FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

When is the awards ceremony?

The ceremony will be held on Thursday 29th October 2020. You will be able to book your table in July once the shortlist has been announced.

Q

What is the deadline to submit an entry into the HR Excellence Awards?

The deadline to enter the awards is 30th June 2020.

Q

What is the entry document?

Your entry document consists of a 2,000-word essay outlining your entry. Please see the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for tips on how to enter.

Q

How much does it cost to enter?

If you enter before 13th January 2020, you can enter at a discounted rate.

For private companies, it costs £350 (increasing to £385 after 13th January).

For public and not-for-profit companies, it costs £175 (increasing to £195 after 13th January). For private companies entering more than one award, each subsequent entry costs £195. As of this year, entry to HR future leader of the year is free.
Q

How many entries can I submit?

There is no limit on the number of entries you may submit. However, you should avoid duplicating entries across multiple categories, tailoring the entry specifically to the criteria of the category you are entering.
Q

May I submit on behalf of a client?

Yes, although their permission must be obtained and evidence of this shown. You will be asked to provide contact details of a senior person at the organisation. We may or may not contact this person. Entries which do well are ones which get to the heart of the story and demonstrate the impact the strategy has had. If you are a supplier and entering on behalf of a client, please ensure that the entry is written from the perspective of the HR team of the client and get as much involvement from them as possible.
Q

Can I enter if I am an international company?

International companies can enter the 'Best HR strategy from overseas' AND 'Best HR technology strategy' categories. If you are a multinational organisation with a presence in the UK you are not eligible to enter Best HR strategy from overseas, but you are welcome to enter any of the other categories.
Q

Can UK based companies enter ‘Best HR strategy from overseas’?

No. UK based companies can enter any other category.
Q

Can I enter the HR director of the year?

The shortlist for this category is created by the HR magazine editorial team and is not open for general entry. However, you may suggest nominating your HR director by contacting us. 
Q

Can I enter the Most people-focused CEO?

The shortlist for this category is created by the HR magazine editorial team and is not open for general entry. However, you may suggest nominating your HR director by contacting us.
Q

What is the difference between the entry document and supporting material?

The main component of your entry is the entry document. All key information listed in the criteria for the category needs to be in the entry document and not in the supporting material.

Supporting material is optional and may be submitted in addition to the entry document. It should be used to illustrate/demonstrate what is in the entry document. Supporting material may include, but is not limited to: photographs, testimonials, graphs/data, videos (please send USB stick), hard copies of any printed material (e.g. brochures). Whilst supporting material is important and helpful to the judges, we ask that you keep these documents to a reasonable amount.
Q

What is your cancellation policy?

In terms of entries, once your entry is submitted, you may withdraw it until the closing date. Your entry fee will not be refunded. 

In terms of table and seat bookings at the awards ceremony, written cancellations received within six weeks prior to the event will be accepted and a refund of 90% of the booking charge will be made. After this date, no refunds can be given. Please click here to read our terms and conditions in full.
Q

What happens after I have submitted my entries?

Once you have submitted your entries they will be processed by the awards team, ready for judging. Judging takes place in July and will be announced after the judging has been completed.
Q

When are the winners announced?

The winners are announced at the ceremony on Thursday 29th October in London. Please keep this date free in your diary.
Q

Who are the judges?

The HR Excellence Awards 2020 will be judged by a panel of judges made up of some of the UK’s top HR directors working in leading organisations.
Q

I have an initiative that I could enter into Best CSR strategy, but it could fit another category too, what should I do?

For the Best CSR strategy award, judges are looking for work that not only has a positive impact on an organisation’s wider community, but also delivers strongly on an organisation’s HR and commercial or strategic aims. Therefore, it’s likely your strategy should be entered into the CSR category (but you might want to enter it elsewhere too). Please do contact us if you would like further advice on this.