Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘public service'?

Public service can be defined as:
1. Employment within a governmental system, especially within the civil service.
2. A service performed for the benefit of the public, especially by a nonprofit organization.
3. The business of supplying an essential commodity, such as water or electricity, or a service, such as communications or transportation, to the public.

Public services is a term usually used to mean services provided by government to its citizens, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing private provision of services. The term is associated with a social consensus (usually expressed through democratic elections) that certain services should be available to all, regardless of income. Even where public services are neither publicly provided nor publicly financed, for social and political reasons they are usually subject to regulation going beyond that applying to most economic sectors.

What is the maximum word count for each criteria?

The Award Assessment Criteria PDF has a set Word limit to an estimated 2 pages per criteria or a maximum of 9,500 characters. The font is Arial size 10.

Can I insert diagrams, images or footnotes into the Assessment Criteria?

No. The PDF is text based only and does not accept diagrams, foot notes etc. You can upload one supporting document (maximum 2MB) including photos to the online Entry Form.

What is the maximum number of members a team nomination can have?

There is no maximum number of members for a team entry. We understand that some projects can involve several staff to execute it effectively and efficiently.   

Can I/my team enter more than one Award category?

Yes. You can apply for more than one category for your project or initiative. However you must submit a separate nomination including the relevant Award Assessment Criteria and upload via the online entry form, for each category you enter into.

Can the same project or initiative win the award for more than one category? 

Yes. It is possible that the same project or initiative can win the award for more than one category. To be eligible, you must submit a separate nomination including the relevant Award Assessment Criteria and upload via the online entry form, for each category you enter into.

Referees

How many referees are required? 

No more than 3

What contact information do you require for referees? 

Full details including mobile and email address.

Do the referees need to provide referee statements? If so, word length?

No they don’t that is optional and should be no more than 100 words

Individual Awards Only

These awards are self or third-party nominated, but they also require support from CEO - what form should this take if the CEO is not the nominator?  

A short statement – no more than one sentence and should form part of the main submission.

If an individual wants to self nominate do they need to be a Personal member of the Institute or is it okay for them to be an employee of an organisation with corporate membership?

OK to be either.

Is a CV part of the main submission?

No the CV is a supporting document.