Dozens of charities and not-for-profit organisations have been recognised in the Sunday Times’ best places to work in the UK 2026.
Published on Friday, the list recognises the best small (10-49 employees), medium (50-249), big (250-1,999) and very big (2,000+) organisations that champion workplace culture and employee experience.
It also recognises best workplaces for women, LGBTQIA+ staff, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers and for wellbeing.
This year’s list features 567 organisations voted for by their own employees via a survey of over 200,000 staff members spanning 25 industry sectors across the UK.
It includes 25 organisations in the “non-profit organisations and charities” industry, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Cinnamon Trust and YMCA South Midlands.
‘It’s important that our people feel happy at work’
The Alzheimer’s Society, which has 1,925 staff, said it is the third time it has been included in the list in recent years, after also being named in 2023 and 2025.
The charity was also highly commended for the LGBTQIA+ employees 2026 spotlight award, recognising its progress in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Chief executive Michelle Dyson said: “Everything we do relies on the dedication, drive and determination of every single member of the Alzheimer’s Society team.
“It’s so important that our people feel supported and happy at work.
“This award is recognition of the way all our people consistently support each other – and in particular of the hard work of departments that support all employees.”
‘Extraordinary honour’
The Cinnamon Trust, which has 120 employees and provides assistance to pet owners, has been recognised as a best place to work for a third consecutive year.
CEO Patrick Williams said: “Winning this award for the third year running is an extraordinary honour and a testament to the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our entire team.
“At the charity, our people are at the heart of everything we do – from supporting vulnerable individuals to safeguarding their beloved pets.
“This recognition reflects not only the culture we’ve built together but also the shared commitment to making a meaningful difference every day.”
‘Significant achievement’
The Grammar School at Leeds, an independent school and charity that has 435 staff and is listed in the “education and research” industry, was recognised as a best place to work in the big organisation category.
Principal Michael Hall said: “We believe that when colleagues feel supported, empowered and valued, they’re able to make the greatest possible difference to the lives of young people.
“This award is a wonderful endorsement of our culture and values, and of the dedication shown by colleagues across every part of the school.
“To be recognised nationally alongside leading organisations from across the UK is a significant achievement for the school.”
The list uses 26 questions from WorkL’s employee survey, developed by experts to monitor staff engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace.
Organisations are evaluated across six areas – reward and recognition, instilling pride, information sharing, empowerment, wellbeing, and job satisfaction – and must achieve a minimum 70% overall engagement score.
