living wage scotland awards 2026
Celebrating Living Wage employers in Scotland
The Living Wage Scotland Awards celebrate the organisations and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Living Wage movement across Scotland.
Each year, we come together for a very special evening to recognise these achievements and reveal the winners. We are thrilled to confirm that we will be celebrating at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow this year!
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, and we are delighted to confirm that this year’s Principal Sponsor is First Bus
Each Award category is also sponsored. Thank you to each and every one for their sponsorship and continued support.
We would also like to say a huge thank you to WGM Engineering, Flexibility Works, Morton Fraser MacRoberts, Rossie Young People's Trust and Nacor Healthcare Services whose generosity will help make the evening extra special.
Applications for 2026 are now open, with seven award categories available. We encourage all applicants to read the criteria and Award Application Guide to ensure they submit the strongest possible application.
Newcomer Award sponsored by EVH
Who can apply: employers who have gained accreditation since June 2025.
Criteria: An employer who has done something that stands out to celebrate their accreditation, has taken part in an activity since accreditation to promote the real Living Wage, or has contributed in other ways to support the Living Wage movement.
Download word version of application here
Trailblazer Award sponsored by Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal
Who can apply: all accredited Living Wage employers.
Criteria: An employer who stands out in their industry due to their commitment to the real Living Wage, who sets an example to others and actively promotes their accreditation in a range of forms.
Download word version of application here
Employee Choice Award sponsored by Glasgow City Region Action Group
Who can apply: employees of Living Wage employers who nominate their employer.
Criteria: Reasons for nominating may include: a positive response to receiving the real Living Wage, seeing their employer actively promote and engage with the Living Wage movement, or other reasons relating to the Living Wage that make the employee proud to work for their organisation.
Download word version of application here
Living Hours Award sponsored by POS Group
Who can apply: all employers who have extended their commitment to become Living Hours accredited.
Criteria: An employer who has contributed to the Living Hours movement e.g. promoting their Living Hours accreditation, speaking about Living Hours publicly, any other activities that have supported and helped grow the Living Hours movement.
Download word version of application here
Living Pension Award sponsored by The Lines Between
Who can apply: all employers who have extended their commitment to become Living Pension accredited.
Criteria: An employer who has contributed to the Living Pension movement e.g. promoting their Living Pension accreditation, speaking about Living Pension publicly, any other activities that have supported and helped grow the Living Pension movement.
Download word version of application here
Local Champion Award (Public & Third Sector) sponsored by APSE
Who can apply: Public and Third Sector employers who can demonstrate a positive impact within their local community.
Criteria: An employer who can show continued commitment to the Living Wage movement through their actions and behaviours and actively promotes the Living Wage and fair work in their local area.
Download word version of application here
Social Impact Award (Private Sector) sponsored by ACS Clothing
Who can apply: Private Sector employers who can demonstrate a positive impact within their local community.
Criteria: An employer who can show continued commitment to the Living Wage movement through their actions and behaviours and actively promotes the Living Wage and fair work in their local area.
Download word version of application here
Watch the highlights from our 2024 Awards
If you have any questions, please contact accreditation@povertyalliance.org