Awards Trust Mark – Accredited

For an award to have achieved the Awards Trust Mark the following criteria have been met:

1. The awards programme is open and inclusive to all within the specified region and sectors stated on the website, with no unwritten filtering. The programme being restricted to clients or association members is acceptable only if clearly stated. Any filtering of applicants – based on personal or internal judgement – by brand name, company size, perceived reputation etc. is not allowed, unless they pose a reputational risk to your organisation or industry.
2. The Judging process must be stated on the website for both the shortlisting stage, and the final selection of a winners and must be followed accordingly. .
3. All judges must be independent and not employed by companies that have a commercial interest in ceremony ticket sales, advertising etc. or a conflict of interest with the nominees.If an award organiser/director or sponsor is part of the judging panel, there has to be a very clear rationale for this (e.g. they are an industry expert and/or have no commercial interest in the winning outcomes).
4. There must be no compulsion that finalists must attend the awarding event, without foregoing their position. (i.e. If a winner is not able to attend, the prize is not given to another entrant). (Only compulsory to attend if free tickets are given and it’s clear before not after entering)
5. A detailed entry process must be publicised on the website which must include entry, closing, judging/finalist and awarding dates as well as all rules, information on the stages of the entry process, what to expect next and other important information.
6. There is no charge for using the awards logo (or supplied winning roundels) or the promotion of a win.
7. Winners are provided quotes for press releases for free whenever requested.
8. Finalists and Winners are publicly declared (including on website) within 7 days of the awarding date.
9. There must be complete fee transparency on the website. This includes entry costs (available before entries open), ceremony/attendance fees (available before entries close) and other associated membership fees or optional costs like duplicate trophies.
10. The website must be clear and easy to navigate via the home page and none of the information below should be behind registration or pay-walls. This must include:
    • Entry and awarding dates (on the home page as dates not just countdown timers),
    • Entry process
    • Categories
    • Entry and attendance fees
    • Judging panel
    • Ts & Cs
    • Contact details (not just a form)
11. There is no ‘pay wall’ to access the application form questions before applying. If not on the website, they must be available on request.
12. An email for applicants must be provided and easy to find. Enquiry emails should receive responses within 24-48 hours – depending on what stage of the entry process they are at.

This level of award is self-nominated and adherence is validated, where practical, by a member of the Independent Awards Standards Council, and a director from the accredited awards programme signs a commitment to the above code of conduct on behalf of the awards.

If you wish to apply for the Awards Trust Mark accreditation for the first time please first complete the eligibility check below.