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UKCDAs: Updates for 2025

We have made some important changes to the awards to encourage high-quality entries from across all areas of career development and shine the spotlight on the amazing work that CDPs do.

Read about the changes to the awards categories, the judging process and CDI promotion.

UKCDA AWARD

What are the UKCDAs?

The UK Career Development Awards (UKCDAs) are a high point in the CDI event calendar, when we recognise and celebrate excellence across the career development sector, in the UK and internationally.

Carnival of Careers


This year, we are excited for the return of the awards on Tuesday 17 June at the Royal National Hotel in London. The event will be themed as the 'CDI Carnival of Careers' and we welcome attendees to dress up and join in the themed fun and games! 

Attendees can look forward to a glamorous awards ceremony and enjoy celebrating the work of inspirational careers professionals, catching up with peers and friends, and making new connections! Booking will be available soon - please keep checking this page.

For an idea of what to expect at this year's event, view the 2024 awards

Why attend?


The UKCDAs are an unmissable opportunity to come together with colleagues and friends, to recognise the hard work and brilliance in the career development sector, and celebrate peoples' achievements. Find out how the winners have made change that positively affects their clients or about a new product or service that is making waves in the sector...It's a great evening for networking and perhaps even gaining inspiration for your own work!

2025 Awards categories

There are eight awards categories:

  • Careers programme - education settings
  • Careers programme - non-education settings
  • Career development professional working in education settings
  • Career development professional working in non-education settings
  • Careers provider of the year
  • Innovative product, resource or technology
  • Contribution to the development of the profession

The Rodney Cox Lifetime Achievement Award is nominated, agreed and presented by the CDI Board, led by the elected President.

The Careers Leader of the Year Award: Nominations will now be made separately and announced at the National Careers Leaders’ Conference 2025. 

If you have any queries about the awards nominations, please contact [email protected]

Having any trouble?

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.