Raise a toast: Awards ceremony nominations revealed for QCHE 2026

Rachel Whales • January 7, 2026

Taking place at Glazier’s Hall in London on Wednesday 11 February, QCHE 2026 brings together university leaders in admissions, compliance and international recruitment for a day of insight and discussion on building fraud-resistant practices and shaping the future of compliance in higher education.

The day will finish with the QCHE Awards, new for 2026, which recognise excellence in verification and compliance practice. The awards celebrate progress across our community, highlighting the creative, data-driven and collaborative approaches that are strengthening compliance and efficiency across UK higher education.

After months of data gathering and careful deliberation, I’m proud to present the short-listed partner nominees (in no particular order) for the QCHE Awards, which promises to be a very special afternoon of recognition and celebration.

🌍 GLOBAL FOOTPRINT AWARD: For the partner verifying across the greatest number of countries worldwide. Partner nominations as follows.

Cardiff University
Imperial College London
King’s College London
University College London

🪴 VERIFICATION GROWTH AWARD: For the highest year-on-year growth (%) for international education checks. Partner nominations as follows.

Bloomsbury Institute London
Glasgow Caledonian University
Newcastle University
University of Law

✅ VERIFICATION VERSATILITY AWARD: For the most comprehensive use of QC’s services across education, identity, and English language verification. Partner nominations as follows.

International School for Development Justice (ISDJ)
King’s College London
University College London
University of Westminster

⚡ LIGHTNING LAUNCH AWARD: For the fastest and most effective transition from onboarding to live verification activity. Partner nominations as follows.

Cranfield University
International School for Development Justice (ISDJ)
University of Aberdeen
University of Cambridge

⭐ RISING STAR AWARD: For outstanding engagement, collaboration, and early performance since onboarding. Partner nominations as follows.

Cranfield University
Ghent University
International School for Development Justice (ISDJ)
University of Bristol

🚀 COLLABORATION CHAMPION AWARD: For strong collaboration on improving processes, data use, stakeholder engagement, and operational outcomes. Partner nominations as follows.

Cardiff University
King’s College London
University of Glasgow
University of Westminster

🔍 THE SHERLOCK HOLMES AWARD: For exceptional vigilance in identifying fraud risk and complex case resolution. Partner nominations as follows.

Glasgow Caledonian University
University College London
University of Westminster
UWE Bristol: University of the West of England

🎓 APPLICANT EXPERIENCE AWARD: For outstanding initiatives that improve communication, transparency, and trust for applicants throughout the verification process. Partner nominations as follows.

Cardiff University
Ghent University
Imperial College London
King’s College London

🥇 EXCELLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP AWARD: For consistent collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to verification quality over time. Partner nominations as follows.

Cardiff University
Imperial College London
King’s College London
University of Westminster

Congratulations to all our nominated partners!

I’m thrilled that we’re able to hold an awards ceremony and recognise our partners in this way. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the amount of effort, innovation and work that goes into verification and compliance across our partner institutions.

I can’t wait to welcome our winners to center stage at QCHE 2026, with the spotlight shining brightly on the dedicated UKHE community that we’re honored to be part of.

Rachel Whales joined Qualification Check in 2022 as Head of Global Accounts, following similar roles at Experian, GBG, and Serif.

With over a decade of experience in account management and client success, Rachel leads Qualification Check’s Customer Success team, helping clients maximise value from the company’s products and services.