Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in Social Services

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The annual European Social Services Awards (ESSA) acknowledge outstanding achievements in social services, shining a spotlight on successful new approaches and the extraordinary ongoing work of public social services managers, funders, planners, providers, and deliverers of social services.

Now in its eighth edition, the European Social Services Awards have honoured over 320 finalists from across Europe and the wider international community. The annual Awards Ceremony has brought together 1,000 participants over the past editions.

The European Social Services Awards is an initiative from the European Social Network (ESN), the European Network for Public Social Services. As the Network for Public Social Services in Europe, ESN gives visibility to the excellent and innovative work done by social services in fostering social inclusion across communities and facilitates those working in the field to exchange and support each other in improving their practice.

2026 Theme

Social Services: Breaking Down Silos,
Building Systemic Change

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Across Europe, social services systems face increasingly complex challenges that require coordinated responses across sectors. This year’s theme invites initiatives that foster cross-sector cooperation, strengthen integrated services, and create lasting improvements in social services and social support systems.

This year's Awards invite initiatives that foster genuine cooperation, strengthen integrated services, and create lasting improvements across social support systems.

Does your work reflect this vision? The online Information Session, taking place on 29 April at 11:00 CET, is your first step to finding out.

You will receive guidance from the ESSA team on what our judges look for, how to frame your work effectively against this year's theme, and what separates a good application from a great one. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for your submission. REGISTER HERE.

8th Edition · Rome 2026

See you in Rome for the next edition!

We are thrilled to announce that the 8th edition of the European Social Services Awards will take place in Rome, Italy, on 19–20 November 2026, hosted by Regione Lazio.