Social Partnerships

Improving society through the power of effective partnerships


Our partnership network encompasses some of the most reputable thinking on key workplace and business issues in the UK.  Supporting our Special Category Awards, collaborating on research and providing access to their expertise, these organisations offer Best Workplaces Programme participants a wealth and depth of knowledge to the learning available, helping them develop and apply best practice in their workplace. 

Our current Social Partner network includes:

  • Business in the Community
  • University of Cambridge Programme for Industry
  • AccountAbility
  • Employers’ Forum on Disability

Our Special Category Awards


Our special category awards were designed to both recognise and promote excellence in specific areas within organisations participating in the Best Workplaces Programme.  Winners demonstrate a plethora of programmes and initiatives that are unique, innovative and in a league of their own.  Candidates are shortlisted through the Trust index® survey based on their employees’ perception of the relevant topic and answers to an additional submission assessed by our expert partners. 

Corporate Responsibility Special Category Awards


Supported by AccountAbility, this award recognises companies who actively integrate Corporate Responsibility into the organisation so that it is ingrained into their culture.  It commends companies that not only take an active interest in maintaining a high standard in managing and reporting on their environmental, social and economic impact,  but also those using innovative ways of ensuring it actually happens.  For instance, linking performance management in Corporate Responsibility to staff reward and remuneration packages. 

Disability Excellence Special Category Award


Supported by the Employers’ Forum on Disability, this award will commend an organisation for its achievements in promoting disability equality. The aim is to highlight organisations that incorporate a number of best practices that go beyond legal compliance; and are also able to demonstrate that a positive attitude towards disability is embedded in their workplace culture rather than being a simple ‘add on’. The purpose of this special award is to emphasise the importance of disability as a workplace issue.

Health & Wellbeing Special Category Award


Supported by Business in the Community, this award recognises how organisations demonstrate a genuine sense of caring for its employees’ health and wellbeing.  In particular, it assesses the support and benefits they provide their staff and the efforts they make to promote a healthy lifestyle whilst providing and actively encouraging a good work-life balance.

Learning & Leadership for sustainability Special Category Award


Supported by University of Cambridge Programme for Industry, this award recognises how organisations are helping their employees and senior leadership to understand and respond to strategic socio-environmental challenges. In particular, it assesses how organisations are attempting to understand and provide their people with the skills required to effectively address society’s broader socio-environmental issues, such as climate change.