How to enter

Councils are encouraged to enter submission/s for each of the categories.  Each application needs to be based around a 1800 word response (per category).  Please note that the ability to enter one submission into multiple categories has been discontinued following review. The same project can be entered in different categories but a separate submission must be sent for each one, geared towards the category it is entered into.  Authorities can still enter multiple submissions for the same category should they so choose.

As will be set out in the electronic template (to be forwarded once you confirm interest) the submission should contain: -

• A one page Executive Summary
• Background to the initiative/service development (aims and objectives)
• Evidence of improvements achieved and challenges overcome
• How the initiative links to the wider council objectives
• Your targets for the future and the framework within which they operate

Also included in the 1800 word submission can be supplementary information such as a short biography of the team/employees involved (with digital/scanned photographs added to the body of the submission).  Please note all information must be contained within the electronic template without exceeding the size limit as no additional files can be accepted.  The completed template can be converted into PDF if need be to reduce size. 

The submissions for any of the first nine categories should encompass:-

• A description of the initiative (highlighting innovation, imagination & ambition)
• Why it was set up giving evidence of a good clear strategy for the project
• How does it work
• Evidence of good management & clear communication to stakeholders
• Good leadership in addressing challenges & creativity in overcoming challenges
• Evidence it achieved or is achieving what set out to do
• Shows value (e.g. value to customers, value for money or value to service)
• Benefits to customer/citizen

The submissions for Best Service Teams should show in all cases that the team as well as the points outlined above:-

• Deliver the best service possible
• Deliver in the spirit of continuous improvement
• Work as a team with other services and partners

Generally, successful submissions will:-

• Be clear, easy to read and well laid out
• Focus on content (pictures etc. can be used but content is paramount)
• Contain relevant, succinct appendices e.g. from partners or customers
• Include an Executive Summary

And most of all, don’t forget the basics.  The judges will be looking for clear evidence that your initiative or team meets the above criteria and examples of excellence and targets exceeded to select the winning entries. They will also take into account any visible benchmarks of achievement such as independent auditor’s reports, achievement of IIP or ISO 9001 etc.  Finally, the winning initiative or team should be able to demonstrate evidence of excellence in continually working to challenge internal/external benchmarks.

Submission Deadlines

The deadline for submissions has now passed. Finalists will be announced in July 2016.

Presentation of Awards

Presentation of all the Award categories will be made at APSE’s Annual Dinner at the National Seminar and Exhibition, in Derry, September 2016.