2026 Categories
Please make sure you have read and understood the FAQs 2026 document.
Rules of Entry
Application Fee:
The cost is €75.00 per award category application.
(€75.00 + 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.
- Strictly 5pm on Tuesday 8th September 2026.
- 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!
- 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.
If you enter for an award, you must have a seat booked for the Awards Gala Ball on Nov 27th 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.
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 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 Back Office Team 2026
This award is for ‘a TEAM’ to receive a special award in recognition of their significant contribution to their company.
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 Use of AI in Recruitment Services
This award recognises ERF member organisations that have shown genuine innovation in the deployment or development of AI, in the delivery of recruitment /employment services. It rewards not merely the adoption of AI, but it's responsible, ethical and effective integration, in a way that advances candidate experience, client service and operational standards, while still maintaining full compliance with applicable law and high standards of GDPR.
Entries will be assessed on the quality of implementation, the strength of the governance underpinning it, and the measurable outcomes achieved. We are looking for an entrant that treats AI as a means of supporting human judgement and creativity, not replacing it. Strong entries will pair real innovation with a clear answer to a simple question: how do you know your AI is being used fairly, lawfully and well?
Judges will be looking for:
- A clear, innovative AI use case that enhances recruitment outcomes for clients, candidates, or workers.
- Evidence that AI augments, not replaces, human judgement, with meaningful oversight of decisions affecting people.
- Strong data privacy practices and respect for candidate rights, including transparency, explainability, and the ability to question AI-driven outcomes.
- Proportionate governance with defined ownership, oversight, and accountability.
- Genuine workforce engagement and buy-in, including safe channels to raise concerns and a focus on upskilling rather than eroding capability.
- Measurable results demonstrating real-world effectiveness.
** 2 testimonials will be required for this submission: One from a client and one from an employee/candidate who has experienced the AI system in practice. (Testimonials do not count towards the word count)
NB. testimonials will need verification by the contact person stated.
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 in Practice: Office & Secretarial
This award recognises a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Office & Secretarial 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: Healthcare
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Healthcare 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: Hospitality, Events & Catering
This award showcases a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Hospitality, Events and Catering sectors.
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 - A Specialism
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates outstanding expertise and excellence within a specific industry or niche.
Best in Practice: Pharma, Engineering & Science
This award celebrates a recruitment agency that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Pharma, Engineering & Science sectors.
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.
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.
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.
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 (Temporary Staffing)
This award recognises a Recruitment Consultant that demonstrates exceptional expertise and success in the Temporary 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.
Unsung Hero Award 2026
This award is for ‘AN INDIVIDUAL’ to receive a special award in recognition of their significant contribution to their company.