What the judges will be looking for

• The project has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need.
• The project has made appropriate use of technology from the options available.
• There is demonstrable evidence of a successful implementation strategy, including alignment with organisational goals, engagement with key stakeholders, marketing, support and evaluation.
• The overall learning strategy has been effective.
• The project has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.
• The project displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• The project represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and quantitative and qualitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The project has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need.
• The project has made appropriate use of technology from the options available.
• There is demonstrable evidence of a successful implementation strategy, including alignment with organisational goals, engagement with key stakeholders, marketing, support and evaluation.
• The overall learning strategy has been effective.
• The project has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.
• The project displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.

The project represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and quantitative and qualitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

• The design has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need.
• Text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements have been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• Interactivity has been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• The design represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered.
• The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the design has been positive.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about learner and other key stakeholder reaction with appropriate quantitative and qualitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

• The design has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need.
• Text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements have been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• Interactivity has been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• The design represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered.
• The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the design has been positive.

What the judges will be looking for

• There was a clear rationale for the adoption of AI to meet a defined and measurable business or performance need.
• The application of specific AI tools, methods or approaches to learning displays innovation or originality that has been used to positive effect.
• The specific AI tools, methods or approaches applied have enabled the organisation to achieve aims or objectives that would otherwise not be realistically achievable.
• The use of specific AI tools, methods or approaches for learning has delivered the desired impact and/or return on investment, particularly in comparison to any alternatives considered.
• The use of AI tools, methods or approaches is grounded in safe and responsible practices and shows consideration of human impact.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

Note that this category is designed for submissions that focus on using AI to solve a particular learning or performance problem in the business, and not on merely demonstrating AI product features and functionality. Entries from vendors submitting their AI product should therefore explore how it has made a difference for a specific client in meeting a defined and measurable business or performance need.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

Judges will also be looking for evidence of impact at two levels: the difference the solution made to the employees it was designed to serve, and the difference it made to the L&D function delivering it. If your solution was innovative but you cannot yet show what changed as a result, this may not be the right category for you this year.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There is a clear and compelling rationale for AI-driven L&D transformation in response to changing business or work requirements.
• The use of AI has led to a meaningful transformation in how L&D operates, rather than the implementation of isolated or incremental solutions.
• The application of AI tools, methods or approaches has enabled outcomes that would not have been realistically achievable otherwise.
• There is clear evidence of impact from the transformation, appropriate to its scope and maturity.
• The use of AI tools, methods or approaches is grounded in safe and responsible practices and shows consideration of human impact.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

The distinction from the other AI categories is scope and ambition. Judges are not looking for a well-executed point solution, but rather evidence that AI has changed the game for L&D as a function. Entries should demonstrate outcomes that would not have been achievable without AI, grounded in how a solution was applied inside a specific organisation.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There is a clear and well-defined approach to enabling AI adoption across the organisation, aligned to business goals and workforce needs.
• The methods, tools or approaches used are appropriate for building AI capability given the organisation's goals and context.
• The initiative has delivered AI capability at significant scale across the workforce, with evidence of meaningful reach and depth.
• There is clear evidence that this capability has translated into real-world application and organisational impact.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

Judges are looking for evidence of scale, ambition, and genuine capability transfer. Entries should demonstrate that employees came away with skills they could apply, and that L&D played a meaningful strategic role in making that happen.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There was a clear rationale for the use of social and collaborative technologies to meet the requirement.
• Social and collaborative technologies have been appropriately chosen to support the requirement.
• The use of social and collaborative technologies was effectively enabled and supported.
• The target group has participated significantly in the use of social collaborative technologies.
• The use of social and collaborative technologies has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The programme has a clearly defined set of goals that are integrated with post-onboarding performance requirements.
• Text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements have been used in a way that reflects organisational culture and values.
• The employee’s onboarding experience has been appropriately personalised.
• The programme displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• The programme has been well received by new employees.
• The programme has had a measurable impact on speed to competence and new staff retention rates.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The project delivers an excellent learning experience to address a clearly defined business need.
• The project demonstrates compliance with recognised accessibility standards (such as WCAG 2.2 AA), with evidence of how the standards were interpreted and implemented within the learning solution.
• The project demonstrates how diverse learner access needs have been considered and addressed to create a better, more flexible experience for all.
• The design and implementation were shaped by the perspectives of people with disabilities and access needs.
• The project represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered in optimising for accessibility and inclusion.
• The focus on accessibility and inclusion has made a clear and demonstrable impact on successfully meeting the business need and delivering value to the organisation.
• The learning experience has been effective and positively received by a diverse learner audience and stakeholders alike.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You need to provide evidence that you meet the standards set out in the category description. Evidence could include an accessibility statement, an accessibility testing report, or a clear example of how the standards are met. Any claims about impact that you make in your submission should include supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The new product introduces a clearly original concept or approach that meaningfully enhances how learning is designed, delivered, supported, enhanced or managed.
• The new product demonstrates credible early benefits to end users, supported by pilots, early adoption, or real-world use.
• The new product is clearly differentiated from existing solutions or prior approaches, beyond incremental feature variation.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

Note that this category is designed to recognise learning products themselves and not specific learning interventions that might have made use of them. Products that have already delivered benefits to their users will have a greater chance of success than those that are in development or only just launched.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and quantitative and qualitative data. Comments from individual users will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data. Comments from leading commentators in the field will also carry some weight.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The innovation represents a substantial change from the product’s prior state, adding capabilities or leading to outcomes that were not previously possible.
• The innovation has been adopted by end users and has delivered demonstrable benefits in real world use.
• The innovation increases the product’s distinctiveness within its market.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

Note that this category is designed to recognise learning products themselves and not specific learning interventions that might have made use of them. Products that have already delivered benefits to their users will have a greater chance of success than those that are in development or only just launched.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and quantitative and qualitative data. Comments from individual users will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data. Comments from leading commentators in the field will also carry some weight.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There was a clear rationale for the use of a game approach to meet the requirement.
• The use of games has been effectively aligned with learning objectives and outcomes.
• The game displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• The game has successfully contributed to learning.
• The game has contributed to learner engagement, enjoyment and motivation.
• The game has delivered value for money, particularly in comparison with alternative methods.
• The game has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There was a clear rationale for the use of a simulation or virtual environment as an approach to meet the requirement.
• The use of simulations or virtual environments has been effectively aligned with learning objectives and outcomes.
• The simulation or virtual environment displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• Simulations or virtual environments have successfully contributed to learning.
• Simulations or virtual environments have contributed to learner engagement, enjoyment and motivation.
• Simulations or virtual environments have delivered value for money, particularly in comparison with alternative methods.
• The simulation or virtual environment has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• A sound case has been made for the use of online distance learning to meet the requirement.
• Appropriate choices have been made with regard to online tools, techniques and media.
• The content of the programme has been aligned to a clearly identified learning need.
• The programme displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• Learners have been supported effectively, either by tutors or facilitators, or by other specified means.
• Collaboration between learners has been effectively encouraged and facilitated.
• The use of online tools and techniques has achieved the required results in terms of learner satisfaction, take-up and pass rates.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

The submission must show online tools and techniques have improved the distance learning programme in question or effectively replaced other methods and media. Reasons may be financial, logistical, practical or related to enhancing the learning experience.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There is a clear rationale for the mix of other methods with online media within the solution.
• The solution is appropriate to the learning requirements, audience characteristics and practical constraints.
• Effective educational/training methods have been chosen for each phase in the solution.
• The most efficient and flexible learning media (e.g. face-to-face, online, etc.) have been chosen to deliver these methods without compromising their effectiveness.
• The solution includes the elements necessary to ensure effective transfer of learning. • The solution has proved both effective and efficient in practice.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There is a clear rationale for the mix of other methods with online media within the solution.
• The solution is appropriate to the learning requirements, audience characteristics and practical constraints.
• Effective educational/training methods have been chosen for each phase in the solution.
• The most efficient and flexible learning media (e.g. face-to-face, online, etc.) have been chosen to deliver these methods without compromising their effectiveness.
• The solution includes the elements necessary to ensure effective transfer of learning.
• The solution has proved both effective and efficient in practice.
  

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The learning was aligned to a clearly identified organisational need and wider learning and development strategy, with defined and measurable goals.
• Effective strategies were implemented to engage employees, transforming the training from a 'tick-box' exercise to a meaningful and effective learning experience.
• The learning had a measurable impact and helped achieve the organisational goals and strategy in a timely, cost-effective, and successful manner.
• Robust mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of compliance were implemented to ensure sustained adherence to policies, legislation and regulations over time.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above. It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data.

Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The learning platform has contributed to the overall success of the organisation including alignment with organisational goals.
• The learning platform has produced an effective return on investment.
• The learning platform has made effective use of the most appropriate technologies.
• The learning platform has enhanced opportunities for learning, for example through personalisation, increasing speed to deployment of learning materials, improved quality, increasing access to materials or other learners, or building communities of practice.
• The learning platform has been implemented successfully, evidenced by both quantitative and qualitative data.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above. The submission must include a summary of the client’s initial requirements. Supporting evidence from the client and the supplier will be required.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• There was a clear rationale for using a data led approach to meet a defined performance or business need.
• Data from learning, performance, and business systems was connected to proactively identify insights, opportunities, risks or gaps, with clear evidence of the actions taken as a result.
• Data generated was analysed to produce valuable insights related to the performance or business need.
• Data-generated insights were applied effectively to meet the performance or business need.
• Applying data-generated insights had a measurable impact on meeting the performance or business need.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The need for the digital learning transformation was clearly identified, defined and agreed with leaders and other stakeholders.
• The digital learning transformation was designed to deliver effective and lasting organisation-wide improvement.
• The digital learning transformation made appropriate use of available tools and technologies.
• There is demonstrable evidence of a successful implementation strategy, including alignment with organisational goals, engagement with key stakeholders and ongoing evaluation.
• Learners were supported effectively throughout the transformation.
• The project is having a measurable impact in relation to business continuity and individual and organisational performance.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

Judges will want to know how meaningful transformation has been planned, implemented and supported, and what its impact has been on the organisation. Winning entries will need to emphasise the breadth and depth of the transformation, where organisation-wide change has been enabled.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The work of the team addressed clearly identified learning, performance or organisational needs.
• The team applied effective and efficient ways of working that were collaborative and mutually supportive.
• Each team member performed an essential role that demonstrably contributed to the success of the whole team's efforts.
• The team made a demonstrable and highly effective impact in delivering organisational objectives.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The organisation has achieved exceptional and demonstrable results for its customers as a direct result of the learning it has designed and delivered.
• The organisation has demonstrated solid customer service, account management and project management.
• The work of the organisation has made a clear and positive contribution to the wider learning and development community.
• The organisation has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and/or has fostered a supportive and inclusive working environment, contributing to its effectiveness as an employer and its ability to attract, develop, and retain talent.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your submission in action.

You must back up any claims about impact that you make in your submission with supporting evidence and qualitative and quantitative data. Comments from individual learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or quantitative data.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The learning designer demonstrates an understanding of the learning and performance needs of users.
• The learning designer specifies the most appropriate learning interventions within set constraints.
• The learning designer specifies designs that are fit for purpose.
• The learning designer uses consummate writing skills to write materials of the utmost clarity.
• The learning designer shows originality and innovation where this matches the requirement.
• The learning designer has demonstrated consummate communication skills with external clients, with internal project teams.
• The learning designer has specified consistent, high-quality, and effective learning designs over at least four years.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

Evidence for the submissions will normally be based on a portfolio of projects. This should be backed up by testimonial and other supporting evidence from users and other stakeholders. It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your elements of the portfolio in action.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.

What the judges will be looking for

• The learning developer demonstrates a quick and detailed understanding of the requirements of the brief.
• The learning developer produces the most appropriate learning media or software solutions within set constraints.
• The learning developer shows originality and inventiveness where this matches the requirement.
• The learning developer is proactive in seeking out and adopting innovative tools and techniques.
• The learning developer has demonstrated consummate communication skills with external clients and/or internal project teams.
• The learning developer is exemplary in their responsiveness and adaptability, for example by proactively seeking solutions and making suggestions to the learning designer about approaches that are more efficient to build whilst not sacrificing usability.
• The learning developer has produced consistent high quality and effective media or software solutions over a number of years.

What you need to know

The judging panel will score submissions according to how well they fulfil the specific criteria listed above.

Evidence for the submissions will normally be based on a portfolio of projects. This should be backed up by testimonial and other supporting evidence from users and other stakeholders.

It may be strongly beneficial if the judging panel can see your elements of the portfolio in action.

Presentations to the judging panel are required for all shortlisted entries in this category.