Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be a CIPR member to enter the awards?
No, the Awards are open to everyone.I am based overseas; can I still enter the Awards?
Yes, although most of the entries are from the UK, we still accept overseas entries as long as they fulfil the criteria.Is VAT payable on entries from overseas?
If your organisation is based within the EU and you give us your VAT Number on the Entry form, you do not have to pay the VAT. If your organisation is based outside the EU, VAT is payable.How do I pay if based outside the UK?
Credit card payments are accepted; otherwise an arrangement can be made with our accounts department for a BACS payment, which must accompany the entry form. Queries can be directed to SusanS@cipr.co.uk.How do I obtain an invoice in order to raise payment from my organisation?
We can raise an invoice, provided you supply an official order, but payment still has to accompany the entry. Direct your queries to SusanS@cipr.co.uk.How many categories are there?
We have two new categories this year, making a total of 28 categories - so there should be something to suit everyone.Can I enter the same campaign in more than one category?
Yes, but you must fill out an entry form and supply supporting information etc for each category it is entered into. Please ensure your entry is relevant to the category you are entering.
*There is no discount for entering more than one category.When is the closing date?
The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 29 February 2008.What if I miss the entry deadline?
We do accept late entries BUT for one week only. There is an administration fee of £75 plus VAT for each late entry, in addition to the normal entry fee.I'm not sure which category to enter?
You can enter your campaign in more than one category, but if you want to enter just one category and you are not sure where to place your campaign, you can phone the team at the CIPR for advice on 020 7766 3333.What should I include with my entry?
Include any relevant supporting material such as a list of press coverage, examples of brochures, leaflets etc. But do keep to the one A4 box file limit, or your entry could be disqualified.Are there any examples of winning entries?
You will find case studies from some of the past winners on the Excellence web page and in the Member area on the website.Is there a discount for small organisations?
Yes, a special reduced fee applies to small consultancies (consisting of five or less employees) entering into category 25.Can we submit electronic newsletters in categories 19 & 20?
No. This year we are only accepting printed material in these categories.Must the 1,000 word Summary be in M/s Word?
Yes please, if you are short listed we find this easier to work with than coping with pages full of graphics etc.Can we include pictures in the Summary?
No, it is not necessary – the pictures will be part of the overall Entry and the Summary is an overview of what is contained in the Entry.We are entering the Team awards – must we only feature one project in the Summary, or can we mention more than one?
The Summary is just that – an overview of your activities during the year. If there is more than one project that you are particularly proud of, you can certainly mention them in the overall Summary. But do keep the Summary to 1,000 words.Can I enter an ongoing campaign, or does it have to be within the fixed 1 year criteria?
Campaigns that span over a long period of time are fine, as long as the main focus is on the 1 year period stated in the rules.Will my entry remain confidential?
Nothing is printed without your consent. Shortlisted entries are printed in our Awards brochure (and website), but we contact you before hand to check it is ok.Do all entries receive feedback?
No. Only shortlisted entries and winners get feedback on their entry.