Previously organised by APD Communications, the awards are now being independently run by the company’s former MD, Mike Isherwood. APD was acquired by NEC in 2019. 

Award categories this year include Community Champion, Team of the Year, Leader of the Year, Young Achiever and more. 

Speaking of the awards, a spokesperson said: “[The event] provides an essential opportunity to recognise the otherwise unheralded work of individuals and teams in control rooms across the country. 

“The prestigious awards celebrate the many ways in which control room employees serve society day after day, often dealing with harrowing and distressing situations.”

Isherwood said: “Over 99 per cent of emergency responses start with a phone call taken by control room operators. The professionalism and dedication of control room teams across the country saves lives 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“We passionately believe that contribution deserves recognition and celebration and that’s why we’re delighted to be staging the Control Room Awards this year.

“This will be a night for the control room community to come together and celebrate inspiring stories of bravery, resilience, leadership and public service.”

The awards will be held on September 21 at the NEC in Birmingham, co-located with this year’s Emergency Services Show.