How to write a strong nomination

Up to 2 awards to be sponsored locally Young Adult Senior Learner ESF Individual Learner of the Year ESF Inspiring Learning Project of the Year ESF Young Adult Learner of the Year National ESF Awards Life Long Learning Local awards 15 Awards Workplace Life skills Family and Community 8 Awards covering: Apprentices Individuals Projects Employers Who are the Awards for?

The Nomination Forms Individuals Use this form for:  ESF individuals  Young Adults  Senior learners  Those learning with their family or in the community  Those learning for personal development (Life Skill) including Skills for life, learning for health etc  Those who have learned at work or to improve their work prospects/career Nominate online at or complete a Word version and back to: Apprentices Use this form for:  ESF individuals  Young Adults  Apprentices in community settings or who can show family or community impact  Those who can show Skills for Life, employability or occupational impact  Those who have improved their work or career prospects  Senior learners

The Nomination Forms Project/Provision Use this form for:  ESF projects  Projects or provision benefitting families or the community  Projects or provision benefitting individuals with personal development skills(Life Skills) including Skills for life, learning for health etc  Projects or provision offering learning at or for work Employers Use this form for:  Employers helping employees benefit from family or community learning, including learning for voluntary activity (Corporate Social Responsibility)  Employers helping employees improve their personal development skills (Life Skills) including Skills for life, learning for health etc  Employers that provide learning at or for work, including CPD

What happens next? Collection All nominations are collected by NIACE head office Selection National winners are selected by a panel Regional winners are selected by a panel (thematic and locally sponsored awards) Winners National moderation panels agree on national and regional winners Winners, nominators and CEOs contacted in late spring and invited to national or regional event Awards Senior & Young Adult national awards announced at National Awards Ceremony National Awards Ceremony - evening of Monday 16 th June 2014 Regional Award Ceremonies for the East Midlands 6th June 2014

What makes a good nomination?  Learning is key to the story – not just overcoming challenges  Learning story has something outstanding or inspirational about it that could resonate with others – inspirational and motivational  Should demonstrate a journey of learning – not an isolated incident  Include why learner(s) started learning  Show how they have made extra effort and achieved beyond expectations  Illustrate outcomes and impact – how has the learning experience transformed or benefited learners and others (e.g. employer, community, family etc)  What has been achieved? (e.g. personal development, skills, overcoming learning barriers, work, qualifications, experience etc)  Can be informal, accredited or not, any level

Make sure you…  Explain the learning story logically  Explain any abbreviations  Talk to your learner(s) and use their personal history and experiences to support your story  ALL nominations will require a learner statement to be eligible, so make sure you leave time to get it (especially if online), and support them where necessary  Speak from the heart – help us know your learner  Give yourself time to complete the form. 95% of nominations are completed in the last week which is very stressful for all concerned!  Use direct language supported by facts. Keep it simple  Make sure all the right sections are completed and signed

Maximise your chances More nominations = more chances Organise your organisation! More nominations = more practice Encourage others to nominate Give yourself time Use your winners Celebrate your nominations

Information and support Nationally, see the ALW website for:  Nomination forms, word and online versions, with guidance notes  Resources such as logos, New Horizons magazine etc  Register your events  Examples of previous winners  Use the Twitter tag #alw14 In the Midlands  Sign up for information and updates from Helen Baker  Follow  Contact Janet Solla or Jonathan Berry for support k