We’re delighted to share that all four of AKG’s nominations have now been shortlisted as finalists in the 2025 ERSA Employability Awards, the sector’s biggest celebration of innovation, dedication and impact.
Following the first wave of announcements last week, two further AKG teams have now joined the list of finalists. Together, these four nominations reflect the depth and diversity of AKG’s work across employment, learning, health and community investment.
The finalists are:
• Social Value in Action (AKG-wide) – Adding Social Value Award
Our Social Value in Action initiative is about making a difference beyond contracts, building social, environmental and economic value into everything we do. Since 2021, we’ve delivered projects such as Community Café events, our £1 million Community Investment Fund, and innovative digital inclusion work. Together, these have created over £1.2 million in measurable social value, empowering thousands of residents and community groups.
• AKG Health – Health Solutions for Work Award
Our AKG Health team continues to show how health and employment go hand in hand. In 2025 alone, they delivered 8,446 health interventions for more than 3,000 people, with 69% improving how they manage their health and 85% improving lifestyle and wellbeing. One in five participants went on to find work, while others started their own businesses or joined training. With a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating and exceptional participant feedback, the team’s compassionate, evidence-based approach is making a lasting difference.
• AKG Learning ESOL Team – Tailored Employment Support Award
The AKG Learning ESOL Team helps people break through language barriers and unlock new opportunities. Working alongside AKG Employment, First College and Ingeus, they run ESOL for Work, Pre-Entry and In-Work programmes that meet learners where they are. Since 2022, they’ve supported 8,000 learners through 1,400 interventions, achieving an 83% completion rate and helping 38% progress into jobs, training or further education. With 100% staff retention and exceptional learner feedback, this dedicated team shows how language learning can build confidence, community and independence.
• AKG Community Investment Fund – Grow Digital Leicester (Belina Grow CIC) – Introducing AI Award
Backed by the AKG Community Investment Fund, Grow Digital Leicester is showing how AI can open doors for women who’ve been excluded from work. Using the Grow App, participants learn to use free, safe AI tools to build confidence, digital skills and employability. From writing CVs to practising interviews. The project will support 240 women, with 20 becoming App Ambassadors to share their knowledge across ten community partners. It’s a brilliant example of how technology, when used responsibly, can empower rather than exclude, and prepare people for the jobs of the future.
All four shortlisted projects will now go forward to the 13th ERSA Employability Awards ceremony, taking place on 25 November at the Park Plaza, London.
Congratulations to every colleague and partner involved in these inspiring initiatives. Being shortlisted in every category we entered is a remarkable achievement and a clear reflection of the passion, innovation and impact that AKG teams deliver every day.
We’d also like to give a special mention to our Delivery Partners, Twin and Acorn Training, who each have an advisor shortlisted in the Frontline Advisor category, sponsored by AKG. It’s fantastic to see the brilliant work of our delivery partners recognised alongside AKG’s own teams, showing the strength and shared impact of our partnerships across the sector.
We’ll share updates after the awards ceremony, and with fingers firmly crossed, we hope to be celebrating even more success for Team AKG next month.
For the full list of finalists, click here.
