GUIDANCE & CRITERIA
The Rising Star awards are open for nominations from 27 January 2026.
We are accepting four types of nominations for this year's Rising Star Awards:
Rising Star Individual
A female individual who works within one of the categories whose current position is below director level, within the UK
Rising Star Champion
A senior individual of any gender who is championing gender equality, either inside or outside their organisation, within the UK
Rising Star Company
A UK based company that clearly articulates their commitment to supporting their female talent pipeline
Rising Star Men for Gender Balance
A senior man who is championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation, within the UK
Nominating an individual, Champion, Men for Gender Balance or a Company is straightforward. Simply tell us why you believe the individual/company you are nominating deserves a Rising Star award. Before nominating, please ensure you have checked your entry against the criteria set out below and viewed our terms and conditions.
- Open to all women regardless of age
- Nominees must be below senior management level (e.g. below Director level)
- Nominees must be working within the industry of the category for which they are nominated
- Nominees must be working in the UK
- Someone who is or who has the potential to be a role model in their business or sector
- Someone who strives to achieve success and results
- Someone who gives back or inspires others
- Someone who is recognised by others as having the potential to become a future leader in their industry
- Open to all genders
- Nominees must be Director level (or equivalent) or above
- Nominees must demonstrate that they have actively supported the female pipeline either through their current work role or external activities
- Nominees must be working in the UK
- Open to all UK-based companies
- Company must be able to provide evidence of gender-based initiatives that have successfully supported and developed their female talent pipeline
- A senior man who is championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation.
- Nominees must be at least Director level (or equivalent) or above
- Nominees must demonstrate that they have actively supported the female pipeline either through their current work role or external activities and must be working in the UK.
Once a nomination is submitted, the nominee will be sent a series of questions by the WeAreTheCity team to respond to (including supplying any supporting information requested) by the closing date (see below). If the supporting documentation is not received by this deadline, WeAreTheCity will be unable to process the nomination and the entry will be void.
Once nominations have closed, all completed entries will be sent to our judges. Once the judging has concluded, WeAreTheCity will publish the winners on to the Rising Star website and via our social media channels: LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
The winners will consist of three women from each industry category, three from the Champion category, and three from the Men for Gender Balance, alongside one winner for the Company of the Year award.
All winners will be announced on 20 May 2026 and winners will be invited to celebrate on 08 July 2026.
Please be advised that the venue has significant limitations regarding wheelchair access to the stage.
- Nominations open – 27 January 2026
- Nominations closed – 10 March 2026
- Supporting information deadline – 17 March 2026
- Winner’s announced – 20 May 2026
- Award’s Ceremony – 8 July 2026
Please refer to our frequently asked questions if you require any additional information or email Info@wearethecity.com