Celebrating Excellence:
Empower ‘Celebration of Success’ Awards 2026 Winners

WBL Provider of the Year

Winner: University of Exeter

The University of Exeter was recognised as WBL Provider of the Year for its exceptional commitment to apprenticeships and its innovative use of MAYTAS to improve learner outcomes, enhance employer engagement and strengthen compliance across its provision.

Nominees:

• Hopwood Hall College
• Southeastern Railway
• University of Exeter (Winner)

Working in Partnership Award

Winner: University of Kent

The University of Kent won the Working in Partnership Award for building a highly collaborative relationship with Tribal and successfully responding to changing sector demands while developing internal capability and delivering lasting benefits for students and staff.

Nominees:

• Mary Ward Centre
• Premier League
• UCFB
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• University of Kent (Winner)

HE Project of the Year

Winner: University of Bradford

The University of Bradford received the HE Project of the Year award for transforming student finance operations through strong stakeholder engagement, intelligent automation and strategic leadership, resulting in measurable improvements for both students and the institution.

Nominees:

• Bath Spa University
• Regent's University London
• University of Bradford (Winner)

EBS Institution of the Year

Winner: Malvern International

Malvern International was named EBS Institution of the Year for its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, using EBS strategically to improve scalability, strengthen data quality and enhance the overall learner experience.

Nominees:

• Cambridge Education Group
• South Devon College
• Malvern International (Winner)

WBL Project of the Year

Winner: University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre won WBL Project of the Year for delivering a successful project that enhanced the learner journey through a comprehensive onboarding process and effective use of the Maytas platform.

Nominees:

• Academy of Leadership & Management
• Bosch Automotive
• University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Winner)

FE Special Service Award

Winner: Dario Taylor-Stevens, Cambridge Regional College

Dario Taylor Stevens was recognised with the FE Special Service Award for his exceptional leadership, vision and commitment throughout a highly successful implementation, while continuing to shape the future development of the solution through active collaboration and valuable feedback.

Nominees:

• Adam Hames, Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology
• Lindsay Jones, Leicester College
• Dario Taylor-Stevens, Cambridge Regional College (Winner)

Student/Learner Impact Award

Winner: Fitch Learning

Fitch Learning received the Student/Learner Impact Award for transforming the learner experience through technology-enabled engagement, creating stronger connections between learners and coaches and providing enhanced support throughout the learning journey.

Nominees:

• Durham University
• Warrington & Vale Royal College
• Fitch Learning (Winner)

Vickie Vowles University of the Year

Winner: Arden University

Arden University was named the 2026 Vickie Vowles University of the Year for delivering a transformational institution-wide programme that has supported growth, improved data quality, streamlined processes and enhanced the student experience across a diverse learner community.

Nominees:

• University of Brighton
• University of York
• Arden University (Winner)

Howard Knowles Award

Recipient: Kat Curran, University of Westminster

Kat Curran received the prestigious Howard Knowles Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the University of Westminster, Tribal and the wider education community through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to collaboration across the sector.

WBL Special Service Award

Winner: Lancaster Training Services

Lancaster Training Services was presented with the WBL Special Service Award in recognition of more than four decades of contribution to the Maytas community, helping shape the platform while consistently delivering outstanding apprenticeship and training provision.

Nominees:

• Davidson Training
• Siemens Energy
• Lancaster Training Services (Winner)

EBS Project of the Year

Winner: Stockton-on-Tees Council

Stockton-on-Tees Council received the EBS Project of the Year award for delivering an outstanding implementation project, successfully going live across all core EBS modules within just six months. Their clear strategic vision, collaborative approach and commitment to transformation have already delivered significant benefits for staff and learners.

Nominees:

• ASU London
• Inspire Learning
• Stockton-on-Tees Council (Winner)