Answer all the Questions Judiciously

• Make sure you read all the criteria set out on the entry form with utmost care!
• Read the questions carefully, and ensure you target your answers to the question
• Keep focused and ensure all information is relevant

Follow the Instructions Completely

• You must match your entry as closely as possible against the criteria asked for. Entries that do not match the majority of the criteria will not be considered
• Adhere to the Word count mentioned. The judges are on a deadline too and would be keen to read a concise copy
• Keep within the upload sizes requested
• Adhere to stipulated uploading formats
• Complete the nomination form in its entirety
• Submit before the closing date

Communicate with Utmost Precision & Clarity

Remember the judges will be looking through hundreds of entries, so:

• Be concise, clear and focused – with clean, easy-to-digest copy
• Make it easy for them to make sense of your entry
• Create a narrative, and make your submission a good read
• Avoid jargon, inflated claims, unexplained acronyms and unedited copy-and-pasting
• Do not just print the pages from your website for the judges to read. Remember, it is not about the quantum but the quality & correct format of the material submitted

Include Enough Supporting Evidence & Documentation

• Provide all necessary back-up material
• Include all information and resources that the judges will need to give your entry a fair hearing
• Please try and obtain up to date Testimonials, Videos, Facts & Figures
• Make sure the supporting material backs up your claims in the main submission
• Where necessary, validate your claims to enable the judges to evaluate their impact

Make the Information Easily Accessible

• The words of your submission form should be the main focus and thrust of your entry
• Consider creating short URLs and avoid links to lengthy websites.

Delegate the work

• Designate someone in your Institution as the Awards coordinator – responsible for collating information, contacting referred end users, consulting colleagues, checking facts, writing the initial draft and keeping an eye on timeline and deadline

Do Not Rush! Leave Enough Time

• Enter early – a last minute rush is likely to impact on the quality of your submission
• Allocate yourself more time than you think you will need

Proofread – a Must!

• When the basics are finalised give it to the best writer in your Institution to polish
• Typos can make a good submission look disordered
• Thoroughly check spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Using these guidance notes will not guarantee success, but it will give your entry the best possible chance of making compelling reading for the judging panel

ALL THE BEST!