Categories
Please make sure you have read and understood the FAQs 2025 document.
Rules of Entry
Application Fee:
The cost is €70.00 per award category application.
(€70.00 + 23% VAT)
Payment:
The fee(s) can be paid HERE. (See F.A.Q for further details).
Awards Entries:
- Entry must be based on the last 12 months ONLY.
- Submissions for each category are only acceptable through this portal. We cannot accept application forms by email nor by hard copy posted to the ERF office.
- PLEASE NOTE THE WORD RESTRICTIONS on each application.
Closing Date:
- Strictly 5pm on Thursday 18th September 2025.
- The awards application portal closes at 5pm sharp.
- NO applications will be accepted after this time so ensure you upload your entries in plenty of time!
Interviews:
- Face-to-face interviews only take place for the Best New Agency, Agency of the Year and Consultant of the Year Awards.
- Interviews will be scheduled for mid to late October.
- We will give as much notice as possible regarding any interviews, should an entrant be selected.
- All other awards are judged on digital entry only, with the winners being announced at the Gala Ball.
Gala Ball:
If you enter for an award, you must have a seat booked for the Awards Gala Ball on Nov 28th in the Shelbourne Hotel.
To book your seats, please see HERE.
***The ERF is a GDPR compliant organisation. Please be advised that as a necessity of this process, the information you share in your application form will be shared with the judging panel, which comprises of three independent judging panels, the identity of whom we are unable to disclose. Your information is not being transferred outside of the EU.
Photographs of the successful finalists will be published on screen on the night of the awards, and photographs of the winning candidate will be published in the national newspapers, on the ERF website and on screen on the night. Publication of photographs is a mandatory condition of your application and therefore your consent is not required.
Small Agency of the year (1-18 staff)
This award recognises a Small Agency (1-18 staff) that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success within the recruitment industry.
Medium Agency of the year (19 - 49 staff)
This award recognises a Medium agency (19-49 staff) that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the recruitment profession.
Large Agency of the year (50 staff and over)
This award recognises a Large Agency with 50 or more staff, that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the recruitment sector.
Consultant of the Year (Temporary Staffing)
This award recognises a Recruitment Consultant that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Temporary Staffing division.
Consultant of the Year (Permanent Staffing)
This award recognises a Recruitment Consultant that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Permanent Staffing division.
Consultant of the Year (Contract Staffing)
This award recognises a Recruitment Consultant that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Contract Staffing division.
Best Back Office Team 2025
This award is for ‘a TEAM’ to receive a special award in recognition of their significant contribution to their company.
Excellence in Social Value Award
This relates to an initiative by a recruitment consultancy or in-house recruitment/outsourcing team to improve a cultural, economic, educational, health/welfare, or social environment for disadvantaged population(s). Initiatives supporting animal welfare issues would also be eligible. The initiative should reflect a long-term, ongoing commitment of meaningful action with measurable results.
This award also offers entrants the opportunity to describe how the company has advanced the initiative during times of global uncertainty, including international conflicts, and the impact the initiative has had on the company, its staff, and the wider community.
Best Recruitment Marketing Campaign
This award recognises the most effective, innovative and forward-thinking recruitment marketing campaign delivered by a recruitment agency.
The winning campaign will demonstrate how strategic marketing tactics, supported by technology, creativity, and employer branding, have been used.
Judges will be looking for:
• A clear campaign strategy aligned with the business that showcases creative and engaging content or messaging that reflects the employer brand.
• Smart use of channels, tools, and technologies to reach and convert target audiences.
• Evidence of measurable impact, such as increased applications, improved quality of hire, or enhanced brand awareness etc.
Best in Practice: Office & Secretarial
This award recognises a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Office & Secretarial sector.
Best in Practice – Accountancy & Finance
This award showcases a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the accountancy and finance sector within the last 12 months.
Best in Practice: Pharma, Engineering & Science
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Pharma, Engineering & Science sectors.
Best in Practice: Healthcare
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Healthcare sector.
Best in Practice: IT, Telecoms &Technology
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the IT, Telecoms & Technology sector.
Best in Practice: Industrial, Warehousing & Logistics
This award recognises a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Industrial, Warehousing & Logistics sector.
Best in Practice: Hospitality, Events & Catering
This award showcases a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Hospitality, Events and Catering sectors.
Best New Agency
This award celebrates a newly established recruitment agency (strictly established within the last 3 years) that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and impact in a short period. It recognises the agency's ability to quickly establish itself as a leader in the profession.
Best Agency Online
This award recognises a recruitment agency that excels in the creative use of technology and innovative strategies to connect top talent with the right opportunities. It showcases an agency that consistently delivers outstanding results, demonstrating excellence in candidate placement, client relationships, and adaptability in the ever-evolving recruitment landscape. Importantly, this award is for an agency that maintains a vital human element in driving its online success, not just a recruitment app or platform.
Best in Practice - A Specialism
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates outstanding expertise and excellence within a specific industry or niche.
Excellence in DE&I (Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity Strategy) Award
This award will recognise the best example of an effective diversity, equitable, and inclusive workplace within the recruitment sector. Open to recruitment agencies of all sizes, it celebrates those who not only develop strong DE&I strategies but also bring them to life through meaningful action and measurable impact. The award honours both the strategic vision and the practical implementation of initiatives that foster fairness, representation, and a sense of belonging for all employees.
Judges will be looking for:
- A well thought out DE&I strategy with clear initiatives which promote inclusion for everyone in the workplace.
- Measurable outcomes of the strategy and a business which responds to ensure ongoing improvement to the way the business deals with DE&I
** 2 testimonials will be required for this submission which should describe the impact that the company's DE&I has on them. NB. testimonials will need verification by the contact person stated.
Unsung Hero Award 2025
This award is for ‘AN INDIVIDUAL’ to receive a special award in recognition of their significant contribution to their company.