Advice for Nominees

True and correct nominations

A basic assumption of those on the short listing and judging panels is that all statements contained in each nomination are true. Although the panels do not look for confirmation, in some instances it may be prudent for the panel to ask the nominee to provide relevant supporting documents. For example, if a response statement mentions superlatives and qualifiers (e.g. “world class”, “is generally acknowledged as leading the field”) – these statements must be supported by valid evidence.

Response statements

In the Assessment Criteria, nominations must address each Award criterion. In these pages, a nomination that expends text in presenting a list of awards gained by the individual or team is not sufficient, although passing reference to a supporting document containing a list of previous accolades could be useful.

Criteria

The short listing and judging panels are unable to spend time sorting or sifting through nominations which have been completed incorrectly to find the relevant information. Make sure you address each of the criteria for the Award category clearly and specifically.

Explanation of projects, initiatives or programs

Remember to explain why your project, initiative or program was created, rather than just stating what the project, initiative or program is. e.g. What was the need that gave rise to the project, initiative or program being created or developed?

Demonstrated results 

Nominations must be able to demonstrate results and the difference that the initiative, program or project has made based on the criteria. This will therefore require time to elapse: nominees should consider the disadvantage inherent in submitting a nomination too soon, before such results can be reported. Recognition cannot be given for just ‘doing’ a project: recognition can only be given for the demonstrated achievement of results.

Dates

Where possible, provide dates and show the period of time over which the events occurred. Explain the life (i.e. duration) of the project, initiative or program. e.g. is it a once off, or a continuing project, initiative or program?

Food for thought

The below is for consideration only and are not mandated as part of the Awards nomination process.

• Focus on how your work, program or initiative fits within the overarching strategic plan of your organisation.
• Focus on how you delivered on-time, on-budget, to the required standard and fulfilled the desired outcomes.
• If something went wrong, explain this: explain also how you or your team adjusted and recovered.
• What performance measures were included in the evaluation process? Provide the statistics and show the results for the measures used.
• Focus on achievement, not effort.
• What was the identified need that gave rise to the project, initiative or program and on what evidence is this need based?
• Who are the customers/stakeholders of this project, initiative or program? Alternatively, the clients, recipients, beneficiaries or end-users?
• What was done? When? Why?
• What have the results been and did you achieve your desired outcomes?