Entrants are asked to pay close attention to the detail requested by judges in each category.
Entries should be no longer than four sides of A4 with font size no smaller than 12 point.
A summary sheet must accompany each entry - see application form for details.


Awards will be made in two categories - Small and Medium/Large
This award is aimed at organisations that are clearly able to demonstrate innovative approaches to meeting the needs of tomorrow's workforce within their organisation, at a time when the current economic climate, in the wake of the comprehensive spending review (CSR) continues to test companies and organisations.
Preparing the workforce of the future is one of the key business obstacles currently facing employers. Innovation means different things to different people, and in this category the judges will be looking at how companies have firstly identified and then best implemented new methods and initiatives to ensure that their
workforce is sufficiently capable of meeting future new challenges.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
How has your company negotiated its way through the ongoing recession and CSR whilst communicating clearly with employees and managing change effectively?
Give details of how your company introduced new and creative working practices in order to safeguard the company's future?
What measures has the company taken to communicate to and motivate staff through the changes?
Please give examples of how specific strategies undertaken by your organisation have sustained business.




Awards will be made in two categories - Small and Medium/Large.
The judges will be looking for socially responsible organisations that can demonstrate close links to community or charitable initiatives and have a genuine commitment to environmental issues.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
Outline the company's community/charitable and environmental strategies.
Give details on what prompted the implementation of these strategies and how these were developed and implemented by staff and/or management.
Explain how the company's environmental strategies actively contribute towards a reduction in their operating costs and carbon count. Please provide tangible results.
Give details on how the company's charitable and green policies have had a positive impact on employees and the communities it is based in.
What have the outcomes of these policies been to the organisation?




Awards will be made in two categories - Small and Medium/Large.
The judges will be looking for organisations who can demonstrate an innovative and effective approach to managing fresh and experienced talent.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
Outline the challenges facing your organisation in managing talent in line with evolving organisational need.
Provide evidence of the systematic approach adopted in identifying and developing talent.
Give evidence of effective performance management and measurement processes.
How can you ensure that as new economic challenges have to be confronted that the necessary leadership and key talent are there to power your organisation's growth?
Do you have the best talent to ensure that all essential tasks are performed well?
If new products or services are being proposed, how can your current talent pool market and service the new offerings?




The judges will be looking for companies which show a planned approach to implementing work, life and wellbeing practices, can demonstrate good practice in areas such as flexible working, maternity/paternity leave, employee health and welfare, and have a clear rationale for the practices applied.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
What have been the benefits to the organisation since implementing its work, life and wellbeing initiatives?
Give evidence on how these initiatives are aligned to the needs and expectations of employees.
Give details on how management are committed to work, life and wellbeing practices.
What impact have these policies had on employee welfare?


An award will be made across the Public, Education, Health and Voluntary Sectors
In this category judges will be looking for organisations that set themselves apart in terms of demonstrating best workplace practice.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
How has the organisation adapted to the changes brought about by CSR?
How can you demonstrate clear strategies to retaining best skills sets within your organisation?
How does the organisation empower and engage staff in driving continuous improvement in the face of the current uncertainty?
Give details on what new and creative working practices have been introduced over the last 12 months to the benefit of your organisation.




Awards will be made in two categories - Small and Medium/Large
Judges will be looking for organisations that have created an outstanding workplace based on a set of values that has led to a committed, effective and motivated workforce.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
What do you believe sets your company apart - and how has it benefited the business and its people?
What are you doing to make your organisation a better place to work?
How does the organisation empower and engage staff in driving continuous improvement?
Give details on the business benefits of the company's approach to people management.
How can you demonstrate a clear strategy and commitment to the development of your workforce, and how has it supported the organisation's objectives?




Please attach a copy of the recruitment advertisement that appeared in an Irish publication during the required period.
The judges will be looking for a creative advertisement that clearly communicates the role on offer to readers, uses an individual and eye-catching design while at the same time meeting all the necessary legal standards.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
What were the objectives of the advertisement and how successfully did the advertisement deliver against these objectives?
Outline the creative rationale for the advertisement design.



This category is open to all recruitment agencies
The judges will be looking for a consultancy, from sole trader operation to multiple branch agencies, which has implemented fresh and new initiatives beyond their normal recruitment solution packages.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
What initiatives has the consultancy undertaken that sets it apart from its competitors?
Given the tough economic climate, what operational changes have you made to ensure your business has maintained its position in the market?
How have management and staff been involved in your business strategy rethink?
Give firm examples of how you have monitored and capitalised on the future employment trends as recruitment requirements have evolved from traditional to new sectors.




This category is open to all recruitment agencies - Entries limited to three per agency
The judges will be looking for recruitment teams, from within sole trader operations to multiple branch agencies, which offer complete recruitment solutions and can demonstrate through results the best possible standard of service to both candidates and clients. The size of the team is not important but how they work together is.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
How has your team adapted its business strategy in a proactive way in these continuing turbulent times?
How has your team dealt with the challenges within the changing recruitment environment in relation to increased demand for fewer positions?
Give details on what practices you have implemented to ensure the team has consistently delivered against targets in what has been another difficult trading year.


This category is open to all recruitment agencies - Entries limited to three per agency
The judges will be looking for a consultant who is well-organised and efficient, is customer-focused, has proven business development skills, works as part of a team and makes exceptional contribution to their agency.
In your submission, please pay particular attention to the following questions:
How has the individual continued to be the consultant of preferred choice to client companies?
How has the consultant changed his/her working practices in light of the current challenges facing the agency?
Detail the exceptional contribution the consultant makes to his/her agency.