✦ How it works ✦
From nomination to the finals
The process
- 01
Nominate
Anyone can nominate a person or organisation in one of our 14 judged categories. Nominations are free.
- 02
Nominee contacted
Once nominations are reviewed, each confirmed nominee receives an email from The Jessica Project inviting them to take part.
- 03
Your submission
Nominees are asked to send a headshot and short bio (for our social media) plus a summary of up to 500 words for the judges, covering their background and the difference they have made. Make sure you sell yourself here: this is what the judging panel reads.
- 04
Shortlist announced
The independent judging panel reviews every submission, and the shortlisted finalists for each category are announced at the end of January.
- 05
Judging
Judges score each finalist. Scores are calculated to decide the winner of each category, which stays secret until the night.
- 06
The finals night
Every finalist is celebrated, and the winners are announced live at our inaugural finals awards night in Berkshire.
Rules
- ✦Nominations are free. Nobody has to pay or donate to nominate or be nominated.
- ✦Each person may submit a maximum of 3 nominations in total, and only one per category.
- ✦You may nominate yourself.
- ✦Nominees may be anyone living or working in the UK. The Young Changemaker award is for those aged under 25 on the date nominations close.
- ✦Nominations received after the closing date will not be accepted.
- ✦A nominee who is shortlisted must provide their submission by the date given in their email, or they may be withdrawn.
- ✦All submissions must be truthful and the nominee's own work. False or misleading information may lead to disqualification.
- ✦The number of nominations a person receives does not affect judging. It is quality, not quantity, that counts.
- ✦Judges must declare any personal connection to a nominee and will not score that entry.
- ✦The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- ✦Nobody is ever expected to share personal experiences publicly. Sensitive details are only seen by the judges.
- ✦The Founder's Recognition Award is chosen by The Jessica Project and cannot be nominated for.
- ✦Finalists agree that their name, headshot and bio may be used to promote the awards.
- ✦The Jessica Project reserves the right to change categories, dates or the venue, or to withhold an award if entries do not meet the standard.
- ✦Personal details are stored securely and used only to run the awards.