General guidance for individual nominees and teams

As a general rule:

  • Ensure you write your nomination in plenty of time before the submissions close- this is especially important if you want others to contribute and provide their own testimonials/evidence to support the nomination.
  • Make sure you select the most appropriate Award (and category) for your nominee. Read the descriptions carefully before deciding which one is the most appropriate to nominate them for.
  • There is a maximum word count so choose your words wisely, but don’t be afraid to make use of it to provide sufficient evidence.
  • Testimonials should be generated to add further impact to your statement and back up the content you have provided.
  • Read the specific guidance from the chosen category about what criteria the nomination is scored against. Ensure your statement effectively answers the points/questions raised.
  • You could use headings to break up your statement to make it easier for the panel members to follow especially if they need to refer to specific areas/points when scoring the nominee.
  • Nominations are scored using only the information included on the form so don’t assume the panel know anything about the nominee as it is likely they don’t.
  • Always proof read (and spell check) the final version of the nomination before the final submission and ensure you have responded to each of the points in the guidance for that category.
  • Ensure all information submitted is accurate and authentic.

Individual or team nomination

  • Specify which type of nomination it is. This will apply to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plus Collegiality.
  • If it is a team nomination, include the names of each team member, who is leading the team and the team name.

Relationship to the nominee

  • Describe your working relationship with the nominee
  • This section does not need to be particularly long.
  • You could also include how long you have worked with them/known them in a professional capacity to “set the scene” as to why they meet the eligibility criteria for the award category.

How does the nominee merit the award?

  • Start with a brief and specific statement of why the nominee/team deserves recognition.
  • It should clearly outline the contributions that the nominee has made (to then elaborate further in the next section)
  • It should be concise but not ambiguous- ensure each sentence is to the point
  • This section can incorporate different paragraphs (perhaps with headings to help break it up to make it clearer to read and follow)
  • It is your opportunity to refer to the criteria on the category guidance- ensure you address each respective point and provide specific examples and evidence of what the nominee has done to meet this criteria (and why they should win the award).
  • Think of exceptional examples- the nominees’ accomplishments, any challenges they faced and how they resolved them, the impact they had have (within their team, department, and wider College community)
  • Be clear on what the nominees role and contribution is in each example.

Key benefits

  • This next section should elaborate slightly further with what was written in the previous section.
  • Include any impact on students (if appropriate).
  • Then discuss the outcomes and results of these examples- which stakeholders/involved parties has it benefited? Explain why and how.
  • Was the nominee’s work/project/leadership above and beyond what would be expected of their role and if so why? List examples. Does it demonstrate leading best practice/worthy of being a role model/leader and recognition in their work/research?
  • If the work/research/project is not yet complete, has it at least set important milestones for others to follow in their lead?
  • What is the positive, long-term effect?

Nomination comments

  • This is the opportunity to briefly reiterate the points made in the previous sections and make another clear statement as to why the nominee deserves to be considered.
  • It would be helpful to also include statements of commendation from other staff- ensure this doesn’t include statements from other staff who may be directly involved in the nominee’s line management to avoid bias.
  • Reinforce the notable attributes described in the main body of the submission
  • Conclude how their achievements contribute to Imperial’s strategic vision and Imperial’s values and behaviours.
  • Include any additional thoughts, comments and recommendations that the panel should be aware of.

Always remember

  • Remain aware of the word count so choose your words wisely but don’t be afraid to make use of it.
  • Refer to the individual guidance for each award category.
  • The selection panel will want to see clear evidence of the nominee meeting the eligibility criteria as the panel can only score using the information included.
  • There are useful examples in each guideline document for you to refer to when describing the nominee’s achievements.