BCI Awards: Global Excellence in Resilience

The BCI Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations in business continuity and resilience worldwide. Covering 13 award categories, the program highlights excellence in innovation, collaboration, recovery, and diversity. Applications for the 2026 awards must demonstrate achievements from 1 January 2025 to 23 February 2026 and follow the BCI Competency framework and KPI Question methodology.

Overview

The Business Continuity Institute (BCI) Awards are a global benchmark for recognizing exceptional contributions in business continuity and resilience. The awards aim to:

• Celebrate professionals and organizations advancing resilience practices

• Highlight innovation, collaboration, and effective recovery strategies

• Showcase leadership, teamwork, and sector impact in resilience management

The awards are part of the most prestigious annual event in the business continuity calendar, promoting best practices and industry standards.

Award Categories

The 2026 BCI Awards cover 13 categories:

1. Collaboration in Resilience – Recognizing joint initiatives driving resilience

2. Continuity and Resilience Consultant – Outstanding consultancy in the field

3. Continuity and Resilience Innovation – Novel approaches improving business continuity

4. Continuity and Resilience Newcomer – Exceptional early-career professionals

5. Continuity and Resilience Professional (Private Sector) – Excellence in private organizations

6. Continuity and Resilience Professional (Public Sector) – Achievements in public sector resilience

7. Continuity and Resilience Provider (Service/Product) – Outstanding products or services

8. Continuity and Resilience Team – Exceptional team performance

9. Continuity and Resilience Volunteer – Significant volunteer contributions

10. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ally / Champion of the Year – Promoting inclusivity in resilience

11. Most Original Exercise Programme – Creativity in resilience exercises

12. Most Effective Recovery – Demonstrable post-disruption recovery impact

13. Most Effective Supply Chain Resilience Strategy – Innovation and impact in supply chain resilience

Eligibility

For Individuals:

• Must be active in the region for which they are entering

• Evidence submitted must be new, relevant, and cover the specified timeframe

• May submit their own application or be nominated by a third party

• No outstanding debts to the BCI outside agreed terms

For Organizations:

• Must have a regional presence through operations or customers

• Can submit multiple entries across categories or regions if eligibility criteria are met

• One entry per category per year

General Requirements:

• All submissions must be in English

• Evidence must cover activities from 1 January 2025 to 23 February 2026

• Testimonials must include referee contact details for verification

• Supporting information should be included directly in the application (no hyperlinks)

• Late submissions or direct contact with judges is not allowed

• Restrictions apply for BCI Judges, Board members, and Hall of Fame inductees to maintain impartiality

How to Apply

1. Select Category – Identify the award category that best fits your achievements

2. Prepare Evidence – Gather new and verifiable documentation demonstrating impact

3. Include Testimonials – Provide referee details to support claims

4. Complete Submission – Ensure all information is included within word limits

5. Submit on Time – Adhere to the BCI deadlines for 2026 awards

Tips for a Strong Application

• Align evidence with the BCI Competency framework and KPI methodology

• Highlight quantifiable outcomes of initiatives or projects

• Emphasize innovation, collaboration, or measurable recovery

• Ensure testimonials are credible and verifiable

• Avoid submitting previously used evidence or incomplete documentation

FAQs

1. Who can enter the BCI Awards?

Individuals or organizations active in business continuity and resilience, either through self-submission or third-party nomination.

2. What timeframe should evidence cover?

Activities from 1 January 2025 to 23 February 2026.

3. How many entries can an organization submit?

One per category per year, across multiple regions if eligibility criteria are met.

4. Can testimonials be from colleagues or clients?

Yes, provided they include referee details for verification.

5. Are late submissions accepted?

No. All entries must be submitted within the specified timeframe.

6. Are artists or non-resilience professionals eligible?

No. Entries must relate directly to business continuity and resilience activities.

7. How is impartiality ensured?

Restrictions apply for BCI Judges, Board members, and Hall of Fame inductees, and applicants cannot contact judges directly.

Conclusion

The BCI Awards 2026 provide a platform to showcase excellence in resilience, innovation, and recovery practices. By adhering to the eligibility and submission requirements, individuals and organizations can highlight their impactful contributions, gain recognition in the global resilience community, and inspire best practices across the industry.