Rules of entry - Accolades 2011/12

1. Entry is free of charge

2. Submissions will only be accepted for the specified categories.

3. For each category, three potential winners will be chosen by the Stage 1 judges. These nominations will be submitted to the national panel. Three nominees will be invited to the Accolades gala event. The winner and runners up in each category will be announced at the event.

4. Nominees must be prepared to accept their Accolade in person at the gala event (or identify a representative to attend on their behalf) and be willing for their names and images to be used for publicity purposes.

5. The gala event will be held on Thursday 8 March 2012 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate in 2012. Free places at the event will be reserved for the three selected nominees in each category.

6. The Accolades will consist of a commemorative award and certificate. Highly commended nominees will receive a certificate and small award and may describe themselves as such for the category in their corporate literature. They may not claim that their products or services are endorsed by the Accolades 2011/12 or the promoters.

7. The Accolades 2011/12 logo may be used by category winners as a mark of their achievement. Winners will be required to sign an agreement outlining terms and conditions of use before being issued with the logo.

8. An additional Accolade will be awarded to the Winner of Winners. The Winner will be selected by the judges from amongst the winners of the 8 categories. No external nominations will be accepted for this additional Accolade.

9. The Accolades will be awarded to organisations (care sector employers or training organisations), including those that are sole proprietorships, operating in the public, private or voluntary sectors, regardless of service user categories and size of organisation except where the category name indicates otherwise.

10. No purchase or contractual relationship with the promoters is necessary for eligibility to nominate or be nominated.

11. Nominations must be submitted by Friday 16 September 2011.

12. Nominations will only be accepted on the official nomination form, the nomination signature form must be signed by the nominator to indicate acceptance of these rules.

13. A separate nomination form must be completed for each category entered.

14. Nomination forms must not be accompanied by any supporting material.

15. Nomination forms must adhere to the word limits stated.

16. Assessment process: The finalists will be selected by independent judges using the outlined criteria.

17. The judge's decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into.

18. No liability arising from nominating or being nominated for The Accolades shall pertain to the promoters.

19. Relationships with any Department of Health, Skills for Care, or Board Members must be declared at time of entry.