National Homicide Working Group Senior Investigating Officers Conference Awards 2026
We are very pleased to announce the award categories for this year’s National Homicide Working Group SIO's Conference. All Awards are open to people working in UK Law enforcement, whether that is within a police force or a partner agency such as NCA, HMPPS, HMRC, Home Office or other unit. The awards will be presented at the conference dinner on 3 November.
Nominations
Nominations are now open for the awards, to nominate please do so via the button below.
Nominations will close at 00:00 on Friday 2nd October 2026. After this date, all nominations will be collated and reviewed by a panel drawing members from across the HWG regions. If you have any issues accessing the forms, or you have any queries about the awards, please contact register@cjsevents.co.uk
Terms of Reference
If you would like a copy of the full Terms of Reference, please contact your regional representative.
Award Categories and Criteria
Purpose
To recognise the highest commitment and achievements in leading a serious and complex investigation into a major crime.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
Leadership of an exceptionally challenging and complex criminal investigation.
Outstanding resilience, professionalism and commitment throughout the course of the investigation.
Exceptional decision making and investigative leadership under significant operational pressure.
Evidence of innovation, problem-solving and investigative excellence.
Exceptional commitment to the victim, their family and the wider communities we serve.
Achievement of significant investigative outcomes and delivery of justice.
Purpose
To recognise an investigation that showcases the very best skills, standards and practices in criminal investigation.
Selection Criteria
The nominated investigation should demonstrate:
Exemplary investigative practice.
Effective use of investigative strategy, tactics and resources.
Management of a criminal investigation involving the highest degrees of complexity and sensitivity.
Innovation and learning that may be transferable to future investigations.
Outstanding victim and family focus.
Significant impact and outcomes for victims, their families and the wider community.
Contribution to the advancement of professional investigative practice.
Purpose
To recognise a police staff member who has made an exceptional contribution to a serious or complex criminal investigation into major crime.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
Exceptional dedication and commitment to an investigation.
Consistently high levels of professionalism and performance.
Going above and beyond the expectations of their role.
Significant contribution to the successful outcome of an investigation.
Exceptional support to victims, families, colleagues and partner agencies.
Innovation, expertise or specialist knowledge that has materially enhanced an investigation.
Purpose
To recognise an individual's sustained and exceptional contribution to serious and complex criminal investigations, into major crime, throughout their career.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
A distinguished and sustained record of achievement within criminal investigation.
Outstanding contribution to the development of investigative practice.
Evidence of influencing or changing the landscape of criminal investigation locally, regionally or nationally.
Significant contribution to the development of current and future investigators.
Consistent demonstration of the highest professional standards throughout their career.
Recognition as a role model and source of inspiration for aspiring Senior Investigating Officers.
A lasting legacy that has improved criminal investigations and outcomes for victims and communities.
Purpose
To recognise outstanding commitment or a significant achievement within a thematic area aligned to the objectives of the National Homicide Working Group.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
Exceptional commitment to the delivery of the objectives of the National Homicide Working Group.
Outstanding contribution to improving criminal investigation.
Leadership or participation in work that has delivered significant and embedded change.
Development or implementation of innovative practice, policy or learning.
Delivery of sustainable and embedded improvements that enhance investigative outcomes.
Positive impact upon victims, families and communities.
Contribution to national learning, collaboration or professional development.
Senior Investigating Officer of the Year
Eligible investigations must have concluded, (which includes any trial at court) within the preceding 12-month period prior to the nomination closing date.
Investigation of the Year
Eligible investigations must have concluded, (which includes any trial at court), within the preceding 12-month period prior to the nomination closing date.
Police Staff Member of the Year
Nominations must relate to work undertaken within an eligible investigation that concluded, (which includes any trial at court), within the preceding 12-month period prior to the nomination closing date.
Lifetime Achievement Award
There is no specific timeframe for eligibility. Nominations should reflect an individual's career-long contribution to serious and complex criminal investigation.
National Homicide Working Group Award
Nominations shall relate to achievements, activity or contributions undertaken between the conclusion of the previous National SIO Conference in November and the subsequent National SIO Conference in November.