Open to teams from the public or private sector, this category celebrates operational excellence across all areas of credit management including credit operations, credit control, sales ledger, customer onboarding, billing, cash allocation, shared services and other supporting functions.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The objectives, challenges or opportunities the team faced.

• The initiatives, improvements or innovations introduced to achieve success.

• Measurable outcomes, such as improved efficiency, customer experience, cash flow, compliance, risk management or operational performance.

• How collaboration, leadership and a strong team culture contributed to the results.

• The lasting impact of the team's achievements on the organisation, its customers or the wider business.

This award recognises the outstanding suppliers that help organisations across the credit and collections profession achieve better outcomes through innovation, expertise and partnership. Open to any suppliers serving public or private sector organisations.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The solution, product or service provided.

• The challenge or opportunity it was designed to address.

• The measurable benefits and impact delivered for the client.

• How the supplier and client worked together in partnership to achieve the best possible outcomes.

• What makes the solution, approach or collaboration stand out from others in the market.

This award recognises organisations that have successfully developed or implemented technology to transform credit management, collections or financial services. Open to organisations across the credit and collections profession, it celebrates innovative use of technology, including automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics and digital solutions that have delivered measurable business improvements over the past 12 months.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The technology or solution implemented and the challenge it was designed to address.

• How the project was successfully delivered, including implementation within agreed timescales and budget where applicable.

• The measurable improvements achieved, such as increased efficiency, enhanced customer experience, improved compliance, greater productivity or better commercial performance.

• Any innovation that differentiates the solution and its impact on the organisation, its customers or the wider profession.

Open to risk management teams, fraud specialists, individual risk managers and third-party providers from the public or private sector, both in the UK and internationally, this category celebrates those who have made a significant contribution to fraud prevention, risk management or the development of innovative risk strategies and programmes.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The risk management challenge, programme or initiative undertaken.

• How risks were identified, assessed and effectively managed or mitigated.

• The measurable impact achieved, such as reducing fraud or financial loss, improving compliance, strengthening operational resilience or enhancing customer protection.

• Innovation, collaboration or best practice that contributed to the success of the initiative.

• Evidence of sustainable improvements and lasting organisational benefit.

This award recognises outstanding achievements in debt collection and recovery, celebrating teams that consistently deliver exceptional results while demonstrating professionalism, innovation and a customer-focused approach. Open to both in-house debt collection teams within creditor organisations and third-party providers, including debt collection agencies and legal firms delivering B2B or B2C collection services, this category celebrates excellence across the credit and collections profession.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The challenges faced by the team and how they were successfully addressed.

• Outstanding performance against objectives, supported by measurable results.

• A commitment to delivering positive customer outcomes through fair, ethical and compliant collection practices.

• Effective use of technology, data, analytics or process innovation to improve performance and efficiency.

• Investment in people through leadership, training, engagement and employee development.

• Collaboration with clients, colleagues or partner organisations to deliver improved outcomes.

• Examples of innovation, continuous improvement or specialist expertise that set the team apart.

 This award is open to legal services providers who support organisations across the credit and collections profession, celebrating those that combine legal excellence with a collaborative approach, helping clients navigate complex challenges, improve performance and manage risk.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The legal services provided and the challenges they were designed to address.

• How the organisation worked in partnership with its clients to deliver successful outcomes.

• Measurable benefits achieved, such as improved recoveries, enhanced compliance, reduced risk, operational efficiencies or better customer outcomes.

• Innovation in legal services, processes, technology or client support.

• A commitment to quality, professionalism, integrity and continuous improvement.

This award recognises individuals or teams in our CICM community who have made an outstanding contribution to society by giving their time, skills and energy to create a positive and lasting impact.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The community, charity or cause supported and the objectives of the initiative.

• The activities undertaken and the commitment shown by the individual or team.

• The impact achieved, supported by measurable outcomes or testimonials where possible.

• How the initiative has inspired colleagues, customers or the wider community to get involved.

• Any long-term or sustainable benefits created through the work.

Open to individuals at any stage of their CICM career path who are emerging as future leaders or who have delivered exceptional performance in their role. This category celebrates those who consistently exceed expectations, embrace new challenges and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The individual's achievements and the impact they have made within their role or organisation.

• Examples of initiative, innovation, leadership potential or exceptional performance.

• How they have gone above and beyond what would normally be expected of them.

• Their commitment to learning, development and building a career within the credit and collections profession.

• Evidence of measurable results, positive feedback or recognition from colleagues, customers or stakeholders.

Open to teams based anywhere in the world, this category celebrates excellence across all areas of global credit operations, including credit control, sales ledger, customer onboarding, billing, cash allocation, shared services and other supporting functions.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The objectives, challenges or opportunities the team faced within an international or global operating environment.

• The initiatives, improvements or innovations introduced to enhance performance, consistency or customer outcomes across regions or markets.

• Measurable results, such as improved efficiency, cash flow, customer experience, compliance, risk management or operational performance.

• How collaboration, leadership and a strong team culture enabled success across different countries, cultures or time zones.

• The lasting impact of the team's achievements on the organisation, its customers or its global operations.

Open to individuals working across the credit and collections profession, this category celebrates those who embody the true spirit of teamwork. Whether through mentoring others, sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues during challenging times or helping the team achieve its goals, these individuals make an invaluable contribution to their organisation and those around them.

Entries should demonstrate:

• How the individual has made a positive and lasting contribution to their team.

• Examples of collaboration, support, mentoring or leadership that have helped others succeed.

• The behaviours and values they consistently demonstrate in the workplace.

• The impact they have had on team performance, morale, customer outcomes or organisational success.

• Why they are regarded as an indispensable member of the team.

Open to enforcement teams working across the enforcement sector, this award recognises teams that demonstrate operational excellence, professionalism and integrity while delivering fair, compliant and customer-focused enforcement services. Judges will be looking for teams that have successfully balanced effective recovery with positive customer outcomes, embraced innovation and collaboration, and shown a strong commitment to supporting people in vulnerable circumstances.

Entries should demonstrate:

• The objectives, challenges or initiatives undertaken by the team during the qualifying period.

• Outstanding operational performance, supported by measurable results and positive outcomes for clients, customers or communities.

• A commitment to fair, ethical and compliant enforcement practices, including the identification, engagement and support of vulnerable individuals.

• Effective use of technology, data, innovation or process improvements to enhance service delivery, compliance and operational performance.

• How the team has fostered a culture of professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement within the enforcement sector.

This award recognises an organisation or team across the credit and collections profession that has embedded vulnerability support into their culture, policies and customer journey and has shown exceptional commitment to identifying, supporting, and delivering positive outcomes for vulnerable customers. Whether through innovative processes, specialist training, partnerships or the use of technology, entrants should demonstrate how they have improved outcomes for customers while promoting fairness, inclusion and responsible business practices.

Entries should demonstrate:

• A clear strategy or approach to identifying and supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances.

• How policies, processes, technology or innovation have enhanced the customer experience and improved outcomes.

• Investment in colleague training, awareness and capability to deliver sensitive and effective customer support.

• Collaboration with specialist organisations, partners or internal teams where appropriate.

• Measurable outcomes demonstrating the impact of the organisation's approach, including customer feedback, service improvements or operational benefits.

• A culture that promotes empathy, fairness, continuous improvement and customer-centred decision-making.

This award recognises an individual, team or organisation that has delivered an outstanding improvement in customer experience over the past 12 months. This award celebrates initiatives that have enhanced customer outcomes while balancing commercial, regulatory and operational requirements. Entries may relate to areas such as affordability, vulnerability, lending, payments, billing, collections, customer support, complaints handling, digital customer journeys or customer communications.

Entries should demonstrate:

• Evidence of a customer-focused initiative that has delivered a measurable improvement in customer experience.

• A clear understanding of customer needs and how these were addressed.

• Innovation, service improvement or process change that has enhanced customer outcomes.

• Measurable results such as improved customer satisfaction, engagement, accessibility, efficiency or business performance.

• Evidence that the initiative is sustainable and has delivered lasting value for both customers and the organisation.

This award celebrates an apprentice or studying member who has shown exceptional commitment to their CICM learning and professional development over the last year. Judges will be looking for evidence of progress, achievement and the practical application of learning within the workplace or profession. Entries should demonstrate initiative, resilience and a positive contribution to their team, organisation or the wider credit community, while highlighting clear personal and professional growth.

Entries should demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to CICM learning and continuous professional development.

• Evidence of how knowledge gained through study or apprenticeship has been applied in the workplace.

• Examples of initiative, resilience and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

• Positive contributions to colleagues, customers, projects or the wider profession.

• Clear personal growth, achievements and future potential within the credit management and collections industry

 This award recognises a team or organisation that has successfully delivered a transformational initiative within credit, collections or the wider order-to-cash process over the last 12 months. The award celebrates projects that have improved operational performance, customer outcomes, compliance or commercial results through innovation, process improvement, technology or organisational change.

Entries should demonstrate:

• A clearly defined transformation with measurable objectives.

• Evidence of improvements to credit, collections, receivables or order-to-cash processes.

• Strong project leadership, planning and stakeholder engagement.

• Innovation through technology, automation, data, AI or process redesign where appropriate.

• Measurable business outcomes, such as improved cash flow, reduced DSO, increased efficiency, enhanced customer experience, stronger compliance or cost savings.

• Evidence that the benefits are sustainable and have delivered lasting value to the organisation.

This award recognises an outstanding credit professional who has demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership and professionalism over the last 12 months. It celebrates individuals who have delivered measurable results, driven innovation, improved outcomes for their organisation or customers, and set the standard for excellence within the credit and collections profession. Judges will be looking for evidence of recent achievements, including how the individual has responded to challenges, embraced change, inspired colleagues and consistently demonstrated the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Entries should demonstrate:

• Outstanding professional achievements and measurable impact over the past 12 months.

• Excellence in leadership, innovation, customer experience or operational performance.

• A commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity.

• Continuous investment in personal and professional development, while supporting the growth of others.

• How the individual has championed best practice and made a positive contribution to their organisation and the wider profession during the last 12 months.

 This prestigious award recognises an individual whose career has made a significant and lasting impact on the credit and collections profession. Rather than focusing on achievements from the past year, this award celebrates a sustained record of excellence, leadership and service that has shaped the industry over many years. Judges will be looking for individuals who have built a legacy through mentoring others, influencing professional standards, driving positive change, advancing best practice, or making exceptional contributions to the profession beyond their own organisation.

Entries should demonstrate:

• A sustained and significant contribution to the credit and collections profession throughout their career.

• A lasting legacy through leadership, innovation, advocacy, education or service.

• Evidence of influencing industry standards, best practice or the development of the profession.

• A commitment to supporting and inspiring others through mentoring, knowledge sharing or professional leadership.

• Recognition by peers as an individual whose impact extends beyond their own organisation and will continue to benefit the profession for years to come

Excellence in Credit Management is the Chartered Institute of Credit Management’s highest organisational accolade and is open exclusively to those who have already achieved the coveted CICMQ Accreditation.

The award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional standards of credit management against a challenging set of criteria.

Applications are considered by the CICM Executive Board, with up to five organisations receiving the accolade each year and being recognised at the British Credit Awards.

Successful organisations will hold Excellence in Credit Management status for two years from the date of the award.