FAQs
The UK government has a strong reputation for its world class Civil Service and its consistent ability to deliver a high standard of public services across the country. To maintain this standing it constantly strives to improve systems, drive efficiency and think innovatively. The Civil Service Awards celebrate the very best of the Civil Service, enabling the sharing of best practice right across government departments.
Who is organising the Civil Service Awards?
The awards are run in open partnership with Dods Events, who have delivered the awards since their inception in 2006.
How do I enter and what will the nomination form look like?
For all categories you will be asked to submit the below for your nomination:
- An overview of the nomination (100 words)
- An outline of the measurable benefits achieved by the team or individual, and the impact this has had beyond the immediate team, business area or department, using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method (500 words in total)
Who is eligible to take part in the Civil Service Awards?
Any person who is currently employed by the UK Civil Service can make a nomination or be nominated. Examples of this include but not limited to:
Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards do not cover public sector workers and others such as:
Please see a list here of all departments, agencies and public bodies here who are able to be nominated.
- working under a UK government department anywhere in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including civil servants who work in NHS England or other agencies and administrative bodies reporting to a government department
- working in any government of the devolved nations, such as a staff member working in Holyrood
- working overseas as a civil servant of the UK, such as an embassy staff or members of Government Communication Service International
- Civilian staff in the Ministry of Defence
- Foreign nationals who are employed by the UK Civil Service who may be working in the UK or overseas
Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards do not cover public sector workers and others such as:
- hospital clinicians
- school and university staff
- military personnel
- overseas staff working with the UK government but not employed by the UK Civil Service
Please see a list here of all departments, agencies and public bodies here who are able to be nominated.
Can I nominate myself?
Please be aware self-nominations are not allowed, so please encourage your colleagues to nominate you if you would like to be put forward for an individual award. If you are part of a team, and you want to nominate your team for an award, you can certainly do that.
Can I use AI to write my nomination?
Of course! But you must check the text for accuracy and that the nomination meets the criteria.
Does someone need to ‘sign off’ my nomination?
We strongly encourage you to always proof-read and fact check your nomination. This includes using an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to write your nomination, as AI doesn’t always get it right! It’s always a good idea to check with the nominee, if you can, to get the best facts and statistics to support the nomination. When making a nomination, a Senior Civil Servant's (SCS1/Deputy Director and above) details must be entered to validate the nomination. This person doesn’t need to ‘sign off’ your nomination, but you might find it helpful if they do depending on the work. The SCS validator will only be contacted if the nomination is shortlisted and a Category Champion wants to fact check a detail as part of the due diligence process. If your organisation does not have a Senior Civil Servant to put down as a validator, the most senior line manager will be required. It is possible for the nominator and the validator to both be the same Senior Civil Servant.
When do nominations close?
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 18 July 2025.
When will the shortlist be announced?
The shortlist will be announced on Wednesday 22 October 2025. This will be published on the awards website, through internal Civil Service communications channels, and on UK Civil Service social media.
Can I attend the award ceremony?
If you make the shortlist, you will be invited to the ceremony. Unfortunately, the Civil Service Awards ceremony is invitation only.
When will the award ceremony take place?
The Civil Service Awards ceremony will take place at Lancaster House December 2025.
Can I make more than one nomination?
Yes, you can submit multiple nominations for the different categories.
Can I submit the same nomination as last year?
We encourage you to ensure your nominations always reflect the last 12 months of work. If you made a nomination in 2024, and the project is ongoing with significant changes since, you can put an updated nomination forward. Please ensure all facts and figures are checked to reflect work in 2025.
I’ve submitted a nomination - now what?
All entries will be passed onto our Category Champions and their expert sifting panel who will review each nomination for their category and select the top submissions. The top nominations in each category will be passed onto our final judging panel who will select the top three and the overall winner in each category. The winners are announced during the awards ceremony.
Do I have to tell the person I am nominating them?
We advise that you inform anyone you are nominating that you have done so, at your own discretion. It is not compulsory, but it is usually best to let them know in advance so they are not caught off-guard if they are shortlisted. It’s also an opportunity to let them know what fantastic work they have done! Information will be processed according to our privacy notice.
How are the awards funded?
The Civil Service Awards are nil-cost to the government. All costs are covered by delivery partner Dods Events, which funds the event through advertising and sponsorship. Any profits raised are shared between Dods Events and the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office will put forward any profit share towards future government events.
Why have some categories been changed?
Every year, the awards categories are reviewed to reflect the latest priorities of the government of the day and the Civil Service.
How many categories are there?
This year there are 11 award categories which reflect the key themes across government. Please head to the Categories tab on the top navigation bar to view the categories and criteria.
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the Awards process?
Should you need any further information please contact the team by email the team on: civilserviceawards@dods-events.com or call 0207 593 5669.