LoginHero Awards 2026 - Nominations Open!
The CTSI Hero Awards honours those remarkable people who have gone the extra mile for consumers.
The 21th CTSI Hero Awards will take place at the House of Lords on Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 11:00-14:30. Below, you'll find a full list of the award categories and how to enter.
Previous CTSI Heroes include Trading Standards Officers (TSOs), scam victims, charity workers, business owners and even sniffer dogs! Most are nominated by colleagues and partners within the consumer protection landscape - although anyone can nominate, or be nominated!
Deadline for Submission: Friday 25 September 2026
Click HERE to find out how to enter!
Our Awards Categories
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Outstanding Trading Standards Project
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Diversity and Inclusion Award
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CTSI Brian Smith Hero Award
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CTSI Megan Lee Hero Award
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Intellectual Property Award
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Business Award
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Product Safety Initiative
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The Institute’s Hero 2026
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The Motor Ombudsman Star Award
Alternatively, you can download and view all the award categories here: AWARD CATEGORY DOCUMENT
Outstanding Trading Standards Project
The award for Outstanding Trading Standards Project recognises fine examples or effective and well-executed initiatives and projects led by or involving Trading Standards. From collaborative raids between multiple authorities, to joint-enforcement action on a particularly high-priority area, to a Trading Standards officer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to consumer protection, leaving a significant impact on the profession.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Some of our most at risk communities (and businesses) are those that often find themselves excluded from accessing the protections that are available to others. Trading Standards can play a critical role in breaking down these barriers both in terms of embracing diversity and inclusion through the provision of inclusive services.
CTSI is delighted to include a Hero Award that recognises individuals or teams who have done something positive around inclusivity and diversity, either within their organisation, in the community or across the profession. This may include projects or initiatives, involving engagement with all the communities/businesses we serve, by going above and beyond.
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CTSI Brian Smith Hero Award
In honour of the late Brian Smith - a former Trading Standards Officer at Angus Council and CTSI Lead Officer for Doorstep Crime and who was instrumental in the promotion of call blockers. Brian sadly passed away in 2017 and this award is a tribute to his fantastic work in protecting the vulnerable - recognising the bravery of scam victims and the officers that work on these difficult cases.
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CTSI Megan Lee Hero Award
This award is in memory of Megan Lee, who sadly lost her life after suffering a severe allergic reaction to nuts contained in a takeaway meal in 2016. We invited nominations for individuals or teams that showcase projects or initiatives that recognise those that strive to make food safety a key priority. This might be someone from Trading Standards, Environmental Health, someone working at a food charity or perhaps the Food Standards Agency.
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Intellectual Property Award
We are looking for nominations for individuals or groups of people that have worked on a project to combat intellectual property crime. The nominations could be to recognise the great work of a Trading Standards or law enforcement officer or team, the Police, a stakeholder or a brand holder that works in the field of intellectual property to stop counterfeit products entering into the UK marketplace.
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Business Award
This award recognises businesses, or individuals within a business, or outstanding projects and initiatives that have demonstrated their commitment to consumer protection, going beyond regulatory duties to make sure products are safe and customers are satisfied. We’re looking for nominees that have either worked closely with Trading Standards, or have made significant contributions to the field of consumer protection.
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Product Safety Initiative
The Product Safety Award celebrates individuals, projects or initiatives that demonstrate commitment to ensure products in the marketplace are safe. From electrical product safety to dangerous chemicals, we’re looking for nominations that put the safety of consumers above all else.
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The Institute’s Hero 2026
The Institute’s Hero 2025 is a special award given by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to the individual we believe has made an unrivalled impression on consumer protection in the UK. This award is chosen by CTSI staff directly, will not necessarily be awarded every year, and although this category is not open to nominations, we are very happy to receive recommendations.
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The Motor Ombudsman (TMO) Star Award
This award recognises individual team members and businesses accredited to one or more of the four Motor Industry Codes of Practice, that have gone the extra mile in the eyes of consumers. This could be for example, during the repair or purchase of a new or used vehicle, or when submitting a warranty claim or enquiry. The TMO presented the Star Award.
★How to Enter★
The easiest way to enter is via our online nomination form: CTSI Hero Award 2026 Nomination Form
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to complete a paper form, download it here: NOMINATION DOCUMENT, then email your completed nomination to [email protected].
Please use one method only — there's no need to submit via the online form and email a form in as well.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 25 September 2026. Late entries can't be considered, so get yours in early.
If you've got any questions about the categories or the nomination process, the policy team is happy to help — just drop us a line at [email protected].
Our Awards Sponsors
Are you interested in supporting a CTSI Hero Award?
For more information about becoming an Award Sponsor at this prestigious event celebrating consumer protection heroes from across the UK, please contact: [email protected]
