Outstanding employers and family-friendly champions have been celebrated last week as Working Families, the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers, announced the winners of the 2025 Best Practice Awards.
The annual awards, held at London’s Apothecaries’ Hall, celebrate a diverse array of family-friendly workplaces and forward-thinking employers, whose inclusive cultures and flexible working practices are setting new standards for employee-friendly workplaces.
ACEVO won the Best Small Employer category, recognising its commitment to creating a workplace culture that values flexibility, wellbeing, and inclusion. As a small organisation, ACEVO has championed a people-first approach—prioritising hybrid and flexible working and strong internal support systems that empower staff to thrive both professionally and personally.
Jane Ide, CEO at ACEVO, said:
“We’re delighted to have won the Best Small Employer category at this year’s Best Practice Awards.
“We’re especially proud that the judges recognised our commitment to creating a healthy, flexible working environment where everyone feels trusted, supported and able to do their best work. As a membership organisation for charity leaders, we know how vital it is to lead by example—and this award is a testament to what’s possible when small organisations think big about people and culture.”
Jane van Zyl, chief executive of Working Families, said:
“Congratulations to ACEVO and to all the winners of this year’s Best Practice Awards. Yet again, we have been blown away by the calibre of our finalists. Every single one is demonstrating that any organisation can build flexibility and family-friendly workplaces, regardless of size or sector. From small businesses and charitable societies to international banks and the armed forces, our winners show innovation, practicality and compassion.
I’d like to congratulate all the finalists for their dedication to being employers who aren’t afraid to do things differently and go the extra mile for their people and their business. Their inspiring family-friendly policies and supportive practices are helping transform the world of work for future generations so that everyone, from families to businesses, can reap the rewards.”