Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in Social Services

At the forefront of providing support to individuals, families and communities, particularly during times of crisis, social services are central to creating caring, inclusive, and productive societies.

The annual European Social Services Awards (ESSA) acknowledges outstanding achievements in social services. Organised by the European Social Network, the Awards shine a spotlight on successful new approaches and the extraordinary ongoing work of public social services managers, funders, planners, providers, and deliverers of social services, as well as providing opportunities for exchange and mutual learning to improve social work policies and practice.

 

Gain recognition for your social services team

Share your work with others

Make new connections and partnerships with social services organisations across Europe

 

 

Social Services: Creating Lasting Change

Delivering future-proofed social services is key to breaking cycles of disadvantage. The 2025 Awards will recognise the organisations and people that are rethinking their services to provide impactful, long-term solutions for the people and communities they support.

Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the European Social Network, this year's edition of the Awards is particularly meaningful as we commemorate 25 years of promoting lasting change in social services.

 

Is your organisation developing long-term solutions?

Is your project innovative?

Does your project have a positive impact on its beneficiaries and/or local community?

 

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then your organisation could apply for the 2025 European Social Services Awards!

Find out more below!

 

 

Applications can be submitted in ten different categories. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2025. Applications will be shortlisted by an expert judging panel and the finalists will be put forward for an online public vote.

The winners will be announced at the European Social Services Awards Ceremony in Madrid, Spain on 13-14 November 2025.

 

 

See you in Madrid for the 2025 European Social Services Awards!

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We are thrilled to announce that the City of Madrid will host the 2025 European Social Services Awards (ESSA) this November. We are excited to collaborate with this innovative city to bring together the most impactful initiatives in the social services sector, celebrating the innovation and excellence that drive positive change across Europe.

Join us for this exciting event and be part of a transformative experience!

 

 

The Impact of ESSA: Key Stats

The 2024 European Social Services Awards received 103 applications with 45 projects selected. The event also attracted 180 delegates from 20 countries, including EU officials and industry leaders.

Digital engagement was also strong, with over 20,000 website visits and 35,000 online votes. As a result, ESSA continues to be a powerful platform for recognising excellence and fostering collaboration in social services.

 

Discover the ESSA 2024 Winners and their projects

Partner with us Are you developing solutions for public authorities with responsibility for social services? Why not be part of the European Social Services Awards? Partner with the European Social Network and be part of our annual event celebration celebrating outstanding achievements in social services.