DO: 

  • Allow plenty of time (deadline Friday 4 July 2025).  

  • Enter the most appropriate category by checking the criteria.   Write your nomination in a Word doc first, to check your submission is between 200 words and 500 words. You can then copy the text into the submission form.

  • The judges likely won’t know anything about your nominated colleague, team or project etc, so explain the background/context and use simple language. 

  • Be passionate, punchy, and positive – it’s not a report

  • Provided as much information as you can for each of the prompt points - the judges will use this information to score your submission.

  • Back up your points with as much evidence as you can, for example:

    • X is kind, warm and approachable, evidenced by receiving 100% positive patient feedback.

    • Team Y has shown determination and ingenuity in developing the new service. They’ve supported nearly 1,000 people and received lots of positive feedback, including “Thanks to the team I can see a brighter future.”  

    • Z is committed to being kind, fair and inclusive. Colleague feedback includes “When I started, X spent time getting to know me and understanding the support I need. It made such a difference.”   

  • Ask someone who doesn’t know much about your service/project to check your submission – do they understand and feel it demonstrates the achievements well?  

DON’T... 

  • Feel like your contribution isn’t big or good enough. Some of the smallest and simplest things can have the biggest impact.

  • Ignore the guidance provided as the judges will use this to score your submission.

  • Use lots of jargon, clinical terminology, abbreviations – the judges may not understand.  

  • Miss the deadline! (Friday 4 July 2025).