Here are some helpful hints on how to write an effective Golden Hearts Awards nomination.
How long should my nomination be?
Your nomination should ideally be between 250 and 1,000 words and must not exceed 1,500 words. It should be long enough to detail exactly what the individual/team has done that deserves recognition. A nomination that is only a few lines or one paragraph will not contain enough information for it to be shortlisted. Nominations should give as much detail as possible and cover the points listed as required for that category.
What do I need to include?
For each category there is a list of what you should try to include. You should cover as many of these points as possible, and link any work done and achievements to the 6Cs, as well as the Trust objectives and values. You should include as much detail as you can so that the judges understand exactly what happened, why, the benefits it had for the individual/team/patients/service/Trust, what the outcome was, and why it should be recognised by the Trust. Be as descriptive as possible, so rather than just saying “Lisa is brilliant at her job”, explain exactly why and what it is they do that is brilliant, and how that goes above and beyond what is expected. Include as much detail as possible.
If you have evidence such as data or patient feedback please include that too to strengthen the nomination.
How do I connect it to the 6Cs, Trust objectives, and Trust values?
Your nomination should reference as many of the 6Cs as relevant and show that the 6Cs were an integral part of the work done, and were demonstrated by the staff involved. This applies to all nominations — whether the staff involved are clinical or non-clinical. All staff and work being nominated will be linked to at least one of the 6Cs, so tell us how. The work and the way in which it was delivered will also be linked to the Trust values, so explain the impact that demonstrating those behaviours and values had on the work and the final outcomes.
You should also explain in your nomination how the work is connected to one or more of the Trust objectives, and detail how it has helped to deliver against them.
What are the categories?
- Making It Better
- Moments of Magic
- Excellence in Patient Safety
- Excellence in Patient Experience
- Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Zero30
- Excellence in Research, Development or Innovation
- Outstanding Team of the Year: Non-Clinical
- Outstanding Team of the Year: Clinical
- Unsung Hero of the Year
- Great Leader
- Rising Star of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Can I get any help to write a nomination?
The expectation is that you write any nominations you wish to submit yourself, but you can seek advice. A nomination checking service will also be running, allowing you to send your draft nominations to the team so that they can be read before they are submitted, and you can be given some advice on any improvements that could be made. Please send your questions or nomination to hyp-tr.events@nhs.net by the end of February to allow these to be reviewed and sent back to you before the closing date.
What is the closing date for nominations?
The closing date for nominations is 17 March 2023.
What happens when I have submitted a nomination?
- All nominations over 250 words receive a free gift and thank you card.
- All nominations should be no more than 1,500 words.
- The closing date to submit a nomination is 17 March 2023.
- All nominations are reviewed by a team of previous winners and the Golden Hearts Awards team to ensure they meet the basic criteria.
- All nominators should ensure their application meets the criteria before submission for the greatest chance of being shortlisted for this year’s awards.
- Applications are scored against the criteria and the highest scoring five in each category go to the Golden Hearts judges. The judging panel is made up of members of the executive team and patient representatives.
- The judges select their preferred three nominations, in order, to establish which entry is first, second and third in each category.
- Winners will be announced at the Golden Hearts Awards ceremony.