The Burnt Chef Project Awards

Hospitality’s Mental Health Hero Awards are back for 2026.

Last year, we crowned some truly deserving winners at our awards ceremony at The Bond, celebrating individuals and businesses who are leading the way on wellbeing across the hospitality industry. The stories were powerful, the standard was high, and the impact was undeniable.

Now, we’re opening nominations for 2026, with new categories and more opportunities to recognise those who are driving positive change in hospitality workplaces.

Once again, we’re calling on the industry to help us shine a light on the people and organisations who are putting wellbeing at the heart of how they operate, supporting their teams, and raising the bar for our sector.

Enter here

How it works

The process – as easy as 1, 2, 3

STAGE 1

Award Entries

Simply enter by midnight on
Sunday 8th March.

The judging panel will judge nominees based on the criteria and create a shortlist of the top applicants in each category.

See the categories

STAGE 2

Announcements

The short list will be announced at the end of April and these applicants will be sent to our panel of highly regarded expert judges.

While this is going on, all nominees will be given a ‘Finalist’ badge, which they can use in marketing and promotions.

STAGE 3

Award Ceremony

The final judging will take place in May with winners announced at a fun filled evening of celebration on Monday 22nd June, details to be announced, so watch this space for ticket details.

The winners will be included in special social media posts and invited to share their experience of winning an award with the hospitality community. All winners will be given a free digital badge they can use on all social channels, PR and marketing material.

Be part of it

What’s next?

Head to our submissions page and nominate your
Hospitality Mental Health Heroes!

Enter here

Awards Categories

Mental Health Champion of the Year

For an individual who has driven positive change in mental health, culture and wellbeing across hospitality. This award recognises leadership, advocacy and action that has had a clear and positive impact on others.

Open to leaders, managers and individuals driving change through action and advocacy.

Wellbeing Innovation Award

Celebrating a new tool, idea, initiative, campaign or system that has creatively improved mental health outcomes in hospitality.

Open to organisations and individuals introducing fresh, effective approaches to wellbeing.

Learning & Development Excellence Award

Recognising exceptional mental health training, learning programmes or professional development delivered by an organisation, college, training provider or internal team. This award celebrates education that builds capability, confidence and long-term impact.

Open to internal teams, colleges, training providers and education partners.

Diversity & Inclusion for Wellbeing Award

Recognising a business or organisation where inclusive practices have strengthened mental health, belonging and psychological safety. This award celebrates actions that reduce barriers, support underrepresented groups and actively improve wellbeing outcomes in the workplace.

Entries must demonstrate a clear link between inclusion and mental health outcomes.

Hospitality Wellbeing Workplace of the Year

For a hospitality venue, team or business that has built an outstanding culture of care, respect and wellbeing in the workplace today. This award recognises what is being done right now to support people on the ground.

Supply Chain Wellbeing Workplace of the Year

Recognising a business within the hospitality supply chain (including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers or service provider) that has created a positive, supportive and wellbeing-led workplace culture for its people.

Best Mental Health Campaign / Event

Recognising a creative, impactful and engaging campaign or event that has sparked conversation, raised awareness or driven action around mental health in hospitality. Open to internal initiatives, partnerships and public-facing activations.

Rising Star / Student Advocate Award

Celebrating a young person or student aged 18–24 who is leading advocacy, peer support or positive cultural change around mental health. This award recognises emerging voices shaping the future of the industry.

Open to individuals aged 18–24.

Outstanding Supporter / Industry Advocate Award

Recognising a partner, organisation or individual who has championed mental health in hospitality through advocacy, collaboration or support. Open to industry bodies, charities, education partners, event organisers and organisations beyond frontline hospitality.

The Burnt Chef Choice Award (Non-Entry)

Awarded by The Burnt Chef Project to an individual or organisation whose contribution, advocacy or long-term support has had a lasting impact on mental health in hospitality. This award is not open for entry and will be announced on the night.

Judging Criteria