The following is a selection of questions and answers which may be useful in discussing your organisation’s participation with colleagues internally.
If you would like to suggest other questions, please contact nhs.stakeholderengagement@nhs.net
Who organises the NHS Parliamentary Awards?
NHS England, in partnership with Dods Events (part of Total Politics), are running the awards to thank staff for their dedication, hard work and commitment by recognising and honouring their achievements.
How are the awards funded?
The NHS Parliamentary Awards do not cost the NHS anything to run. All costs are met by Dods Events, who run the programme on behalf on NHS England with support from the Award Sponsors.
Who can be nominated?
Anyone who fits the criteria of the categories can be nominated; they do not need to work for a traditional NHS organisation like a hospital.
Do I have to tell the person or people that I am nominating them?
Yes. Nominees should be informed that they are being nominated and involved in their nomination prior to submission.
How will MPs select someone to nominate?
It is up to MPs to decide who, if anyone, they wish to nominate for each of the categories, and how best to go about this. For example, they may want to find their nominees through a local competition, a poll on their websites, or by partnering with a local newspaper or radio station.
As only an MP can nominate someone for an award, we would urge you to get in touch with your MP(s) to tell them about the work you are doing. In the MPs’ pack we have suggested that MPs also get in touch with CCGs, Providers, charities and local groups to crowdsource nominees, but of course the best way to ensure they know about you is to tell them yourselves.
Can multiple MPs nominate the same person or team?
Yes. Lots of services operate across constituency boundaries. While judges will be aware that a nominee has been nominated more than once, this will not be considered as part of the judging criteria.
Can the same organisation be nominated in more than one category?
Yes. Some organisations provide many different services or are involved in many different areas of work. If the nominations in each category fit the criteria of said category, they will be considered.
Can one project or team be nominated for multiple categories?
Yes. If you find that your project or programme fits more than one category you can be nominated in all relevant categories. Please read the category criteria closely to ensure that your project or person fits the specific criteria for each award.
Do MPs have to nominate someone for each category?
No. MPs can nominate a person or team for as many or as few categories as they like. As an MP can only put forward one nomination per category it will be up to them decide who, if anyone, they wish to nominate for each of the categories.
Can MPs submit multiple nominations for each category?
No. They can only place one submission per category; this can be for an individual, an organisation or a team.
Can you supply extra information as appendices, links, or graphics?
No. To ensure that all nominations are assessed in a consistent manner all nominations must use the same format. We may ask shortlisted nominees for further information after they have been announced for promotional use; this will not be used as part of the judging process.
What is the deadline for nominations?
The deadline for nominations is 12pm, Friday 26 April 2024.
Does it cost anything to enter?
No. Neither the nominee nor the nominating MP will be charged. Further, tickets to the awards ceremony will also be free for shortlisted nominees. The Awards will include refreshments.
What is the judging process?
After the nomination window, nominations will be sent to the relevant NHS England regional judges teams for initial sifting. Successful nominations at this stage will then go forward to a national panel comprised of senior regional NHS England representatives.
The regional judges will each choose one nomination in each category to go forward to the national judging panel.
A national judging panel will then score each of the shortlisted nominations and select an overall winner for each category.
When do the NHS Parliamentary Awards take place?
The Awards Ceremony will take place in early July 2024 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster.
What if I am shortlisted but can’t afford to attend the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony will take place in the middle of the day to reduce the need for shortlisted nominees to stay overnight. Support for travel may be available where the cost would provide a barrier to attendance.