Real World Group Shortlisted for Two PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Real World Group has been shortlisted for two categories in the PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2026, a recognition that reflects the impact of our evidence‑based approach to leadership, culture, and organisational transformation.

The PPMA Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across public‑sector people management, and we are honoured to be recognised alongside our valued partners for work that is helping shape healthier, more effective workplaces.

We have been shortlisted in the following categories:

Best Workforce Transformation / Change Initiative

Real World Group X Runnymede Borough Council

Our partnership with Runnymede Borough Council has been shortlisted for the Best Workforce Transformation / Change Initiative a category that highlights innovative, people‑centred approaches to organisational change.

Together, we supported Runnymede in developing a leadership culture capable of navigating complexity, strengthening collaboration, and enabling teams to thrive through significant transformation. Using our validated leadership diagnostics and research‑driven frameworks, the programme helped leaders build confidence, clarity, and collective purpose, creating the conditions for sustainable change.

Best Candidate Experience

Real World Group X The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are equally proud to be shortlisted with The Christie NHS FT for Best Candidate Experience an award that celebrates excellence in recruitment, onboarding, and the overall journey of prospective employees.

Working with The Christie, we supported a significant enhancement of their senior and executive recruitment processes by replacing outdated personality tests with the Real World Leader behavioural self‑assessment. This evidence‑based approach provides a far more accurate and meaningful understanding of how candidates lead in real situations, rather than relying on static personality indicators. By integrating our validated behavioural tools, The Christie strengthened its ability to attract and select leaders whose actions genuinely reflect the organisation’s values, culture, and commitment to compassionate, inclusive leadership. The result is a candidate experience that feels fair, transparent, and deeply aligned with what it means to lead effectively within a world‑class NHS organisation.

A Shared Commitment to Evidence‑Based, People‑Centred Leadership

As Chartered Occupational Psychologists, Real World Group has spent more than two decades helping organisations including many across the NHS and public sector create cultures where people feel valued, supported, and able to contribute their best.

These nominations reflect the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of the leaders and teams we work alongside. Whether supporting workforce transformation or enhancing the candidate journey, our focus remains the same:

leadership that enables people to thrive leads to organisations that excel.

We are incredibly proud of our teams, our partners, and the shared achievements recognised by the PPMA this year. Being shortlisted in two categories is a testament to the impact of collaborative, research‑driven leadership development  and we look forward to celebrating with colleagues across the sector at the awards ceremony.

To learn more about our work or explore how we can support your organisation’s leadership, culture, or transformation goals, we’d love to continue the conversation. hello@realworld-group.com 

Find out more about our Leadership Assessments here