The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) is delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for the BASE Awards 2026, celebrating individuals, teams and organisations making an outstanding contribution to Supported Employment and inclusive employment across the UK.
The BASE Awards celebrate the people and organisations working to change expectations around employment, champion good practice and create opportunities for disabled, neurodivergent and disadvantaged people through good employment.
This year’s nominations highlight the breadth of work taking place across the Supported Employment community, from individuals challenging perceptions and employers embracing inclusive recruitment, to practitioners, teams and organisations developing innovative approaches and delivering meaningful employment outcomes.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination and congratulate everyone who has been shortlisted.
David Grainger Award
The David Grainger Award recognises a disabled person who inspires others to have high aspirations in employment, challenges perceptions around what disabled people can achieve, or has progressed within their chosen career.
Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees:
- Annalise Clark – Altrad
- Grace Routledge – Dunelm
- Isaac Samuels – People’s Voice Media
- Jason Corless – Rangam Consultants
Innovation Award
This award celebrates innovation across the Supported Employment sector and the ideas and approaches helping to improve engagement within Supported Employment.
Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees:
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Surrey Choices
- Thomas Pocklington Trust – Get SEt Progress Internship Programme
Jurgen Donaldson Award
Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees:
- Alicia McDonnell – Manchester Airports Group
- Fay Winterburn – Warwickshire County Council
Learner of the Year
- Jolene Gomez
- Jennie Mills
Large Employer Award
Recognising large employers demonstrating a meaningful commitment to inclusive employment.
Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees:
- DHL Supply Chain
- Leonardo
- Nando’s
Large Supported Employment Team
Celebrating teams delivering Supported Employment and helping people to access and progress in employment.
Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees:
- Enable Works
- Skills and Employment Service – Cheshire West and Chester Council
- Supported Internship Team – Pure Innovations
Practitioner of the Year
Recognising practitioners whose work exemplifies the dedication and impact found across the Supported Employment profession.
Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees:
- Caitlin Henderson
- Massimo Cerro
- Amy Webb
Small/Micro Employer Award
- Nell’s Pizza
- The Grove
- Tow Trust Towbars
Small Supported Employment/Social Enterprise Team
- EmployAble
- Pocklington Trust
- Discovery
- You Trust
Supported Employment Leader
- Louise Dakin
- Katie Godrey
- Shona Howes
- Christine King
- Pamela Llubran
- Ramsay Taylor
- EmployAble
Celebrating our Supported Employment community
Being shortlisted for a BASE Award is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment, creativity and determination found throughout the Supported Employment community.
To everyone who was nominated this year, thank you. Every nomination represents work being done to challenge barriers, strengthen Supported Employment and create better employment opportunities.
And to all of our shortlisted nominees: congratulations. We look forward to celebrating with you in Liverpool.
The winners of the BASE Awards 2026 are due to be announced at the Awards Ceremony in Liverpool on 7 December 2026,as part of the Conference Dinner.
