Cogent Skills has been named among the UK’s top employers in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 awards for the third year running, recognising our organisation’s continued commitment to creating a positive, supportive and purpose-driven workplace culture.
Cogent Skills has been named Best Medium Company to Work for in the Non-Profits and Charities sector, while our subsidiary organisation the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) was also recognised as Best Small Company to Work For in the same sector.
The national awards are based on employee feedback and celebrate organisations where colleagues report high levels of wellbeing, job satisfaction, pride and connection to their work.
From the 2026 employee surveys, 92% of employees were proud to work for Cogent Skills and 90% of employees feel that Cogent Skills look after their wellbeing.
This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting careers and workforce development across industries critical to the UK’s future, including nuclear, clean growth, life sciences and process industries.
Cogent Skills works with employers across science-based sectors to help tackle skills shortages, develop industry standards and inspire more people into technical and scientific careers.
Justine Fosh, Chief Executive Officer of Cogent Skills, said: “We’re incredibly proud that both Cogent Skills and NSAN have been recognised by The Sunday Times. These awards reflect the culture we have worked hard to build across the Cogent Skills group, where people feel valued, supported and connected to a shared purpose.
“As organisations focused on developing skills and supporting the future workforce, we know that investing in our people is essential. This recognition reflects the passion, teamwork and commitment shown by our colleagues every day.
“To be acknowledged alongside so many respected organisations on the 2026 Best Places to Work list is a fantastic achievement, and one we’re delighted to celebrate together as a business.”
This latest recognition builds on previous success for Cogent Skills in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards, having also featured in 2024 and 2025, including recognition as a Best Place to Work for Women in 2025.
Further success came for NSAN, which achieved recognition on its first-ever submission to the awards programme.
Headquartered at The Base in Warrington, NSAN was founded in 2008 by employers in the nuclear sector and works with industry partners, employers and training providers across the civil and defence industries to help develop the skilled workforce needed for the UK’s nuclear future.
Tricia Austin, Managing Director of NSAN, said: “We are thrilled that NSAN has been named one of the UK’s best places to work by The Sunday Times, and to win our category on our first submission makes it even more special.
“From our Warrington head office, our small team supports skills across the UK nuclear industry, and this award is a real tribute to their commitment, professionalism and the culture we have built together. It is a deserved recognition for a team that gives so much every day.”
