Most of us have experience of awards in some way, shape or form, either through work or maybe via a sport or hobby. Here’s what awards mean to the official partner of the UnAwards16.
by Dave Worsell
We all like awards.
I still remember my very first award like it was yesterday, I captured the boys 80m hurdles title at my local athletics track with a club record. I collected my trophy at the annual awards evening with a huge smile on my face. I was made up. While those days are long gone, I still get excited at the thought of winning a medal, trophy or certificate, especially when it recognises hard work and achievement. It certainly motivates me.
While an award, any award, is something to be very proud of, not all awards are equal. My ability to hurdle didn’t help me secure my current job. Likewise, the CV I once reviewed that proudly boasted an award of “Best fish entry in a pet competition” didn’t help the applicant secure a job as a software engineer (although the fish is now a CEO - clearly some awards are worth far more than others).
The UnAwards are special
You don’t win an UnAward for showing up or crossing the line in first place, you have to be so much better than that. Many of the nominations come from hard-pressed teams and individual who have achieved outstanding results with small budgets and with huge pressure on resources. Winners have achieved success in spite of all the other stuff going on.
UnAward winners are inspirational. UnAward winners are dedicated and passionate. UnAward winners are creative, innovative and also scientific in their approach. UnAward winners are selfless and always determined to do the right thing for their audience.
What makes an UnAward really special is that it is awarded by your peers, those people who reallyappreciate exactly what has been achieved and just how challenging and difficult it has been. To be recognised by your colleagues for outstanding achievement is surely as good as it gets?
I’m delighted to be a part of the UnAward judging panel that gets to review the outstanding work being undertaken across the country under extremely challenging circumstances. I’m honoured to work alongside such amazing, talented people.
Good luck to all the shortlisted entries. The standard of entries has been exceptionally high and therefore winning an UnAward is something to be very, very proud of.
Dave Worsell is Managing Director of GovDelivery Europe, official partner of the UnAwards. More than 1,800 public sector organisations use GovDelivery to connect with more than 120 million people worldwide, including 9 million people in the UK and Europe. Organisations use GovDelivery technologies and professional services to increase citizen engagement, grow their digital audience by cross-promoting content, maximise the use of their online services, build communities around data, and create modern training experiences. Find out more at govdelivery.co.uk
image by Renee
