HOW TO ENTER

1. Choose which categories you would like to enter

2. Read the category description carefully

3. Download the entry form for the category you would like to enter and complete the form

4. Prepare a high-resolution version of your company logo and a team photo

5. Register and upload your entry, including your logo and team photo, using the 'Enter Now' button on the right hand side of this page

PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH ENTRY WILL BE SUBJECT TO A £95 (plus VAT) ADMINISTRATION FEE (please note that this does not apply to the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Awards)

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUBMIT

Your written entry is the basis on which the judges select the shortlist.

Entries must be no longer than 1,000 words in total and must address the following points:

Briefly describe the project in no more than 350 words

Outline the objectives of the project
Provide a summary of the project team, highlighting individual roles and responsibilities
If the project included the use of external support (for example consultants, trainers etc) please provide details
Indicate the timescales over which the project was planned and implemented
Outline any barriers that were experienced and indicate how they were overcome
Highlight the actions taken to recognise diversity and inclusion and outline the impact this had on the project?
Summarise the key outcomes of the project, outlining the contribution made to the business since its introduction

Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Awards
The criteria for these Awards requires the same information as above, as well as the following:

Describe how the knowledge and skills gained on your recognised CIPD qualification supported the successful implementation of your project
Employer endorsement - this can be your line manager or head of department.

Please note that entries for the Michael Kelly Awards are only accepted from individuals that are members of the CIPD and have a current level of membership throughout the Awards process. Only students that are currently studying or have successfully completed (since 1 January 2011) a recognised CIPD qualification at Postgraduate, Intermediate or Foundation-level can apply.

HINTS AND TIPS

Clearly describe the business case for the project

Indicate how the project links to a change in business strategy...is it addressing a change in market conditions or legislation? Or how it enables a core part of the organisation to be more effective? A great idea that isn’t firmly embedded in the needs of the organisation or brought to life in your entry may not stand out amongst others, however brilliant.

Don’t forget to describe the project

What did the project do for your organisation? What was it meant to achieve? Explain how these two points are related - it may not be obvious to the judges. Some entries received in previous years have described, for example: ‘Project Phoenix’ ...with great enthusiasm, reported/delivered great results. But we needed to know what exactly ‘Project Phoenix’ did for the organisation.

Quantify, quantify, quantify
‘The Chief Executive said it was great’...is not enough. You need to demonstrate measureable results and if possible, measurable objectives. Explain how the results link to the objectives.

Explain the people aspects of the project
Outline how you persuaded people to adopt the new approaches, not just the training for new skills. Good entries often have sophisticated communications strategies dealing with all stakeholders. Tell us how you delivered the messages, how you made a change and who was involved.

Bring out the winning points. Explain what is unique or innovative about your entry, how important it is, or the scale of the challenges that had to be overcome.

RULES OF ENTRY

All entries must be submitted using the official online entry system

For your entry to be accepted you must select a category. You can only choose one category for each project. There is no limit to the number of projects that you enter, providing they’re clearly different from each other.

Entries will not be accepted from the CIPD, People Management magazine, sponsoring organisations or from organisations represented on the judging panel, including any subsidiary organisations.

Consultants entering on behalf of a client organisation must gain the organisation's written consent before completing the official entry form. Consultants are advised to clarify the position with respect to intellectual property with their clients in advance of entering.

The name of the entering organisation will always be used as the name referred to in all appropriate marketing communications. Unless a nominated organisation has been stated, in which case the nominated organisation will be the name referred to. This will also apply to Award trophies and certificates, should these be relevant.

Shortlisted finalists will be officially announced w/c 2 July 2012

Entrants agree to co-operate fully with the judges and their representatives. As part of the judging process, finalists will be required to attend a judging day on either 5 or 6 September 2012 in London.

Finalists agree to co-operate with the CIPD and People Management magazine, who may wish to publicise entries. Commercial sensitivity will be respected.

The CIPD, People Management magazine and the sponsoring organisations take no responsibility for incidental costs incurred by entrants.

The decision of the judges is final and no further correspondence will be considered. Due to the volume of entries we will not provide individual feedback on entries.

The prize is non-transferable, non-negotiable and no cash alternative will be offered.

The CIPD, People Management magazine and the sponsoring organisations may use footage (photos and video clips) of the judging day or Awards dinner as they see appropriate.

All shortlisted finalists have the right to promote themselves as an Award finalist. The CIPD will provide each shortlisted organisation with the relevant words and artwork. All such activity must be approved by the CIPD before publication.

Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Awards Only

Only students that are currently studying or have successfully completed (since 1 January 2011) a recognised CIPD qualification at Postgraduate, Intermediate or Foundation-level can apply.

Entries will only be accepted from individuals that are members of the CIPD. Entrants must have a current level of membership throughout the Awards process.