• Award Categories

    The 2025 PICCASO Awards features 24 diverse categories, highlighting the depth and continued evolution of the privacy and data protection landscape. This expanded programme recognises a broad spectrum of contributions-celebrating both individuals and organisations shaping the future of privacy across Europe.

  • broken image

    RISING STAR

    This category celebrates individuals in the early stages of their careers, specifically, those with less than five years of experience. They have demonstrated exceptional promise in the fields of Privacy, Compliance, Security, InfoSec or Data Ethics. Nominees should provide evidence of significant contributions, such as leading innovative projects, introducing new approaches within their role, or making impactful changes within their organisations. Submissions should highlight the nominee's potential for future leadership and their commitment to advancing the industry.​

    broken image

    AUTHOR/CREATOR OF THE YEAR

    This award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the industry through original content - whether written, spoken or digital. Submissions may include books, articles, blogs, newsletters, podcasts, videos or other forms of media that have helped to inform, educate and engage audiences on key topics. Nominees should demonstrate how their content has sparked discussion, raised awareness, or influenced thinking within the industry and beyond.

    broken image

    INSPIRING COMMUNICATIONS AWARD

    This category honours outstanding communication efforts that have effectively conveyed complex privacy or security concepts to diverse audiences. Nominees should present examples of campaigns, internal communications, thought leadership, or digital content that have successfully raised awareness, influenced behaviour, or fostered a culture of privacy. Submissions should emphasise creativity, clarity, and the tangible impact of the communications on the intended audience.

    broken image


    BEST PRIVACY CULTURE IMPROVEMENT AWARD

    This award recognises organisations that have successfully transformed their internal culture to prioritise privacy. Nominees should provide evidence of initiatives that have led to measurable improvements in privacy awareness and practices. Submissions should detail the strategies employed to achieve cultural change, such as leadership engagement, employee training, policy development, or the integration of privacy considerations into everyday business processes..

    broken image


    BEST PRIVACY PROGRAMME AWARD

    This category celebrates comprehensive privacy programmes that have significantly enhanced data protection within an organisation. Nominees should detail the objectives, implementation strategies, and outcomes of their programmes, highlighting how they align with regulatory requirements and organisational goals. Submissions should demonstrate cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and measurable improvements in privacy risk management and performance..

    broken image

    BRIDGING THE PRIVACY AND SECURITY GAP

    This award acknowledges efforts that effectively integrate privacy and security functions to deliver greater organisational alignment and improved outcomes. Nominees should showcase collaborative initiatives that address overlapping challenges and promote unified strategies, such as shared risk assessments, joint frameworks, or combined governance models. Submissions should illustrate how these efforts have enhanced communication, reduced silos, and resulted in tangible benefits for both domains.

    broken image
    broken image

    SUSTAINABILITY & PRIVACY INITIATIVE

    This category recognises projects or programmes that actively integrate privacy practices into wider sustainability strategies, demonstrating how responsible data management can contribute to environmental and social impact. Submissions should highlight how privacy efforts, such as data minimisation, ethical processing, or responsible AI use, support sustainability goals like reducing energy consumption, improving transparency, or protecting vulnerable communities.

    DATA GOVERNANCE & RECORD MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR

    This award recognises a standout programme that has successfully strengthened data governance and records management within an organisation. Submissions should outline how the programme has improved data quality, lifecycle management, retention practices or compliance with relevant regulations.

    broken image
    broken image

    MOST INNOCATIVE PLATFORM/SOFTWARE OF THE YEAR

    This category celebrates a platform or software solution that has introduced a new or significantly improved way of addressing challenges in privacy, data protection, security or governance. Submissions should detail the innovation involved, its application in real-world settings, and how it delivers meaningful benefits to users or organisations. Nominees should provide evidence of creativity, usability, and impact in solving complex problems or advancing industry practices.

    DE&I LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

    This award honours individuals or organisations leading the way in embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the privacy or security sectors. Nominees should highlight programmes or policies that foster inclusive environments and equitable opportunities, such as internal leadership programmes, mentorship, inclusive hiring practices, or broader contributions to the representation and inclusion of underrepresented voices in the field. Submissions should demonstrate sustained and measurable progress, with DE&I at the heart of their values and operations.

    broken image

    COMPLIANCE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

    This award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in compliance, particularly in navigating and interpreting data protection laws and regulations. Nominees should detail their proactive approach to compliance, risk management, and fostering a culture of accountability, showcasing how they have ensured robust compliance frameworks and supported their organisation in understanding and embracing a culture of compliance.

    broken image

    INFOSEC CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

    Awarded to an individual who has made a noteworthy contribution to information security. Nominees should present initiatives that strengthen security posture, mitigate risks, and promote best practices, such as leading major security improvements, driving best practices across an organisation, or bridging the gap between technical and business stakeholders. Submissions should showcase measurable impact and how the individual has championed security as an enabler of trust and resilience.

    broken image

    PRIVACY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

    This individual award is for someone who has gone above and beyond to advocate for privacy and data protection, either within their organisation or more broadly in the community or industry. Nominees should exhibit leadership in promoting ethical data practices and influencing positive change, demonstrating consistent advocacy, a strong ethical stance, and a proactive role in promoting privacy rights, culture, or best practices. Submissions should highlight specific actions taken and their impact on the organisation or community.

    broken image

    RESPONSIBLE AI & DATA ETHICS INITIATIVE OR LEADERSHIP

    This award recognises efforts in developing or leading responsible AI and data ethics practices. Nominees should provide examples of ethical frameworks, governance models, or initiatives that guide responsible technology use, demonstrating leadership in ensuring ethical approaches to artificial intelligence and data use. Submissions should highlight how these efforts promote fairness, accountability, transparency, and societal benefit.

    broken image

    SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN'S DATA AWARD

    This category is awarded to organisations or individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting children's data. Nominees should demonstrate strategies that address the unique challenges of handling children's data responsibly, such as innovative approaches to age-appropriate design, parental controls, digital literacy, or privacy-by-design specific to children’s products and services.

    broken image

    OUTSTANDING DPO

    This award recognises an exceptional Data Protection Officer (DPO) who has demonstrated leadership in ensuring robust data protection practices within their organisation. Submissions should highlight the nominee's success in managing data protection risks, influencing senior leadership, and fostering a culture of privacy. Key achievements could include driving compliance, implementing privacy strategies, and overcoming challenges to protect data and rights. The nominee should show how they’ve effectively integrated privacy into business operations and ensured the organisation meets regulatory requirements.

    broken image
    broken image

    MOST INNOVATIVE RECRUITER OF THE YEAR

    This award recognises a team or agency that has taken a bold, creative, and highly effective approach to hiring in the privacy, security, or data ethics sectors. Submissions should showcase how innovative strategies, whether through inclusive hiring practices, unique sourcing techniques, or outstanding candidate experiences that have led to exceptional results.

    INDUSTRY NETWORK OF THE YEAR

    This award recognises a network or group that provides exceptional support, collaboration, and resources to its members within the privacy, security, or data protection industry. Submissions should highlight how the network fosters professional growth, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support, whether through events, mentoring, or shared resources. The winner will be a network that has made a significant impact by helping members thrive and build stronger connections within the industry.

    broken image

    LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

    This category recognises a law firm that has delivered outstanding support in the areas of privacy, data protection, and related legal disciplines. Submissions should outline the firm’s achievements over the past year, including notable client work, leadership in regulatory matters, contributions to policy development, or innovative legal solutions. Nominees should include examples that demonstrate depth of expertise, industry impact, and commitment to advancing privacy and data ethics through legal practice.

    broken image

    ISO 27001 / ISMS TEAM OF THE YEAR

    This award celebrates a team that has successfully implemented, maintained, or advanced an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS). Submissions should describe how the team has embedded information security into their organisation’s operations, improved compliance, and driven continuous improvement. Nominees should include details of key activities, challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes that demonstrate excellence in information security governance and risk management.

    broken image
    broken image

    CYBERSECURITY TEAM OF THE YEAR

    This category honours a team that has delivered outstanding results in strengthening cyber resilience and protecting organisational assets. Submissions should outline key initiatives, strategies or responses over the past year that have made a measurable impact. This may include threat detection, incident response, infrastructure improvements or security awareness campaigns.

    COMPLIANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR

    This category recognises a team that has excelled in establishing or enhancing organisational compliance with data protection and privacy regulations. Submissions should outline the team’s strategic approach, collaborative efforts, and specific projects or initiatives delivered over the past year. Nominations should include tangible outcomes such as policy development, audit performance, training initiatives, or effective risk mitigation measures that support a culture of accountability and compliance.

    broken image

    INFOSEC TEAM OF THE YEAR

    This award recognises an information security team that has achieved outstanding results in strengthening their organisation’s security posture. Submissions should detail major projects, initiatives, or ongoing efforts that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a proactive security culture. Nominations may include examples of threat management, incident response, architecture improvements, or awareness programmes that have driven meaningful change.

    broken image

    PRIVACY TEAM OF THE YEAR

    This category honours a team that has demonstrated excellence in delivering privacy strategy, operations, and outcomes within their organisation. Submissions should showcase how the team has embedded privacy by design, improved data handling practices, responded to regulatory demands, or led impactful privacy initiatives. Nominations should reflect strong collaboration, innovation, and measurable progress in building a mature privacy programme.

  • NOMINATION PREPERATION GUIDE

    To help you prepare your nomination for the PICCASO Awards 2025, we've outlined the questions you'll be asked and the information you'll need for each category.

    1. Tell Us About the Nominee or Team

    Use this space to introduce the nominee by describing their role, the work they do, and the type of organisation they are part of. (2500 Characters Max)

    2. Please provide a concise overview of your nomination.

    This summary should briefly outline the achievements, innovations, or contributions that support this nomination. Please note, if your nomination is shortlisted, this summary may be published. (1500 Charcters Max)3. What has the nominee achieved in the last 18 months, and what was new or innovative about their work?

    Describe the key achievements, initiatives, or contributions made by the nominee. What did they do that was different or ground-breaking? What specific challenges or problems did they face, and how did they overcome them? Why was this work important to their organisation, sector, or community? (3500 Characters Max)4. What impact did this work have, and what were the results?

    Explain the outcomes of the nominee’s work. What measurable results or meaningful changes were achieved? How did this work create value for the organisation and its stakeholders? What lasting difference has it made, and how have things changed as a result? (3500 Characters Max).

    5. Upload any supporting documents

    We also ask for nominees to upload a Headshot and Company logo.

  • APPLICATION TIMELINE

    1

    OPEN FOR ENTRIES

    28th April 2025

    2

    NOMINATIONS CLOSE

    20th June 2025

    3

    SHORTLISTING BEGINS

    30th June 2025

    4

    SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

    14th July 2025

    5

    AWARDS

    EVENING

    11th November 2025