DFN Project SEARCH Awards 2026
Nominations open!
We are excited to announce that nominations are open for the DFN Project SEARCH Awards 2026!
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This year, you’ll notice some changes to our awards. These changes have been made to ensure our ability to recognise all areas of our incredible partnerships. We have six prestigious award categories and are inviting you to nominate your colleagues and peers.
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Deadline for Nominations
Nominations will close on Sunday 29 March 2026.
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We’re really looking forward to receiving your nominations, as we know there is so much wonderful work happening. If you have any questions about the awards process, please get in touch by emailing conference@dfnprojectsearch.org.
How the Shortlisting Process Works
All nominations will be discussed by an expert panel and a shortlist of three nominees announced by Wednesday 7 April.  Each nominee will receive one free ‘Golden Ticket’ to the DFN Project SEARCH Conference 2026 (in addition to any tickets already purchased or received). 
Winners will be announced at our evening Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner event on April 21.
Our Award Categories​​
Educator of the Year
This award is presented to an educator who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to building the bridge between young people with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic and the world of work.  The recipient will have built strong partnerships with employers and ensured that supported internships are well integrated into their institution. This educator will have engaged senior leaders, promoted the programme widely, and inspired young people to aspire to employment opportunities.
Supported Employment Provider of the Year 
This award recognises a supported employment provider who has excelled in building bridges between businesses and supporting organisations, and advocating for the importance of employer engagement in supported internships. The recipient will have shown an exceptional understanding of follow-on support and how to make the most of access-to-work funding to create sustainable employment opportunities for DFN Project SEARCH graduates. Their advocacy will have shaped business practices, ensuring long-term success for both interns and employers. 
Host Business of the Year 
This award celebrates an employer who has gone above and beyond in supporting the DFN Project SEARCH programme. The recipient will have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for interns, tutors, job coaches, and partners, embedding the programme into the heart of their business. They will be recognised for their outreach efforts, encouraging other employers to take part in the programme and demonstrating the positive impact of their partnership with DFN Project SEARCH within their community. 
Local Authority of the Year 
This award will recognise a Local Authority that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the pursuit of employment outcomes for young people of a DFN Project SEARCH programme.  The recipient will excel at connecting the dots between all members of the partnership, maximising the efforts of the group.  They will have a demonstrable commitment to ensuring a thorough provision is available for young people with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic, in doing so building bridges to employment.
The Lorraine Cameron Award for Diversity and Inclusion 
This award celebrates the efforts of an exceptional equality and diversity professional who has implemented significant changes to their employment practices, ensuring that young people with a learning disability and autism are supported in their transition into employment. The award recognises individuals who have used diversity and inclusion policies to drive systemic changes, whether through new recruitment strategies, innovative training, or broader policy reform. The nominees are professionals who have championed the DFN Project SEARCH programme and fostered inclusive work environments where everyone can thrive. 
The Jurgen Donaldson Award for outstanding DFN Project SEARCH graduate 
This award honours a DFN Project SEARCH graduate who has not only achieved personal career success but has also given back to their community in meaningful ways. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of the DFN Project SEARCH programme by sharing their experience, whether through school talks, engaging with parents and carers, or participating in community and employer events. They will be recognised for lighting the way for their peers and exemplifying leadership through action. 
Awards Based on Outcomes for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
We’re also taking a new approach to our awards based on outcomes for the 2023-2024 academic year, striving hard to recognise all programmes who have delivered unbelievable results in often very challenging circumstances. This year we will be giving awards under four categories – you can find out more about these below.
Founder and Patron’s Award for Significant Achievement or Transformational Impact of the Year
Finally, we will be awarding the Founder and Patron’s Award for Significant Achievement or Transformational Impact of the Year.  This award is supported by the DFN Foundation and recognises an individual or organisation that has made a transformative contribution to the success of DFN Project SEARCH over the past year. The recipient will have played a pivotal role in achieving outstanding outcomes for young people in the programme, setting a new standard for transformative impact and furthering the mission of DFN Project SEARCH. 
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The winner of this award will be contacted before March 6 and will receive one free ‘Golden Ticket’ to the DFN Project SEARCH Conference 2026 (in addition to any tickets already purchased or received).