Don’t just use AI

Whilst that using AI saves you time, it also takes away the personality in your entries. We want to hear about your experiences from you, in your own words. Any entries seen to be using too much AI generated copy will be penalised in the shortlisting process.

Attachments - we encourage PDFs and videos, but not too many as our IT leaders are busy people!

You are free to include attachments in addition to the entry submission text. Please note that attachments are in addition to the written questions. Please ensure that your attachments are informative and to the point. Supplying numerous attachments unnecessarily will irritate the judges. Using graphics and visual imagery is recommended to help your entry stand out. Videos can be included, but the file sizes for attachments are restricted to 10MB, so it is best to include a URL that links to where your video is hosted.

Tailor your submissions and make them fun!

Judges will read hundreds of entries, so injecting your enthusiasm for your organisation and products will help you to stand out from the crowd. Make sure to tailor your entries to respond to the category criteria - please don't submit a generic entry.

If you are entering multiple award categories, don't just include the same entry

Again, tailor your entry to the category criteria. The judges will see through any duplication and this may cost you a place on the shortlist.

Include facts and figures

There's no better way to back up your claims than with supporting statistics. Anybody can claim that they are the best, but only a few can back it up!

Include colleague or employee testimonials

Positive feedback from colleagues will substantiate your claims. Try to include testimonials that are brief and interesting.

Advice from our 2025 winners on entering: 

Be specific about your impact and don’t downplay your achievements. Tell the story of the difference you’ve made, not just the responsibilities you’ve held.

Winner of Role Model of the Year – Other: Kirsty Nunn, Millfield School

Do it! Put yourself out there and be vulnerable. Be open and honest and when writing your application, speak about yourself like you would to someone you love. 

Winner of Outstanding Returner Award: Lynsey Carr, Emerald Publishing

It’s easy to downplay your own accomplishments, so try writing your entry as if you were nominating someone you really admire. And if it’s easier for you to recognise the achievements of others, definitely nominate them too, because there are so many brilliant women doing impactful work who deserve to be recognised.

Winner of Innovator of the Year – Other: Neshma Emile, Zumo

Don’t underestimate the power of your story - focus on the impact you’ve made and the people you've helped. And enter even if you feel you’re not “ready,” because your work may already be inspiring more people than you realise.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Finance: Arvinder Thandi, Nationwide Building Society

The one piece of advice I would share is something a mentor once told me: “Focus on impact.” My journey was never really about me. Everything I’ve done has come from a genuine passion and a deep desire to help others. I’ve always been driven by creating impact at scale. That mindset led me to join Jooble and design solutions that help millions of people around the world find jobs and support their families.

Winner of Team Leader of the Year – Finance: Maryna Rybalko, Paydock

Own the moment and own the opportunity. We all deserve a chance to shine, and this may just be your chance!

Winner of Cybersecurity Professional of the Year: Rebecca Taylor, Sophos

If your friends and colleagues tell you you’re doing something brilliant, believe them.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Other: Laura Gilbert, Tony Blair Institute