Frequently asked questions
Do you have a question about the Disability Smart Impact Awards? Read our FAQs below.
Disability Smart Awards FAQs
If your question isn’t answered here please contact us.
When are entries open?
We open for entries on Wednesday 3 December 2025.
Who can enter?
Disability Smart Award categories are open to all UK, international and global organisations of all sizes, from a wide range of sectors that want to share the work they have done to support disability inclusion for employees or consumers.
What are the categories?
There are 14 categories to enter and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Why should my organisation enter?
Winning a Business Disability Forum Disability Smart Impact Award gives your organisation the opportunity to showcase and celebrate what you are doing to improve disability inclusion and inspire others.
How do I enter?
All entries must be submitted on our online awards platform, Award Force. A link will be available here on 3 December.
Can I add supporting evidence to the entry form?
Yes, but this is optional. You can upload a maximum of 2 attachments with your entry form. The following formats are permitted, with the following extensions: .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .eps, .mp3, .mov, .mp4. We particularly welcome content that shows the positive impact of your entry on disabled people.
What are you looking for in a winning entry?
We are often asked for feedback, but due to the number of entries received we aren’t able to feedback on individual entries. Watch our ‘How to write a winning Disability Smart Award entry’ video for some tips.
How do I get information in other formats?
To request any information in an alternative format please email awards@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk
Can I enter multiple categories?
Yes, you can enter as many categories as you like, but refer to the award category information and judging criteria and make sure you adapt your entries accordingly.
Can I edit my entry?
You can continue to edit your entry until the closing date but once you have submitted your entry and supporting evidence (optional), we are unable to accept any changes.
Can entries stay confidential?
If you are a winner you agree to Business Disability Forum promoting your entry as an example of disability-smart business practice on the website, socials and in the media. If any of the information in your entry form or supporting evidence needs to remain confidential, please make this very clear on your entry form when prompted to do so.
Does my organisation need to be a member of Business Disability Forum to enter?
Business Disability Forum membership is not required. Any UK or global organisation can enter the Disability Smart Award categories.
How much does it cost to enter?
It is free to enter all categories.
How are entries being judged?
Categories have two Business Disability Forum judges and one external judge. The judges decisions are final.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at our ceremony in London and online in April 2026.
When is the awards ceremony and who can attend?
Shortlisted organisations and their guests, are invited to attend our awards ceremony (free of charge) in April in London and online.
Are there sponsorship opportunities?
The 2025 Awards were kindly sponsored and hosted by Freshfields. Everway and Microsoft were category sponsors. If your organisation is interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities, get in touch
If you require this content in a different format, contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.
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