Congress Awards 2026

We dedicate time at celebrate the exceptional efforts of GMB members, reps, and activists.

We dedicate time at Congress to celebrating the exceptional efforts of GMB members, representatives and activists with our annual Congress Awards. Members and Branches are asked to nominate for the following 4 awards (note that GMB Officers or Staff cannot be nominated).   

As the online forms go directly to National Office, if you or your Branch is making a nomination for any of these awards, can you please let regional office know of the name/s

1. Organising Rep of the Year (Will Thorne Award)

The Will Thorne Award was agreed by Congress 2024. It is for a GMB member who has inspired others through their campaigning and organising efforts.

This award recognises that the struggles of today are just as vital as those of our past, and that those qualities which shaped our first generation of activists (of tenacity, vision, and belief) are those which are growing our campaigning union in the present day.

The winner will be presented at GMB Congress 2026 held in Blackpool 7 – 11 June and their name will go forward as the GMB nomination for TUC Congress Organising Award 2026.

Please complete the online form  https://www.gmb.org.uk/our-union/gmb-reps/will-thorne-award-2026

2. Woman’s Rep of the Year   (Eleanor Marx Award)

There are so many women throughout our union doing amazing work who don't get the recognition they deserve.  Whether it’s campaigning for safer working conditions or leading the fight for the fair and equal pay that GMB members deserve, we want to recognise the GMB women across the country who have inspired you.

The winner will be presented at GMB Congress 2026 held in Blackpool 7 – 11 June and their name will go forward as the GMB nomination for TUC Congress Women’s Gold Badge Award 2026.

Do you know an inspiring GMB woman member or rep whose activism and commitment deserves to be recognised?  Is there an outstanding woman activist in your branch or workplace? 

Please complete the online form     https://www.gmb.org.uk/gmb-equality/gmb-women-workers/eleanor-marx-award-2026

3. Health & Safety Rep of the Year (Mary McArthur Award)

This award celebrates the positive difference that GMB Safety Reps can make in the workplace. We want to recognise an individual who has made a difference to the working lives of the members they represent.
Previous nominees are eligible to be put forward, and nominations are particularly encouraged for reps who are covered by the various strands of the Equality Act.

All members, branches or health and safety forums can make nominations so please tell us about a GMB Health and Safety Rep who’s made a real difference where you work.
The winner will be presented at GMB Congress 2026 held in Blackpool 7 – 11 June and their name will go forward as the GMB nomination for TUC Congress Health & Safety Rep Award 2026.

Tell us about a GMB Health and Safety Rep who’s made a real difference where you work. Complete the online form  https://www.gmb.org.uk/networks/health-safety-and-enviroment/gmb-health-and-safety-rep-of-the-year-mary-macarthur-award-2026

4. Health and Safety Branch or Workplace of the Year (John McClean Award)

John McClean, GMB’s former Head of Health, Safety and Environment, sadly passed away in August 2022. John spent more than two decades fighting for better health and safety standards at work for GMB members. In doing this, he was never interested in individual recognition or credit and was always quick to ensure collective involvement in every campaign he organised.
We will honour John’s memory by presenting an award to recognise branches and/or workplaces who have worked as a team to recruit and organise members to improve health and safety standards.
This award celebrates the positive difference that GMB Safety Reps can make in the workplace. We want to recognise those teams who have made a real difference to the working lives of the members they represent.

The winner will be presented at GMB Congress 2026 held in Blackpool 7 – 11 June

Tell us about a Branch or Workplace that has made a real difference where you work and complete the online form https://www.gmb.org.uk/networks/health-safety-and-enviroment/gmb-health-and-safety-branch-or-workplace-of-the-year-the-john-mcclean-award-2026

Regional Awards

London Region likes to celebrate our reps who have made a difference in their branches and workplaces.  Your Regional Committee have agreed that any unsuccessful regional nominees for any of the awards would be given a London Regional Award to be presented at our Regional Women’s Conference, our Regional Health & Safety Forum, at their Branch or at Regional Council.  As the online forms go directly to National Office, if your Branch is making a nomination for any of these awards, can you please let regional office know of the name/s that have been nominated.