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.

● Public Vote · Closed

Thank You for Your Votes!

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The public vote for ESSA 2026 is now closed and we are overwhelmed by your support! Together, you cast more than 48,000 votes for this year’s finalists. Thank you to everyone who took part!

The winners will be revealed at the ESSA 2026 Awards Ceremony in Rome on 19–20 November 2026. Join us to discover who took home this year’s Awards.

Discover the Finalists →

2026 Theme

Social Services: Breaking Down Silos, Building Systemic Change

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.

Our host

We are happy to announce that the 8th edition of the European Social Services Awards will be hosted by Regione Lazio!

Partnerships

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 celebrating outstanding achievements in social services.