ENTERING
Can I enter more than
one category?
There are 13 categories to choose from and an organisation
can enter as many of the 13 as they wish. We only accept one entry per category
from any organisation.
Is there a fee to
enter?
The awards are completely free to enter. Those organisations
named as finalists will receive one complimentary invitation to attend the
awards ceremony.
My organisation is
not a member of the Institute, can I still enter the awards?
The awards are open to all organisations that have a Head
Office function and that operate in the UK. You do not need to be a member of
the Institute to enter the awards. There are 13 categories to choose from and
these have been designed to appeal to all organisation from all sectors of the
economy. They are relevant in equal measure to B2C and B2B organisations.
Can different parts
of my organisation enter the same category?
We only allow one entry per category from any organisation,
however, you can enter as many categories as you wish.
Will my organisation
be named if the entry is unsuccessful?
We only publish the names of the successful finalist
organisations. The names of all finalists are made public after the
shortlisting process and each finalist will be featured in the Awards Show
Guide on the evening of the awards.
How do I sign the
form when it has to be emailed?
Many people have electronic signatures which can just be
inserted into the form as a picture. If this does not apply to your
organisation, please type in the name of the authorised person in the box
provided. In the email in which you send the application form please just write
that the named person has given you permission to submit the form.
Most awards extend
the deadline, can I have some extra time to submit my entry?
Unfortunately we are unable to extend the deadline because
we have a limited time for the short-listing panel to sit. Because of the
popularity of these awards and the numbers of organisation’s entering it would
be unfair to allow extra time when the majority have adhered to the deadline.
Will my submission be
acknowledged?
All submissions received will be acknowledged within 48
hours of receipt. Please only call if you have not received notification of the
safe arrival of your entry after 48 hours. The number to call is 0203 002 7764.
If I am not
successful can I get feedback?
Independent feedback is available for all organisations
entering the awards. Because the entries are completely free, a charge of £200
+ VAT is made for compiling the feedback. The fee is paid directly to our
partner MediaOutsource and not the Institute.
Can sponsors enter
the awards?
Sponsors can enter the awards but are prohibited from
entering the category that they sponsor.
If I have a question
about the awards who should I contact?
For all enquiries in the first instance contact
[email protected]
JUDGING
Will the information
I supply remain confidential?
Any person having access to the information you supply
(judges and short-listing judges only) will have signed a legally binding
non-disclosure agreement. Furthermore, each judge gives an undertaking to make
us aware of any interest (conflict) they may have with any named finalist. In
such an instance the judge is either re-assigned another category or asked to
stand down.
Is there any formal
presentation or are we judged on the submission alone?
There are no presentations to judges. The decisions are
reached from the paper submissions and any information readily accessible in
the public domain.
How are judges
selected?
Judges are selected for their expertise, experience and
business acumen. Each panel will have a group of judges that have different
skillsets, which collectively enable them to assess the business benefit, the
customer service speciality and the overall effect of the customer service
initiative on both customers, employees and in the wider marketplace. Sponsors
are entitled to supply one judge, and there are always more independent judges
to ensure that sponsors do not have any undue influence. The Institute of
Customer Service has one judge only – usually the CEO.
Can anyone apply to
be a judge?
There are limited opportunities to judge the UK Customer
Satisfaction Awards. Each applicant will need to be a senior customer service
professional or have a proven track record in business at a senior level having
specialised in several different disciplines. Interested parties should send a
short biography outlining their specific skill sets and current position to [email protected].
Successful applicants will be placed on a waiting list until suitable positions
become available.
Are there different
judges for each category?
Each category has a separate panel of judges. Therefore, if
you are planning to enter multiple categories your submissions will be
considered by multiple panels of judges.
Why do you need my
logo?
If you have been successfully named as a finalist we will need your logo to use on the projections at the Awards Ceremony and to publicise your achievement in the Official Show Guide. We may also use it on the Institute website when we announce the finalists. We will adhere to your Brand Guidelines and undertake to never distort or misrepresent your brand. In turn, we will supply you with a Finalist logo for you to use to publicise your success.
AWARDS CEREMONY
Do I have to buy a
table at the awards ceremony?
Each finalist organisation receives one complimentary place
to the Awards ceremony. If you do wish to celebrate with colleagues tables are
available to purchase on a first come - first served basis (we have Sold Out
for the past three consecutive years). There are also a very limited number of
individual places available for sale.
If I win will I have
to speak?
The only person invited to speak is the winner of the
Customer Service Strategic Leadership Awards, all other winners will be invited
on stage to be handed their trophy but will not have the chance to speak.
Is there any
publicity surrounding the winners?
Winners are published on the Institute’s website and press
releases are circulated to the media. Winners and also invited to seek as much
publicity as possible to highlight their achievements. Once the winner has
received their trophy they are escorted to our video wall where a short piece
to camera is recorded for publicity purposes
Are there any special
accommodation rates at the awards venue?
We have a limited number of rooms available at a discounted
rate which can be booked direct with the hotel using the Promotional Code
provided on the Institute website
Is there any
incentive for me to book my table early?
The first 20 tables booked will receive a Champagne Upgrade
(worth £200). The upgrades include 2 bottles of champagne per table plus the
best available position in the room. To find out if there are any Champagne
Upgrades still available please call Jacqui on 0203 002 7764
