The 2026 Inspirational Women of the Year Awards, in association with Marks & Spencer, are now open for nominations. This prestigious event seeks to honour women who have demonstrated exceptional strength, compassion, bravery, perseverance, or outstanding achievements in their communities or professions.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Any woman who has inspired others through her work can be nominated. This includes charity workers, teachers, nurses, carers, trailblazers, or anyone who has made a significant positive impact on their community. The awards aim to recognise women from all walks of life who deserve special honour.
Prizes for Winners
Five national winners will be selected to attend a morning reception with HRH The Princess Royal at St James Palace on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Each winner will also receive a crystal trophy and a £500 M&S gift voucher. Additionally, each winner and one guest will enjoy a private dinner and an overnight stay in a five-star London hotel, with standard class return travel provided.
Support from Princess Anne
The awards are supported by HRH Princess Anne, patron of Sense, a charity that supports over 30,000 disabled people annually. Princess Anne expressed her delight that Sense is the beneficiary this year, highlighting the founders Peggy Freeman and Margaret Brock, who started the organisation to improve support for deafblind children. She praised the awards for honouring women who selflessly work to improve others' lives.
Marks & Spencer's Commitment
Hayley Tatum, Chief People Officer at M&S, stated the company's pride in sponsoring the awards for the third consecutive year. With women comprising around 70% of their workforce and over half of leadership roles, M&S is dedicated to being the best workplace for women. The company has enhanced family support policies, including doubling paid maternity and adoption leave and extending paternity leave to six weeks fully paid.
How to Nominate
To nominate a candidate, fill in the online form provided in the article, or send an email with the nomination details to inspirationalwomen@dailymail.co.uk. The nomination must be no more than 400 words explaining why the candidate deserves to win. The closing date for entries is midnight on May 11, 2026. The Editor's decision is final.
Terms and Conditions
By entering, nominators agree to the terms. Any UK resident may be nominated except employees, agents, and families of the Daily Mail, Marks & Spencer, and Campbell's Production Group. Finalists must be willing to travel to London for a photoshoot on June 2, 2026, and attend the reception on June 3. They must also agree to publicity. Nominations must be received by 11:59 pm on May 11, 2026. Five winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. Finalists will be notified by email or phone by May 25, 2026, and must respond within 24 hours. The promoter is Associated Newspapers Limited, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY.
Privacy Policy
Personal data of nominators and nominees will be processed in accordance with the privacy policy. Data includes names, contact details, achievements, and special category information if relevant. Photos and videos may be used with consent. Data will be retained securely for winners to invite to future events; nomination forms are destroyed after one year. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. For any queries, contact dataprotection@dmgmedia.co.uk or write to the Legal Department at the above address.
