2023 Women in Defence UK Awards Criteria
Table of Contents
Please press ‘Left Click’ (the left-click on your mouse or keyboard) on the category you would like to see the criteria for. This will take you to the relevant page without the need to scroll.
Inspirational Award
This award is to recognise where an individual has demonstrated having inspired or positively influenced the choices of other colleagues.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of where an individual has had an unusually positive influence or impact on other individuals – this could be over a long period of time or a specific element of support. The impact of that influence could take many forms; for example, a change in behaviour; increased ambition or motivation; achievement of potential; or the courage to call out wrong-doing. The key line is in the title - ‘Inspirational’, for it is far more challenging to inspire others than to be inspired, which is what this award aims to recognise. The judges will expect to see evidence of how the nominee has acted as a role model.
See also
The Inspirational Award shares similarities with the Outstanding Contribution Award as both categories relate to individuals who have exceeded all expectations. The key element of the Inspirational Award is the role model aspect – inspiring others; the key element of the Outstanding Contribution Award is an exceptional contribution to the output or mission of their organisation. For early career professionals, also consider the Emerging Talent Award which is for women who consistently demonstrate exceptionally high performance in their role.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from the Army, MACE and SERCO. The winner was recognised for inspiring young people to believe that they can achieve whatever they want by skiing solo to the South Pole. The other finalists were nominated for: implementing the ‘Project Recognition Scheme’ and establishing a new Accessibility Advisory Group; supporting social value activities, coaching other women, being an Industry Ambassador for Maritime UK and supporting a school in a deprived area of Portsmouth.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is any individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Outstanding Contribution Award
This award is to recognise an outstanding contribution to their organisation where the nominee has exceeded expectations.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for nominees who have gone over and above the expectations of their role to deliver an exceptional contribution to the output or mission of an organisation. This might be the nominee’s employer or a client they have worked for, but the organisation should be working in defence of the nation. They may have demonstrated more than one example of going above and beyond at different times during their career – the nomination can relate to single or multiple contributions at any stage of the individual’s career. There is no minimum experience needed for this award.
See also
The Outstanding Contribution Award shares similarities with the Inspirational Award as both categories relate to individuals who have exceeded all expectations. The key element of the Outstanding Contribution Award is an exceptional contribution to the output or mission of their organisation. The key element of the Inspirational Award is the role model aspect – inspiring others. For early career professionals, also consider the Emerging Talent Award which is for women who consistently demonstrate exceptionally high performance in their role.
The Outstanding Contribution Award shares similarities with the Unsung Heroines Award. The key difference is that the Unsung Heroine award improves the ‘morale’ of people working in defence of the nation, whereas the effect of the work under the Outstanding Contribution Award is to improve the output of organisations, as they work to meet their vision or mission in support of the defence of the nation.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from the Army, MOD and Leonardo UK Ltd. The winner was recognised for her incredible achievements whilst deployed in Mali on Operation NEWCOMBE 2. The other finalists were nominated for: outstanding leadership contribution to the delivery of the UK Dreadnought programme; being an inspirational leader of her generation as Head of Capability for EW Sensors at Leonardo (the first woman to hold this role) and a 35-year career with many technical achievements.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is any individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words)
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Most Collaborative Award
This award is to recognise where an individual has demonstrated that creating a collaborative working arrangement within their organisation or with another organisation has created a positive impact.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of where the collaborative approach adopted by an individual has made a real impact to an initiative or business output. This could be collaborating with others within teams, in charitable, cultural or business initiatives, or more widely across the defence enterprise. The benefits realised could include shared knowledge and information, efficiency savings through shared costs or an improved service.
See also
The Most Collaborative Award shares similarities with the Inclusive Teamwork Award. The key difference is that the Most Collaborative Award is for individuals and focuses on the benefits realised through collaborative working, whilst the Inclusive Teamwork Award is for teams and focuses on the creation of an inclusive teamwork approach where everyone’s opinion is valued.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from the Royal Navy, and the Army. The winner was recognised for her performance since joining HMS DAUNTLESS, being an inspiration and vastly improving the morale and operational capability within HMS DAUNTLESS. The other finalists were recognised for: contributions to the F35 Joint Program Office Software saving the US and UK Governments millions of dollars, increasing aircraft lifetime availability, and improved and streamlined capability; enormous positive impact in building and supporting collaborative working between prosecutors (civilian and military) and the Service Police in a tri-service environment.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is any individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Resolute Spirit Award
This award is to recognise individual women who have the steadfast spirit to persevere whilst overcoming real adversity.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of where an individual has shown true determination to overcome real adversity. This could include continued difficulty related to business, environment or culture, or experienced in their personal life.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from the MOD, QinetiQ and Leonardo UK Ltd. The winner was recognised for her excellent technical work at QinetiQ as well as the mentoring she does whilst battling hidden disabilities. The other finalists were nominated for: personal drive, commitment and determination to battle back after suffering a debilitating spinal stroke at the age of 33; improving conditions for current and future disabled or neuro-diverse people as the Vice Chair Enable Network Group.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is any individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Equity of Opportunity Award
This award is to recognise where an individual, team or organisation has worked to create an environment where gender equity is valued. Examples are: implementing policy change to enable shared parenting; leading a cultural shift so that people feel able to be authentically themselves; senior leaders role modelling inclusive leadership or flexible working; or ‘being the change’ that’sneeded to enable equity of opportunity to thrive.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of where an individual, team or organisation have helped to create the conditions for gender equity to be valued and where all individuals, not only women, can thrive as a result. Whilst not an exhaustive list, this could be by; changing paternity leave and pay policy so that fathers can take an equal share in caring responsibilities; taking positive action in recruiting or promotion to reduce possible effects of unconscious bias; senior leaders working flexibly thus giving ‘permission’ for everyone to do the same; female leaders role modelling being authentically themselves rather than reflecting the leadership style of the majority or male leaders role modelling inclusive leadership.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from Fighting with Pride, MI5 and the MOD/Submarine Delivery Agency. The winner was recognised for her bravery and her continued determination as she continues to drive policy change – transgender service, reinstatement of removed medals and Defence Ally Training. The other finalists were nominated for: a gender network that promoted inclusivity, addresses challenges facing all genders and aims to achieve gender equality in its community throughout all grades, occupational groups and geographical locations; work as the first Submarine Delivery Agency Women’s Network Champion.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to all individuals, teams and organisations. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK award for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the individual, team or organisation you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have their agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think they deserve to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this individual, team or organisation (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how they have demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results they have achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation will be shortened before being sent for judging if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid-sentence.
.
Emerging Talent Award
This award is to recognise early career professionals (including apprentices and graduates) demonstrating high performance, who are within their first five years of work following the end of formal training or schemes.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of where professionals at an early stage in their career are consistently demonstrating high performance within their role. Examples of high performance could be related to leadership, technical ability, creativity, persistence in a complex role, etc. The judges aren’t necessarily looking for a ground-breaking piece of work, more so the commitment to fulfilling their role to have the greatest impact.
See also
The Emerging Talent award shares similarities with many of our other awards, in particular the Outstanding Contribution Award and the Inspirational Award. All three awards relate to individuals who have exceeded all expectations. The key difference is that the Emerging Talent Award relates to where this has occurred at an early stage in an individual’s career.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from the Army and the RAF. The winner was recognised for being the top Air Cadet in the Air Training Corps and excelling whilst making a substantial contribution to her unit. The other finalists were recognised for: contributions to the Long-Range Reconnaissance Group and the UN Mission in Mali, and for exceeding expectations of one so junior; exceptional performance as an Army STEM Ambassador and has exceeded all expectations of her rank whilst completing her apprenticeship in Automotive Engineering and Management.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is an individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Individuals must be within five years of the end of a degree, or graduate or apprentice scheme, or within five years of starting work without any formal training. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Unsung Heroines Award
This award is to celebrate those women who, on an enduring basis, have improved the ‘lot' or morale of people in defence which is essential to an organisation's output, but never seeking recognition for what they do.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of women who work tirelessly and loyally, perhaps over many years; often the mainstay of a business unit, team or group; encouraging others with a kind or good word; or being the cheerful backbone of an organisation; (or eyes and ears), essential to its output and always willing to go the extra mile to support others; never seeking recognition for what they contribute, or perhaps not understanding the value of what they do.
See also
The Unsung Heroines Award shares similarities with the Outstanding Contribution award. The key difference is that the Unsung Heroines award improves the ‘lot’ or morale of people working in defence of the nation, whereas the effect of the work under the Outstanding Contribution Award is to improve the output of organisations, as they work to meet their vision or mission in support of the defence of the nation and are often outstanding in their professional field.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from MI5, DE&S and PA Consulting. The winner was recognised for her work as the founder and lead of the MOD Menopause Network. The other finalists were recognised for: accomplishing an impressive and hugely successful career covering many areas of our business in both the UK and overseas over 19 years; commitment to supporting and empowering those around her by founding PA Consulting’s Military Network. Previous winners have been a receptionist who actively sought out ways to support and encourage her colleagues, enabling them to do their jobs.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is an individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words)
-
An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words)
-
Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Innovation and Creativity Award
This award is to celebrate those women who have used imagination, creativity, inventiveness, or ingenuity in an innovative manner that has multiplied the effect of the UK defence mission.
What will the judges be looking for?
The effect on the mission could be in many different spheres, examples are ways of working, operations, funding, smarter government, science and technology. The nominee could be the originator and developer of the idea, the leader who recognised its value and enabled it to happen or any other individual worthy of recognition. The judges will be looking for evidence of the effect – improved morale or retention, quicker, more efficient, less costly or other improvements.
A re-framing of the Innovation Award
The addition of creativity to the previously named ‘Innovation Award’ broadens the award to emphasise that innovation occurs throughout all fields of work, not just in the scientific or engineering sectors.
Finalists from earlier years (from the Innovation Award)
Last year’s finalists were from the Common Mission Project, the RAF and Dstl. The winner was recognised for her work in setting up the UK education focussed charity, Common Mission Project UK (CMP). The other finalists were nominated for: work as the lead for innovation within the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Centre; work as a lead statistician at Dstl, her work for the Welsh Ambulance Service, for producing a dashboard for Standing Joint Command and publishing a book to help decision-makers use statistics to make better decisions.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to individual women only. This is an individual who uses the pronouns she/her. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
• Provide the contact details of the woman you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have her agreement to share their details.
• Tell us briefly why you think she deserves to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
• Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
1. An overview of why you are nominating this woman (maximum of 200 words).
2. An explanation of how she has demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
3. Examples of the results she has achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Champion for Maximising Talent
This category celebrates individuals and teams who are a champion for maximising women’s talent.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for examples of activities or actions by individuals and teams that have helped maximise the talent of individual women or a particular group of women. It could be improvements to the talent life journey; attract, recruit, develop, retain. Or perhaps mentoring or sponsoring. It could be single actions or a concerted effort to remove barriers that are holding women back in their careers.
Finalists from previous years
This is a new category for 2023.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to all individuals and teams.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the individual or team you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have their agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think they deserve to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this individual or team (maximum of 200 words).
-
An explanation of how they have demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
-
Examples of the results they have achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
Inclusive Teamwork Award
This award is to recognise where a team has demonstrated inclusive working, and where all team members have had a voice and been able to contribute, leading to a successful outcome with a tangible positive impact for the organisation.
What will the judges be looking for?
Margaret Heffernan, author of Wilful Blindness says: “An inclusive culture is one in which difference such as background, education, thinking styles and cultural orientation are seen as an asset not a problem.” This is precisely what our judges will be looking for; teams where individuals feel that their voice is heard without them having to shout. Inclusive teams are where members don’t have to hide who they are or change to fit in with ‘the norm’.
The judges will not just be looking for diverse teams. Whilst diversity and inclusion are often grouped together, they are not the same. You can have a diverse workforce without being inclusive. Inclusion is about fostering an environment that values the individuals in a diverse workforce and brings them together.
See also
The Inclusive Teamwork Award shares similarities with the Most Collaborative Award. The key difference between this award and the Most Collaborative Award is the focus on an inclusive approach, as opposed to the benefits realised through collaborative working. The Most Collaborative Award is an individual award.
Finalists from earlier years
Last year’s finalists were from the Royal Navy, the Army and the RAF. The winners were recognised for achieving positive change and improvement onboard HMS Artful which resulted in them receiving several Engineering and Operational Excellence awards. The other finalists were nominated for: their work as Diversity and Inclusion advisors who support the Commanding Officer to create an inclusive climate within the Unit; for trailblazing by building a no-nonsense reputation for generating ideas and stimulating debate, forcing Executive Board members to sit up and listen.
Who can be entered?
This award is open to teams only. Please note winners of any category are excluded from nominations for any Women in Defence UK awards for 2 years.
How do I nominate?
Nominating someone is simple, just go to the Women in Defence UK 2023 Awards Nominations Proforma, but we advise that you read this first!
To nominate, follow these easy steps:
-
Provide the contact details of the team you are nominating, please note the need to confirm that you have their agreement to share their details.
-
Tell us briefly why you think they deserve to be nominated (the citation part of the nomination form).
-
Provide your own contact details.
The citation part of the nomination form is broken down into three elements:
-
An overview of why you are nominating this team (maximum of 200 words).
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An explanation of how they have demonstrated the criteria for this award category (maximum of 200 words).
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Examples of the results they have achieved as supporting evidence (maximum of 200 words).
Please note
A nomination using essentially the same narrative or evidence should not be entered in more than one award by a single nominator. A nominee may be entered more than once in one or more categories by different nominators, providing the narrative in the citation does not duplicate, or near word for word resemble, the citations of other nominators.
Hints and tips
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. They read lots of citations so capture their attention early, be concise and provide context. It may be obvious to you why an achievement is so worthy of recognition, but our judges may not have the same background or experience so please explain the significance.
Providing context to the citation (i.e. sphere of work, day to day tasks, key challenges, etc.), and tangible evidence of the outcome or effect that this had on others will strengthen the nomination hugely. Our judges may not be familiar with all parts of the defence enterprise so avoid, or at the very least explain, acronyms.
There is a word limit of 200 words per section. Even if the form allows you to enter more, the citation sent for judging will be shortened if it exceeds this limit, which could mean that it ends mid- sentence.
