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National Happiness Awards 2019

World Kindness Day, 2020

Creating LoveLeigh kindness

The National Happiness Awards are held each November and are all about spreading happiness and positivity. But this year the event, organised by Laughology, has had to be cancelled because of coronavirus.

However, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to team up with a worthwhile cause - as we do every year. So, in 2020, we are working with the charity, LoveLeigh. And it's our mission together to start spreading kindness on World Kindness Day, November 13th.


Download your very own set of print-ready LoveLeigh artwork.

  • A2 poster
  • A6 leaflet
  • Small card

Download

When we heard the story of Leigh Smith, we couldn’t help but be moved. Leigh was 22, vivacious and, as far as those around her knew, was looking forward to a bright future.

On August 6th, 2012, she took her life. Her family and friends were devastated. They had no idea that she was so unhappy and desperate.

In order to try and make sense of such a tragedy her mother vowed to help others struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and mental health issues. She resolved to do everything she could to make sure people who feel like Leigh felt know that they are worthy, needed and not alone.

She set up LoveLeigh. Its mission is to help fight the stigma of mental health by carrying out acts of kindness and encouraging others to do the same. It also provides bereavement support.  

As part of our 30-days of Kindness campaign, we’ve created resources including a poster for schools filled with ideas for kind acts, plus packs of mini-cards of kindness. These little k-bombs of happiness can be filled with kind messages and sent to people, or simply left for strangers to find.

We’re also encouraging everyone to tweet about their own acts of kindness and to reclaim social media for good by sending kind messages to others using the hashtags #sharingkindness and #loveleigh.

You can download printable versions of these resources from this page.

You can find out more at LoveLeigh.net  and also make a donation.

No one needs to be along and struggling in these difficult times. There are lots of incredible organisations in the UK doing amazing work helping to support people struggling with mental health issues such as depression. They include The SamaritansCalm , Papyrus and Mind. If you need help, please reach out, they are waiting for your call.


The National Happiness Awards 2019 showed the world what an award ceremony should be like

On Friday 22nd November 2019 we rolled out the red carpet to welcome this year's National Happiness Awards finalists and crown the winners. Our all-singing, all-dancing ceremony was attended by happiness heroes from around the UK, all eager to find out who had won.

The show was hosted by Stephanie Davies and Dave Keeling and we raised around £2000 for Haven House Children's Hospice. There was even a special message from the queen of daytime TV, Lorraine Kelly.

National Happiness Awards founder and Laughology CEO Stephanie Davies said: “What a night! The awards truly are the Oscars of the wellbeing world. We had some amazing finalists and it was truly encouraging to see so many organisations, leaders and individuals taking happiness seriously, and letting their hair down and having fun. At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the country, it has been refreshing to see so much positivity.”

The awards were sponsored by Gold sponsors, Twinkl and Simply Better Events, and Silver sponser Crown House Publishing.

Awards judge and Twinkl Chief Customer Officer, Leon Smith, said: "Schools, individuals and businesses do things each day to make people happy and it's something that we should take more time to celebrate. It's so positive that happiness and wellbeing are becoming an increasing focus in education and beyond. I hope people will be inspired by all the incredible winners and nominees to recognise someone who makes them happy and give them a big thank you too."

Go to the National Happiness Awards 2019 news section for a full list of the winners and runners-up

Check out the event gallery

  • Confident Children Parents

  • Confident Children And Parents

  • Dave Keeling Laughology

  • Happiest Pupil

  • Highfurlong School Happiest Secondary School 2

  • Highfurlong School Happiest Secondary School

  • Highly Commended Happiest Child

  • John Bryant Happiest School Employee

  • Longwood Primary Happiest Primary School

  • Medvivo Happiest Workplace

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 2

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 3

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 4

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 5

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 6

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 7

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 8

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 9

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 10

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 11

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 12

  • National Happiness Awards 2019 13

  • National Happiness Awards 2019

  • NEL Healthcare Consulting 2

  • O 2 On Behalf Of Hattie Jones

  • Stephanie Davies Laughology

  • Team Photo 6

  • Nominations deadline:

    4th November 2019

  • Awards ceremony:

    Friday 22nd November 2019

  • Venue:

    Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG.


Who inspires you, makes your workplace or school a happier place to be, goes the extra mile to support their colleagues and promote wellbeing?

Who inspires you, makes your workplace or school a happier place to be, goes the extra mile to support their colleagues and promote wellbeing?

The National Happiness Awards are the UK’s premier happiness and wellbeing event. They recognise the happiness heroes in business, the public sector and schools throughout the UK.

Winners and runners-up will receive their awards at a glittering London-based awards ceremony. Nominations close on 29th October. There are 5 free-to-enter categories - don't miss out - nominate today.

NOMINATE...

Workplace categories

  • Happiest Workplace
  • Happiest Employee
  • Happiest Team

School categories

  • Happiest Primary
  • Happiest Secondary
  • Happiest Employee
  • Happiest Child (Primary)
  • Happiest Young Person (Secondary)
Award sponsors and supporters

Education gold sponsor

Workplace gold sponsor

CIPD logo

Awards supporter

Previous award winners and supporters
“We work really hard to look after our people and make the office a great place to work. It is great to win.”
2017 Winner - Burges Salmon
Flakefeet primary school winning a national happiness award
"We recently had a good Ofsted. But winning this award is what it's all about."
Flakefleet Primary School, Happiest Primary School, 2018
Anthony Seldon - National Happiness Award supporter
“These awards are amazing. Happiness is so important in all walks of life.”
Sir Anthony Seldon, Government happiness advisor
  • Nominations deadline:

    29th October 2019

  • Awards ceremony:

    Friday 22nd November 2019

  • Venue:

    Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG.

You can't buy happiness, but the winners and runners-up can win thousands of pounds worth of prizes.

Prizes are great - who doesn't love a prize. But the prize of recognition and appreciation will last a lifetime. That's why a simple nomination boosts confidence, increases happiness and wellbeing, and shows how much someone is valued by their friends and colleagues.

Hit the button - spread the happiness!

NOMINATE...

Awards Charity Partners 2019

Andy Burnham - Mayor of Greater Manchester

Haven House. National Happiness Awards charity partner

The National Happiness Awards is all about spreading the love, which is why each year we choose a charity to support. This year we are delighted to announce that our charity partner for 2019 is Haven House Children’s Hospice. On the night of the awards we will be holding an auction and raffle to raise funds for this very worthy cause.

Go to the Haven House website...

Previous award winners

Theodora Children’s Charity, Happiest Team, 2018
“It is great recognition for all the team does, and recognises the importance of increasing happiness.”
Theodora Children’s Charity, Happiest Team, 2018
Natalie Morgan- Dew, Happiest Employee, 2018
“It is great recognition for all the team does, and recognises the importance of increasing happiness.”
Natalie Morgan- Dew, Happiest Employee, 2018
Thistley Hough Academy, Happiest Secondary School, 2018
"It is an honour to win an award like this."
Thistley Hough Academy, Happiest Secondary School, 2018

Download your very own happiness awards poster

You can now download and print your own National Happiness Awards poster for your workplace, staff room, school, corridor or why not stick it to someone’s back!

School poster download

Download

Organisations poster download

Download

More about the awards

The awards are split into two sectors;
Happiness in the Workplace and Happiness in Education.

Award categories in the Workplace sector are:

  • Happiest Workplace
    Prize: £3000 of Laughology training
  • Happiest Employee
    Prize: £300 voucher of your choice
  • Happiest Team
    Prize: £300 voucher of choice to share (under 10 people), £500 voucher of choice to share (over 10 people)
Nominations are welcomed from businesses, charities and public sector organisations, Nominations can be submitted by owners, team members, clients and members of the public.

Award categories in the Education sector are:

  • Happiest Primary School
    Prize: £1000 of Laughology training & £1000 voucher of your choice
  • Happiest Secondary School
    Prize: £1000 of Laughology training & £1000 voucher of your choice
  • Happiest School Employee
    Prize: £300 voucher of your choice
  • Happiest Child (Primary)
    Prize: £150 voucher of your choice
  • Happiest Young Person (Secondary)
    Prize: £150 voucher of your choice
Nominations are welcomed from all levels of education. Nominations can be submitted by teachers, support staff, pupils, parents and members of the public.

Win a Twinkl Ultimate package

Each nominated school or school person will automatically be entered in a prize draw to win a year’s subscription to a Twinkl Ultimate package and a 3-year licence to the Happy Centred School programme. The package is worth over £900.

2019 AWARDS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS


Education gold sponsor

Twinkl

twinkl happiness awards sponsor logos

More...

Twinkl exists ‘To help those who teach’ and provides online educational resources and services used by schools and educators across the world. We are incredibly excited to be the Gold sponsor of the Laughology awards 2019, which recognise and support the happiness and wellbeing of schools, organisations and people across the UK.

 Like everyone at Laughology, the team at Twinkl believe that happy people work better and also think that people teach and learn better when they are happy too. We have been really inspired by previous winners of the National Happiness Awards and are proud to be part of this year’s event.

www.twinkl.co.uk

Workplace gold sponsor

Simply Better Events

More...

Simply Better Events are a full service events agency you can trust to deliver every time.

We’re proud to work with some of the UK's best-loved brands, helping them to create remarkable experiences that inspire their staff, customers or stakeholders to think, feel and do things differently.

www.simplybetterevents.com


Workplace silver sponsor

Lisa Ghaith

More...

The art of advertising and printing

At Lisa Ghaith Limited we create brilliant artwork for advertising and print.

Solutions. You seek them. We provide them.

From complete management of the design and print process, to efficient distribution of deliverables, we save our customers time, money and hassle.  No matter what your print requirement, we have the people and the processes to deliver an immaculate service across a complete spectrum of products.  

We are a one-stop-shop for print and advertising procurement solutions. No caveats. No small print.

Take your imagination on an adventure!

www.lisaghaith.co.uk

Education silver sponsor

Crown House Publishing

More...

Crown House Publishing is an award-winning publisher of professional development resources for teachers and school leaders.

We are dedicated to publishing top quality books that help schools to nurture skilled, intuitive, self-directed learners who can think independently and work collaboratively and who are emotionally resilient enough to cope with challenges and realise their full learning potential.

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Laughology Happiness Awards as laughter and enjoyment are vital both to improving wellbeing in schools and to the learning process in general.

www.crownhouse.co.uk


Workplace bronze sponsor

Bottles and Bags

More...

Bottles and Bags is a small, independent firm specialising in re-usable water bottles, coffee cups, and bags; all custom-branded with your company's logo or artwork.

Our clients range from schools and sports clubs to large corporations. We prefer a personal approach allowing product artwork to be proof-approved before printing to ensure the end result is just as desired.

If you are looking to help reduce plastic waste by introducing re-usable water bottles and drinking cups to your organisation, then visit us at .

www.BottlesAndBags.co.uk

Read more

Education bronze sponsor

Hannam's

More...

Traditional Sweets, customised gift boxes and tins. Satisfy your sweet tooth. Get your sweets online at 

www.hannams.co.uk.

Read more


Supporters

CIPD logo national happiness awards Independent thinking logo

GET INVOLVED IN THE AWARDS

In addition to award nominations, there are a whole host of opportunities for people and organisations to get involved, from sponsorship to supporting our auction and raffle, which this year will benefit our charity partner Haven House Children’s Hospice.

Previous award supporters have included NatWest, CIPD, Crown House Publishing and MediaCity UK, and winners have included the Outward Bound Trust, Bupa Place and Burges Salmon. Once again nominations will be assessed by a panel of high-profile judges from the worlds of business and education.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE HAPPINESS AWARDS INFORMATION AND NEWS

87% of people who had been abducted by aliens said receiving Laughology award updates helped increase their sense of wellbeing. The other 13% moved to Basingstoke!

Subscribe


The awards campaign will be conducted throughout the year on social media and mainstream media. Previously, awards have been covered by the BBC, ITV and national and regional press.

What makes a winner?

The 2019 roll call of winners included Bupa Place and Flakefleet Primary School. Here’s some inside info on what made them winners to help you with your nominations.
BUPA place receiving their happiness award

Bupa Place: Happiest Workplace

Bupa Place’s submission got to the heart of how the company has designed its new workspace around the wellbeing of its people.

The nomination succinctly explained the range of initiatives and physical design features that enable employees to work in a healthy, supportive and happy environment, and how the new centre improves the lives of those who work there.

Judges were impressed by the scale and range of happiness and wellbeing considerations that the company detailed, including flexible hotdesking, social spaces, flexible working hours, a wellbeing suite, showers on every floor, private faith rooms, sustainable travel options and IT support to enable more flexible working patterns.

The submission also detailed the strong social and community element of the workplace and Bupa’s commitment to the personal and professional development of its employees. The submission was supported by photographs and videos showing evidence of the fundamental commitment Bupa Place makes to its people’s happiness and wellbeing.

Flakefleet Primary School: Happiest Primary School

Flakefleet’s submission included an honest and passionate statement by Dave McPartlin, Flakefeet Headteacher, in which he described how he and his staff have turned around a struggling school using kindness, happiness and personal responsibility.

The submission detailed the compassionate, innovative and revolutionary schemes dreamed up by staff to raise morale and develop pride in the school while building support throughout the school community and the locality. These initiatives included support for deprived pupils and their families, visits to a local care home and the making of hugely popular, hilarious viral videos to commemorate events such as the royal wedding. The submission explained how the school used social media to connect with parents and pupils and to build a solid community where people wanted to be involved and engaged.

Staff health and wellbeing was placed at the heart of the school. The submission detailed how discounted childcare was available on-site and how leadership put together a team to seek ways to enhance mental health and wellbeing.

The submission also looked to future plans which included a school petting zoo, a school radio station and a Christmas number one. Evidence came in the form of videos and a parent survey. The school also submitted a very helpful grid which detailed clearly which initiatives and evidence collated to which judging criteria.

Nomination deadline

Closing date for applications: 29th October 2019

Happiness. What is it?

Real happiness – or realistic happiness (because you can’t be happy all the time) - is a complex mix of mindsets and emotional states which combine to create positivity, resilience and robust mental health. So many elements affect happiness, including exercise, diet and security. Our research tells us that realistic happiness is made of five main drivers. These are confidence, coping skills, positive relationships, support and personal development. Within each of these there are other factors, such as a sense of purpose. When people and organisations understand this and break down each element, they can start to devise interventions and initiatives that will positively impact on people’s happiness.

Happiness is:

  • Confidence
  • Personal development and autonomy
  • Positive relationships
  • Mutual support
  • Resilience and the ability to cope
  • The greatest gift that I possess
  • A room without a roof
It isn't
  • A cigar called Hamlet

Pssst! Here’s what the judges will be looking for…

Laughology is all about the science of happiness. Our high-brow boffins have studied it and worked out the equation for creating happy people and organisations. 

Confidence + personal development + mutual support + positive relationships + coping skills = happiness 

Any organisation, leader or person that takes measures to promote these five elements will be creating happiness. And the judges will be looking for evidence of each of these themes in your submission. 

Check out the links below to discover what the judges look for in team and individual categories and also have a look at the judging criteria for ideas about how organisations – both workplaces and schools - can create happiness. We hope this information helps, but most of all, the judges want to hear your unique stories and the innovative ways you are putting happiness at the heart of what you do. So don’t get too hung up on the detail. And don’t forget, our judges love material such as photos, videos, testimonials, feedback and press cuttings.

Judges

Each year the National Happiness Awards team are honoured to partner with an esteemed panel of successful leaders who judge the nominations.

We will announce this year's judges after we have bribed them to take part with a lifetime supply of Curly Wurlys - the official chocolate-based snack of the National Happiness Awards 2019.

  • David Bowman

    David is Managing Director and co-founder of Crown House Publishing. He worked for British Gas in management services before starting in education publishing. His company’s books focus on positive education and independent thinking and learning.

    What David is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2018 -
    A person or school who is relentlessly positive in everything they do and who inspires others to be the same. Someone who looks for the best in others and encourages them to shine.

  • Wayne Close

    Wayne is MD of UK Heath Services and has worked for Bupa since 1992. He has held many senior roles within the company in the capacity of CEO/ MD and CFO.

    He is a trusted leader and entrepreneur and has accumulated considerable experience in business turnarounds, acquisitions, re-engineering, joint ventures and partnerships. He is experienced in sponsoring and managing complex multi-million pound projects and managing business change. He also has a keen eye for everyday business improvement. He builds strong teams and encourages those around him to take on new challenges, actively promoting personal development. He is also used to working in highly regulated environments with multiple stakeholders.

    Wayne has a degree in Accounting and Finance, a Master’s in Management and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is also a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors. He has attended Cranfield University and London Business School on their senior development programs.

    Wayne is married to Deb and has three children. He enjoys reading, keeping fit and classic cars.

  • Nina Jackson portrait - independent thinking

    Nina Jackson

    Nina is an International Education Consultant, author, award winning speaker and is a leading practitioner in outstanding learning and teaching, mental health and wellbeing. She has a particular gift of working with SEND and engaging disaffected learners. Her training courses on all aspects of Learning and Teaching always leave educationalists wanting more - she is in high demand for working with teachers, students and educationalists alike. She is an Associate Director with 'Independent Thinking Ltd'.

    Winner of the IPDA International Prize for Education and described by the TES as an ‘inspirational, evangelical preacher of education’, Nina is a tour-de-force when it comes to enlivening teaching and learning for all. Her background as an innovative teacher and leader of learning, trainer and education consultant has had an overwhelming impact on education both in the UK and on an international basis. She has worked with the Ministry of Education, UNESCO and UNICEF in Chile, Ghana, India, China and the Middle East. She has devised therapy programmes and curriculums of engagement for reluctant learners and has delivered training to teachers from Early Years to Higher Education.

    Nina is one of the happiest, effervescent personalities in education today and puts her own learning, and the learning of others at the heart of everything she believes in. Many will know her as a ‘Ninja – who loves to move in mysterious ways’.

    What Nina is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2019In a time when individuals, groups of people, the workplace, education and communities are under a great deal of pressure,  I’m looking for special individuals and schools, those extra ordinary heroes of happiness that bring joy, hope and love to others (as well as themselves) to show and share with us their special ways that keep us all going in this crazy world of accountability. Quite simply, I want you to make me smile a lot. 

     

  • Dave Mcpartlin. Flakefeet School - National Happiness Awards Judges

    Dave McPartlin

    Dave is Headteacher at Flakefleet Primary School in Fleetwood, winners of the Happiest Primary School 2018, one-time Christmas No. 1 Contender and Britain’s Got Talent Finalist in 2019. Dave’s #daretodream philosophy permeates all aspects of school life and his mission to develop resilience, nurture self-confidence and raise aspirations is relentless. The school employs a large number of staff to successfully support the various challenges that their children and families face, both in and out of school. A positive and optimistic culture that encourages continuous personal development and the embracing of innovation and change is at the heart of Dave’s mission at the school. Parental and community engagement is very high, staff retention rates are 100% over the last few years, pupil numbers are increasing, and standards continue to rise. Dave knows that a happy school is a successful school.

    What's made you laugh a lot recently?  
    I cried with laughter when I sent my other half the wrong phone number for someone to fix our washing machine. There were two Elaines in my phone book, one knew about washing machines, the other didn’t. I sent her the number of Elaine who didn’t. My other half (and Elaine) couldn’t figure out what each other was on about and it all got very confusing - turns out people who do curriculum training aren’t that good at fixing kitchen appliances.

    What's the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at work?    
    Couldn’t decide between splitting my trousers whilst on the climbing frame with the kids or turning up to a governing body meeting in fancy dress because I’d forgotten my change of clothes. 

    What makes you truly happy? 
    It may sound a bit cheesy, but I really like helping people feel better about themselves or to feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

    What's the worst bit of corporate jargon you've ever heard? 
    It’s not corporate jargon as such but I really hated it when a previous Ofsted chief came in to post saying "If anyone says to you that 'staff morale is at an all-time low' you know you are doing something right." What a load of rubbish – a happy workforce with clear expectations and support has to be more productive and have a greater impact. The idea that the best bosses are ‘tough’ is a load of rubbish.

    What would be your superpower and why? 
    I’d love to be able to control the weather – I’m not a big fan of the dark winter months but do love a bit of sledging! 

    What advice would you give your younger self?
    Believe in yourself, stop worrying about what other people will think and go for it.

    What would fix the world?  
    More thought and consideration for each other.

    Who would be on the fantasy guest list of your dinner party?
    Kylie Minogue for the music (honest), Derren Brown for a bit of magic, Robbie Williams for the stories, Tony Blair for a bit of politics to stir things up and Nigella Lawson to help with the food. 

    What Dave is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2019
    I'm looking for a clear determination from applicants to develop a happy and optimistic culture through innovative and creative ways that challenge long-held norms but lead to successful outcomes.

  • Nerina Ramlakhan

    Physiologist Nerina Ramlakhan PhD has over 20 years experience in maximising individual and organisational performance. She founded BUPA’s Corporate Wellbeing Solutions and has worked extensively in the public and private sector.

    After completing her post-doctoral training and research into the effects of lifestyle interventions on mental disorders, she spent five years in corporate health screening before studying organisational psychiatry and psychology at Guys Hospital. For over a decade she worked with the Nightingale Psychiatric Hospital in London on their sleep, energy & physical health programmes.

    Nerina’s work with individuals and organisations includes motivational and leadership programmes, wellness and energy programmes, return to work coaching following long-term sickness absence and burnout prevention. She also runs regular sleep/energy workshops for women recovering from cancer at the Haven Centre in Fulham.

    Nerina’s work is featured regularly in the national press and she has appeared on BBC radio, GMTV, ITV’s This Morning, CNN and SKY NEWS.

    Nerina is the sleep advisor to the Silent Night bed company and Melia Hotels and Resorts.

    What Nerina is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2018 -
    I'll be looking for initiatives that bring happiness into organisations and examples of the impact these have. How do they engage their people and are the initiatives measurable? For the individual awards I'll be looking at the actions the nominees do and how these impact on the people around them.  Is their happiness infectious? 

  • Leon Smith portrait- Twinkl

    Leon Smith

    Leon is Twinkl’s Chief Customer Officer and one of our National Happiness Awards judges.

    Leon taught KS1 and Lower KS2 for over five years before joining Twinkl in 2015. She has always been a huge champion of Twinkl’s mission; ‘to help those who teach’. As Chief Customer Officer she wants everyone who uses Twinkl to have the best experience possible.

    Leon oversees the customer support and customer experience teams, which provide 24/7 support to educators across the world.

    This year she is driving a focus on wellbeing, leading her team to explore what more Twinkl can do to support schools and educators in this area. In her own words Leon and her team ‘make people happy’, which is one of the reasons she is so pleased to be judging the National Happiness awards.

    Leon lives in Sheffield and loves to spend time with her children in the great outdoors taking advantage of the city’s parks and its close proximity to the Peak District.

    She is passionate about supporting the happiness and wellbeing of educators and school communities world-wide, believing that an effective learning environment is a happy one.

    What Leon is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2019 - Leon is hoping to find entries that focus on and involve people from across communities and include strong examples of where people have done things for the right reasons and put others first.

    She is also looking for entries where people have tried new things and dared to be different in order to bring happiness to those around them.

    As a ‘frequent crier’, anything funny, inspiring or joyous enough to turn on the water works will be a hit with Leon too!

  • Gill White

    Gill joined CIPD in July 2012 as Head of CIPD Training and was appointed a director for the newly formed directorate of careers & CPD in September 2013. Since then she has taken responsibility for the content, commercial, regional and international teams. She is currently the business and markets development director. Her remit covers commercial enterprises, business development and the international and regional areas.

    Gill delivers speeches and workshops around the world which focus on the future of learning and development, leadership, strategic alignment and behavioural science.

    Prior to working for the CIPD, Gill has held a variety of L&D leadership roles at Vodafone, Xchanging and SSP. She also held operational roles at consultancy IDology, Whitbread, Greenall’s and Vodafone.

    Gill holds the prestigious IOD chartered director status, one of only 1,000 in the UK. She is also a fellow of both the IOD and CIPD. Gill’s main passion beyond learning and behavioural science remains her love of wine, something she studied to degree level when working in the trade. She is never happier than when reading a book on the brain, accompanied by a nice pinot noir.

    What Gill is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2018 -
    What I look for is the additional evidence – like videos or photos that help bring the entry to life. Anything that really helps demonstrate the impact that the intervention has had makes it more compelling.

  • Rob Woodhead

    Rob is managing director of Simply Better Events, a full-service events agency. Their purpose is to inspire people to think, feel and do things differently and they do this by creating remarkable event experiences.

    Simply Better recognise the important role that live events have in creating positive employee engagement, which in turn leads to a happier, more productive workplace.

    What Rob is looking for in entries to the Happiness Awards 2019 - “Afters” are key for me. It’s not just about programmes or processes that have been put in place, but more about the tangible impact that these initiatives have had…so measurement is key!

Judging criteria

  • Happiest Workplace

    The criteria for the National Happiest Workplace is a bit of a whopper, so we thought you may prefer it in a downloadable Word format - but it is well worth a read!

  • Happiest Employee

    Judges will be looking for evidence of:

    • Creativity and innovation in the way the nominee supports and encourages others and examples of how they go the extra mile to ensure colleagues are happy
    • A clear narrative that demonstrates how the nominee inspires, engages and contributes to the overall happiness in the organisation
    • How the nominee has a positive impact on the organisation and the community beyond
    • The positive impact the individual has on the organisation from staff feedback and testimonials from peers
  • Happiest Team

    Judges will be looking for evidence of:
    • A team which demonstrates an original and innovative approach to people development, promoting wellbeing and communicating positive messages about mental health and happiness
    • A clear narrative that demonstrates how the team excels in collaborative working and leadership
    • A rounded approach showing how the team positively impacts on other functions and the wider business
    • Key metrics, staff feedback and anecdotes that demonstrate how the team has strengthened the organisation
  • Happiest Primary School

    The criteria for the National Happiest School award is a bit of a whopper, so we thought you may prefer it in a downloadable Word format - it's well worth a read!

  • Happiest Secondary School

    The criteria for the National Happiest School award is a bit of a whopper, so we thought you may prefer it in a downloadable Word format - it's well worth a read!

  • Happiest Child (Primary)

    Judges will be looking for evidence of:

    • A creative and curious approach for getting the most out of school life
    • A clear narrative that demonstrates what the student has achieved and in what context
    • The positive impact the pupil has on the school to promote happiness
  • Happiest Young Person (Secondary)

    Judges will be looking for evidence of:

    • A creative and curious approach for getting the most out of school life
    • A clear narrative that demonstrates what the student has achieved and in what context
    • The positive impact the pupil has on the school to promote happiness
  • Happiest School Employee

    Judges will be looking for evidence of:

    • Original and innovative ideas for contributing to the overall happiness of the school
    • A clear narrative that demonstrates how the person inspires, engages and contributes to the overall happiness, wellbeing and positive mental health in the school
    • How the person adds value to the school in terms of promoting happiness and children’s development beyond the curriculum inside and outside of the classroom

WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP FROM THE NATIONAL HAPPINESS AWARDS 2018

Happiness award winners 2018 were announced in a glittering awards ceremony at MediaCityUK, Salford

FIND OUT MORE...

2018 awards ceremony gallery.

  • Aaron Alburey

  • O 2 Happiest Team Commended

  • Tracy Kelly Councillor

  • Thistley Hough Hapiest Secondary School Winner

  • Theodora Childrens Charity Happiest Team Winner

  • Room Photo

  • Room Shot 10

  • Shawn Sequeira Happiest Pupil Winner 4

  • Stephen Hill Happiest School Person Winner Friends Collected It

  • Room Photo 12

  • Rob Woodhead Simply Better Events

  • Rhys Dooley Williams Hiren Abhani Happiest Pupils Highly Commended

  • Raffle Winner 2

  • Justin Robbins Karen Dempster

  • Kerry James Stephanie Davies

  • Mrs Statemen

  • Natalie Morgan Dew Happiest Workplace Person WINNER 5

  • Judges

  • Jake Heather Happiest School Person Highly Commended

  • Ian Gilbert 2

  • Hirens Mum

  • Highly Commended Commended 2

  • Highly Commended Commended 5

  • Hiren Happiest Pupil Highly Commended

  • Hiren Abhani Happiest Pupil Highly Commended 4

  • Happy Face

  • Happy Face 2

  • Fun Photo

  • Fun Photo 8

  • Fun Photo 2

  • Fun Photo 3

  • Fun Photo 5

  • Fun Photo 7

  • Fun Photo 14

  • Fun Photo 12

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  • Flakefleet Happiest Primary School Winner 2

  • Flakefleet Happiest Primary School Winner 4

  • Flakefleet Happiest Primary School Winner 5

  • Flakefleet Happiest Primary School Winner 7

  • Flakefleet Happiest Primary School Winner 11

  • Flakefleet Happiest Primary School Winner 10

  • Fit 2 Communicate

  • Filming Photo 2

  • Fairfield Stockport Academy Runners Up

  • Filming 9

  • Filming Photo 3

  • Filming Photo 1

  • Entry Shot

  • Dr Nerina

  • Dave Keeling Stephanie Davies Flossing

  • Dave Keeling Stephanie Davies 1

  • Dave Keeling Vicky Rowan Stephanie Davies Stephanie Wilkinson

  • Dinos Rob Simply Better Events

  • Cover Photo IMG 0086

  • Bupa Place Happiest Workplace WINNERS

  • Becca Ross Jessica Byhurst Happiest Person Workplace

  • Bar Photo

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The National Happiness Awards 2016

At Laughology, we like to reward happiness in all its guises, because happiness not only makes us feel good, it makes us be good too. It provokes productivity, it boosts health, it makes us better people and it improves learning on every level.

To mark our tenth anniversary, we are holding the first Laughology Happiness Awards. We want to honour happiest business, organisation, or school, and the happiness hero who contributes the most to making them the happiest place to work in the UK. If you are a school, business, or if you work in the public sector, we want you to nominate your #happinessHeroes2016 and tell us why they deserve an award.

There are four categories in the Laughology Happiness Awards 2016:

Businesses and organisations 

  • Happiest Business or Organisation category
  • Happiest Leader, Manager or Employee category

Find out more about the happiness award criteria and prizes...

Schools

  • Happiest School category
  • Happiest Teacher, Head Teacher or Support Staff category

Find out more about the happiness award criteria and prizes...

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Sir Anthony Seldon

 

Sir Anthony Seldon backs the happiness awards

Sir Anthony Seldon is one of the country’s leading experts on happiness. As well as being a political historian, commentator on British political leadership as well as education and contemporary Britain. He is also Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.

Sir Anthony is backing the happiness awards as plans progress and will be one of our valued contributors.

Sir Anthony Seldon, supporter and valued contributor to the Laughology Happiness Awards 2016 says, 'get off your butt, fill in a form, and make the world happier.'

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Why should you enter?

The Laughology Happiness Awards 2016 are the first of their kind in the UK. We decided it was about time that organisations recognised the importance of happiness and making it count for their people.  We know that when organisations invest in initiatives that promote happy working, their engagement scores rise.  Entering your business or school for the Laughology Happiness Awards will show your employees and external customers that you value the importance of happy and engaged teams and are committed to promoting happiness.

What are the benefits?

Being nominated, short-listed or winning one of our Happiness Awards is our direct endorsement of the positive work culture at your business or school. Laughology is considered a pioneer in the art of using happiness and humour to improve motivation and productivity at work. 

Laughology Happiness Awards recognise the hard work and dedication of your teams so being nominated and potentially winning an award is an excellent way to boost staff morale. It can also help attract new business and talent to your company or school.

Entering a deserving colleague to our awards can serve as a way to thank them publicly and show appreciation for all they do to build a happy, healthy and positive work environment.

How will the Laughology Happiness Awards be judged?

The Laughology team are honoured to partner with Ian Gilbert, founder and CEO of Independent Thinking, Gill White, Capability and Career Development Director at CIPD and David Bowman, Managing Director of Crown House Publishing Ltd, who will help judge the Happiness Awards.  Each nomination will be judged on the criteria detailed on the entry forms.  Three finalists for each award will be selected and invited to the awards ceremony.  

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The judges

Ian Gilbert

Ian Gilbert

Ian is an award-winning author and editor, a leading educational speaker and entrepreneur and a man who the IB World magazine named as one of its top 15 educational ‘visionaries’. He established Independent Thinking in 1994 as a platform where leading practitioners to share their work in bringing the best out of all children. 

He is the author of several best-selling books including Essential Motivation in the Classroom and Why Do I Need a Teacher When I’ve Got Google? His latest book, Independent Thinking, was published in 2014.

Gill White


Gill White CIPD

Gill joined CIPD in July 2012 as Head of CIPD Training and was appointed in September 2014 to head up the newly-formed Directorate of Knowledge and Capability.

Prior to working for the CIPD, Gill has held a variety of Head of L&D roles at Vodafone, Xchanging and SSP. She also held operational roles; such as MD of the consultancy IDology; Op’s manager for Whitbread, Greenalls and Vodafone.Gill holds the prestigious Chartered Director status.

David Bowman

David Bowman

David Bowman is Managing Director of Crown House Publishing Ltd, a company he co-founded in 1997. After leaving university he worked for British Gas in Management Services for 8 years before leaving to ‘do something more meaningful with my life’. He now publishes books for teachers and school leaders on promoting independent thinking and learning and the benefits of positive education.

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What to do next

  1. Choose the schools or business and organisations award.
  2. Fill in the short online forms, or download a word file from the menu on the left of the page.
  3. Make sure we receive the forms before midnight on 17th Oct 2016.

Good luck!


HM CMYK Red logo type WEB Crown No Ltd Colour
Diamond sponsor for The Happiest Business or Organisation award

Diamond sponsor for The Happiest School award

 

 

 Supported by:    
independent logo rbs logo Nat west logo

 

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Ask us a question

You can call us on 0844 800 1701, or use this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.