learning & Development at Bupa
· Chris McLaughlin, Head of Academies at Booking.com
· Jenny Morgan, Talent & Capability Director at Royal London
· Gemma Paterson, Head of Culture Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group
· Matt Porter, Head of Learning and Development at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK
· Prachi Prasad, Global Head of Leadership & Learning Development at dunnhumby
· Jodie Pritchard, Director of Learning & Development at Barnardo's
· Victoria Shaw, People & Culture at TFE Hotels
· Dr Leanne Simpson, Global Director Training & Technical Documentation at Smiths Detection
· Thomas Stroppel, Head of Learning and Development at Dishoom
· Karen Suddards, Global Learning Manager at Bentley Motors
· Dr Paul Taylor-Pitt, OD Consultant and Director at Metamorphosish
· Michelle Tindale, Director of Academy & Advisory at UKAS
· Danielle Ware, Head of People Development at Busy Bees
· Liggy Webb, Author, Presenter and Consultant
This award marks another significant achievement for Ask for Angela, building on an exceptional first seven months of the year. During this time, we unveiled our new brand identity and website and launched the National Ask for Angela Pledge at Wembley Stadium, which has already secured more than 800 sign-ups in just four months. We also worked with the Western Australian Government to support the implementation of the scheme across Perth, with it now expanding throughout the entirety of Western Australia, and launched the scheme across the entire Unite Students portfolio. In addition, our campaign was showcased on the big screens during the England vs Spain fixture at Wembley Stadium, and we introduced a new online training platform in partnership with Chrysalis Courses, further strengthening the resources available to venues and organisations implementing the scheme. Together, these achievements reflect the continued growth, reach and impact of Ask for Angela.
Sylvia Oates, CEO of Ask for Angela said: "We are incredibly proud to have been named Not for Profit Initiative of the Year at the British Training Awards 2026. This award is a huge milestone for Ask for Angela and is a testament to the passion, dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the thousands of venues, organisations and partners who have embraced the scheme and its mission.
Our goal has always been to make social spaces safer for everyone, and this recognition reinforces the importance of providing venues with the training, guidance and confidence to support those who may need help. We'd like to thank everyone who has implemented the scheme and helped it grow into the initiative it is today. This award belongs to all of us, and we're excited to continue working together to create safer environments across the UK and beyond."
Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and the British Training Awards, said: "As we navigate a profound industrial shift, organisations equipping their people with new skills are actively building tomorrow's economy. The British Training Awards celebrate the visionary teams and individuals driving this transformation. Congratulations to all our Winners, Highly Commended and Finalists."
The British Training Awards is powered by New Possible, an employee insight platform. New Possible helps leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change.
With the year only just past its halfway point, we are looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to expand its impact both across the UK and internationally.