Making an Application
Awards are open to all companies operating in Ireland regardless of size, nationality, turnover or nature of business. Organisations may make submissions in the ‘Best Learning & Development’ Organisation category and/or in one of a number of specific themed categories.
Making an application to the Excellence in Learning Awards is a two-stage process and now online. The first stage is a 2,300 word written submission which should respond to the criteria of the category you are entering.
Please See the Scoring Scheme for Best L&D Organisation and Best L&D Initiatives
Scoring Scheme Best L&D Organisation
Scoring Scheme Best L&D Initiatives
Following an assessment of all submissions, a shortlist will be announced.
Finalist will be invited to progress to stage two of the process where they will make a presentation to the Judging Panel to discuss their submission in greater detail. This will take place at the Killashee Hotel.
This is an opportunity for you to build on the initial submission and deepen the judges understanding of your activity. You will be invited to attend with a maximum of three representatives and will have 10 minutes to present followed by 15 minutes discussion. You may bring any supporting documentation you wish to this meeting.
The Excellence in Learning Awards 2023 will be judged by a panel of judges made up of some of Ireland top L&D Professionals working in leading organisations. A full list of our judging panel will be announced shortly.
There is no cost involved in making a submission.
Please ensure to submit your completed 2,300 word submission, to be received no later than 11.59pm on May 5th, 2023.
Key Dates:
Deadline Extended - Closing date for Applications: May 12th, 2023
Finalists Announced: June 2nd, 2023
Judging Panel: June 23rd, 2023
Site Visits for Best L&D Organisation week commencing June 26th
Awards Ceremony: September 22nd, 2023
Tips & Guidelines
- Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. The judges are looking for clear examples of how you meet the eligibility criteria - don’t make it hard for them!
- Don’t assume those judging nominations know anything about working in your industry so help them out by making this clear.
- Ensure your nomination is as well written as possible. While nominations won’t be marked down for writing style, a clear, well-expressed nomination form is much easier to read and judge.
- Keep to the word count - anything over may be ignored!
- Triple check you are nominating for the right category. Read the specific criteria carefully, and make sure you can prove that the project meets each of them.
- Demonstrate how your achievements are transferable to other programmes, teams and organisations. Judges like to see the potential for the project to be rolled out across other environments.
- Support your achievements with evidence of impact such as data, statistics or feedback.
- Highlight what you have done differently. The judges are excited to hear about innovative projects and new approaches, so don’t be afraid to emphasise that you’ve challenged the status quo!
- Ask a colleague to proof-read your nomination form. You will have undoubtedly looked at it over and over again so it may take a fresh pair of eyes to spot any small mistakes or opportunities for enhancements!
If you are shortlisted, you will have an opportunity to meet the judges for 30 mins or to host a site visit to discuss your work further
So start planning for this stage straight away!
Check back soon for details of this year's Judging Panel.