Awards - Frequently Asked Questions

Your Awards questions, answered

We’ve answered the most common questions about the BCI Awards here. Can’t find the answer? Get in touch.

How should my awards application be presented?

Only the official BCI awards application form will be accepted. Complete all fields using written (typed) text only. Do not embed images, pictures, screenshots, hyperlinks, or any other documents into the application form. Make sure you adhere to the set word count in each field. Please note that failure to adhere to all rules and entry requirements will disqualify your submission.

Who can make a nomination?

We welcome all individuals who meet the criteria of the relevant category to apply for the awards. It is important that all applicants review the rules carefully to confirm their eligibility and ensure that their submission is complete and meets the necessary requirements. However, organizations with an outstanding debt to the BCI that is outside of the agreed terms and conditions are not eligible to participate in the BCI awards  Find out more here.

 

Is there any cost to enter?

It is completely free to enter the BCI Awards - no fees are required.

Can I nominate myself or my own company?

Both organizations and individuals can submit entries for themselves or be nominated by a third party.

How many submissions can be made for the same individual or organization?

Individual, Global / multi-region organizations may make multiple regional award applications, but only one application per category is permitted per annum.

Which region’s awards should I enter?

There are six BCI regions (Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, India & South Asia, Middle East, and the Americas). For an individual, they must live, work or be responsible for a region that they wish to enter. For an organisation, they must have a registered office or be able to demonstrate (as part of the submission) customers or activity in that region.

Can I enter the Global Awards without entering a Regional Awards?

No, you must enter the appropriate regional award. Winners of the BCI Regional Awards are automatically entered into the BCI Global Awards.

How do I enter?

All BCI Regional Awards will open for submissions on the same day. Select your category, fill out your details and select your region, then complete the supporting evidence form and upload it. Find out more here.

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes, you can enter as many categories as you want. Just make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each category before submitting.

The only exception is for individuals in the BCI Hall of Fame – you cannot enter the category for which you received your Hall of Fame induction for 3 years after the date of your entry into the Hall of Fame.

Can I enter for more than one region?

For an individual they must live, work or be responsible for a region that they wish to enter. For an organisation they must have a registered office or be able to demonstrate (as part of the submission) customers or activity in that region.

What’s required for references?

We need a formal statement supporting the submitted nomination. We will not accept simply, a name, email address and telephone number. Testimonials and References required are outlined in the application forms. These must be provided by completing the sections allotted in the form.

Is my submission confidential?

Yes – all awards submissions are treated as highly confidential. Only the BCI Awards team and the judging panel will view them.

How are judges selected?

Our Judging Panel Selection Committee will review all candidates and choose the most suitable individuals for the position. We aim to set a high standard for our judges and highlight their expertise, inspiring a broad and diverse group of BC and Resilience professionals to consider working in our industry. The judging panel will consist of 1 Head Judge, 18 primary judges and 4 reserves to ensure that the judging process runs smoothly. Find out more about the current judges here.

What happens after I submit a nomination for the Regional Award?

Once submitted, you will receive an awards entry acknowledgement email. Sit back and wait, in the meantime, we will:

  • Review all submissions against the set criteria. Ensure you follow the application rules.
  • Send all eligible submissions to the judging panel for scoring.
  • Let you know if you have been shortlisted.
  • Announce the shortlists on the BCI website and social media channels on 26 July 2024
  • Announce the winners at the Awards ceremonies.

I am unable to attend the awards ceremony, what happens if I win?

If you have made the shortlist, the BCI will then make contact to find out if you are attending the virtual awards ceremony. If you are unable to make the event, we will ask you to provide us with the contact details of someone who could accept the award on your behalf. All regional awards are posted to the winners, at the address specified on the submission form.

How are the winners determined?

Judges will evaluate applicants' evidence-based submissions using three performance descriptors as outlined below:

High-quality evidence: Score between 4-5

Moderate quality evidence: Score between 2-3

Low-quality evidence: Score between 0-1

The winner will be the entry with the highest score. If these are tied, then 2nd places, 3rd places etc. will be considered. If there is a tie, a moderation meeting will be held by the Head Judge. During moderation meetings, judges and the Head Judge will discuss any scoring discrepancies or ambiguities. The Head Judge will review the evidence, scores, and comments from the judges to ensure a transparent and fair application process and select the most deserving award winners. If the judges cannot come to a final agreement, the head judge will make the final decision.

If there is only 1 entry for a category, then judges will be asked to recommend whether any award should be made or not.

Will I receive feedback from a submission?

No, feedback is not given on submissions.

How does the Hall of Fame work?

If a person wins an award in the same category on 3 occasions (regional or global), then they are entered into the Hall of Fame. For the following 3 years, individuals will be unable to enter that category in any region.

Is being shortlisted or winning a BCI award a recommendation by the BCI?

No. Being shortlisted for or winning a BCI award is not a recommendation by the BCI. If you or your organization is planning to engage with a BCI award winner in any way, then you should carry out the usual due diligence that would normally be required.

Why should I enter?

The BCI Awards honour business continuity and resilience professionals and organizations worldwide. The BCI Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of our members and the resilience community based on established industry standards and best practices. Read more about the improvements we have made to the BCI Awards Program, here.

Who is eligible to enter?

We welcome all individuals and organizations who meet the criteria of the relevant category to apply for the awards.

How do I know that my entry has been received?

You will get an on-screen notification and an email to confirm that we have received your entry.

Can my entry be in another language?

No, all applications should be submitted in English. We understand that not everyone may be proficient in English, so we recommend seeking assistance from a colleague or friend who can assist with translation or using online translation tools to help with the process.

If I was unsuccessful last year, can I enter the following year?

Yes, you can enter again, providing you meet the current criteria for the category you are entering and cannot submit the same application as you did the previous year.

How are the Awards judged?

To ensure a fair and inclusive awards process, we will be recruiting a new judging panel made up of certified BCI Volunteers annually. They will receive comprehensive training and guidance on how to assess entries. Find out more about the judging process here.

What is the judging process?

To evaluate applicants' evidence-based submissions, the judges will use three performance descriptors; find out more here.

What awards are presented?

There are 13 categories for regional awards. Winners will receive a physical award by post for their winning category.

When is the shortlist announced?

The shortlist for regional awards will be announced on the BCI website on the 26 July 2024.

I was one of the BCI Regional Award winners; what next?

Winners of the BCI Regional Awards are automatically entered into the BCI Global Awards.

What do I win, and how will it be presented?

BCI Regional Award winners will be announced at the respective virtual regional awards ceremonies. All regional awards are posted to the winners, at the address specified on the submission form. All winners from the BCI Regional Awards will receive an invitation to the BCI Global Awards Dinner & Ceremony. This will take place during the BCI World Hybrid Conference in London, UK, on 30th October from 8 PM - 11 PM (BST/GMT). The presentation ceremony will also be live-streamed globally. Please find more information on BCI World Hybrid 2024 here.

I won an award, when will I receive it?

BCI Regional Award winners will receive their award by courier. This will be sent after the awards ceremony takes place, with tracking information to follow by email.

Can the BCI provide me with a testimony for my application?

No, BCI staff cannot provide a testimony for a BCI award application as we have to remain fair and impartial.