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Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College has been named in the official Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, which has been created in partnership with leading employee experience platform WorkL.

This nationwide workplace survey recognises and celebrates the UK’s top employers, showcasing organisations that are leading the way in employee engagement, workplace culture and overall employee experience. The list is available to view online at thetimes.com/best-places-to-work and will appear in the print edition of the newspaper this Sunday, May 24.

Michelle Dowse, CEO & Principal at HoW College, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. This accolade reflects the culture we have worked hard to build across the College, where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

“We firmly believe that delivering high-quality teaching, learning and support begins with a motivated and engaged workforce. As colleagues spend a significant proportion of their lives at work, it is important to us that HoW College is a place where people feel happy, recognised and proud of the contribution they make.

“Our staff are deeply committed to student success and passionate about nurturing each individual’s brilliance, and it is this shared sense of purpose that underpins the positive feedback we have received across areas such as reward and recognition, confidence in leadership, instilling pride and job satisfaction.”

This year’s Best Places to Work features 567 organisations across industries, split into 28 Best Very Big Places to Work, 126 Best Big Places to Work, 218 Best Medium Places to Work, and 195 Best Small Places to Work.

Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, said: “In an evolving world of work Britain’s leading employers are helping staff forge careers that count today – and in the future. In turn, the Best Places to Work have the resilience to weather the current economic storms baked in, thanks to engaged workers who go above and beyond with a smile.

“Our winning employers span sizes and sectors – from tiny charities and specialist law firms, to multinational fast-food chains and utility giants, and everywhere in between. The thread joining them is the belief that a happy workforce is a stepping stone to better performance, faster growth, and bigger profits. More than that, there’s a collective instinct that a contented rank-and-file is a worthwhile business goal in and of itself.”

Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL, said: “I am delighted that more companies than ever entered this year's Best Places to Work awards and more have been given winner’s medals. The scores are higher than last year showing a greater focus being put on how employees feel. All our research at WorkL clearly shows that happier workforces drive better commercial performance.”

www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-work