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The Great British Excellence Awards celebrate the people, businesses and organisations doing exceptional work. Explore the categories and help recognise someone shaping the future through their achievement, leadership and impact.
Working Women Awards
Individual Excellence AwardsWomen PR Leader of the Year Award
Celebrating exceptional women leading impactful public relations and strategic communications initiatives
About this category
The Woman PR Leader of the Year award honours an exceptional female leader who has demonstrated strategic excellence, visionary thinking, and measurable impact within the public relations and communications industry.
This category celebrates women who lead with confidence, integrity, and innovation, shaping narratives, strengthening brands, and driving business growth through powerful communication strategies. Whether heading an agency, leading an in-house communications team, or operating as a senior independent consultant, nominees should demonstrate strong leadership, commercial success, and meaningful influence within the industry.
Eligibility
This category is open to:
- Female PR leaders based in the United Kingdom
- Founders, CEOs, Managing Directors, Heads of PR, or Senior Communication Leaders
- Professionals with a minimum of 5 years of experience in PR or communications
- Leaders currently managing teams, agencies, or major brand communications
- Individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership impact within the qualifying period
Nominees may self-nominate or be nominated by colleagues, clients, partners, or industry peers.
Judging criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Strategic Leadership: Strength of vision, direction, and decision-making
- Campaign & Media Excellence: Quality and impact of PR initiatives
- Business Performance: Revenue growth, profitability, or commercial success
- Team Development: Leadership culture, mentorship, and talent growth
- Industry Influence: Thought leadership and sector contribution
- Sustainability & Long-Term Vision: Future-focused strategy and resilience
Qualitative criteria
Judges will consider:
- Leadership style and organisational culture
- Strength of brand positioning and reputation management
- Crisis communication capability (if applicable)
- Testimonials from team members or clients
- Speaking engagements, publications, or thought leadership
- Contribution to advancing women in leadership
Metrics
Entrants are encouraged to provide measurable data such as:
- Agency or department revenue growth (year-on-year)
- Media coverage reach and earned media value
- Campaign ROI and performance results
- Client acquisition and retention rates
- Team growth and staff development metrics
- Brand awareness uplift
- Awards, recognitions, or industry accolades
Additional criteria
- Ethical and responsible communication practices
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Innovation in digital PR strategies
- Community engagement or mentorship initiatives
- Long-term partnership success
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