We’re super excited to launch the 2016 Social CEOs’ awards. You may have seen my piece in The Guardian Voluntary Sector Network today in which I said that social media is an excellent way for charity leaders to tackle the challenges facing them in a post Brexit world. Now is the time when charities need to be more visible and influential than ever. Social media is a good way to achieve this.
Who can enter?
The awards are now in their fourth year and whilst we now have a track record, we want the awards to keep raising the bar for themselves year on year. We’ve had some amazing winners over the last few years, from Peter Wanless from the NSPCC,to Jan Tregelles of Mencap and Ruth Hunt from Stonewall. Any leader of any registered charity, of any cause or size, based anywhere in the world, can be nominated. This year we are especially keen to encourage a diverse range of nominees.
Alongside the top 30 CEOS, we have 4 awards to recognise individuals’ social media presences in the following categories:
- Best trustee
- Best senior leader (director or equivalent i.e. head of)
- Best rising star (senior manager/manager level)
- Leader with the most innovative social media presence (CEO or director or equivalent level)
And for the first time this year, the judges will select an overall winner from the top 30 CEOs.
How do I make a nomination?
Nominations can be made here. It is free to enter. Please send us your nominations by midnight on Friday 30 September.
Who’s supporting this years’ awards?
We’re delighted to be working with TPP again who are sponsoring our 4 individual awards.
TPP Recruitment is a specialist consultancy dedicated to supporting not for profit organisations, including charities, professional membership bodies and cultural institutions, as well as education, health and social care providers
They use their experience, specialist knowledge of markets and company principles to provide an exceptional service to both employers and jobseekers. Their divisions cover temporary, contract and permanent recruitment at all levels.
We are also delighted that Grant Thornton will be returning as a sponsor.
Grant Thornton’s charity and not for profit team provide bespoke audit, tax and advisory services to over 1000 organisations around the UK. Ranked third by income audited, our accredited specialists work from seven regional locations to ensure our clients are serviced by knowledgeable staff who are kept abreast on all charity sector and technical issues as they arise. Our involvement in the sector is vast including an annual seminar programme NFP Connect, NFP Interchange, our Non-Executive Forum for Not for Profit organisations, membership of the SORP Committee, authors of thought leadership including a leading publication looking at governance in the top 100 charities as well as regular speaking and attendance at all key sector conferences.
We’re grateful to TPP and Grant Thornton for their support.
The Guardian Voluntary Sector Network is our media partner for the awards. It’s a space dedicated to those working in or with the voluntary sector. Join for free to benefit from exclusive insight and thought leadership, news and connections that will enhance your career. Register now.
Who’s on the judging panel?
Simon Blake, CEO of the NUS has returned for the fourth year as Chair of judges. He joins our panel, who are:
- Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC
- Karl Wilding, Director of Public Policy and Volunteering, NCVO
- Caron Bradshaw, CEO of CFG
- Rohan Hewivasenti, Group Director of Resources at the RNIB
- Beth Kanter, US based social media guru
- Lucy Caldicott, charity leadership and governance expert
What happens next?
This year’s awards will take place at JustGiving on the evening of Thursday 17 November, and the results will be announced officially in the press the next morning.
How do I get my CEO/ board/ executive team to use social media?
Once again this year we’ll be sharing content to help you get your colleagues to do great things on social media . This will be published when we announce the winners in the press on 18 November.
We look forward to seeing your nominations. Don’t forget that the deadline is midnight on Friday 30 September on Friday 25th September, so do send us your nominations!