We’re a Finalist in the British Training Awards 2026

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been named a Finalist in the British Training Awards 2026.

With a range of categories including ‘Training Initiative of the Year’, ‘AI in Learning Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Leader of the Year’, the British Training Awards sets out to discover and celebrate the teams and individuals who are truly passionate about L&D’s role in building a thriving workforce.

This year, a record 423 entries were received from organisations across the UK, and so competition to be named a Finalist was truly exceptional. Firms taking part range from start-up pioneers to tech unicorns, global titans, not-for-profits and everything in between.

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 at Pinnacle Pet 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, L&D Leader / 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

Kelly Gibb, Head of Learning, commented:

“We are delighted to be named a Finalist in the British Training Awards 2026. This recognition reflects the passion, expertise and dedication of our Learning & Development team, who are committed to helping our colleagues grow and succeed.

We are incredibly proud of the impact our training has across Oakland Care, supporting our teams to thrive every day.”

We’ll find out if we’ve won at an awards ceremony in Covent Garden, London on the 15th July 2026.

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and the British Training Awards, said: “Investment in learning and development is non-negotiable for organisations to succeed in 2026. As we navigate a profound industrial shift, those 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 Finalists.”

The British Training Awards is powered by New Possible. New Possible helps leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change.