BIG Gala 2025

Awards Nominations

Award Categories and Descriptions 2025

Nominee’s should be in attendance at the gala so please ensure the person you intend to nominate has purchased a ticket or will be attending with you as part of your group. To ensure they will be in attendance on the night to receive their award should they win in the category they are nominated in. Nominations will remain open until 31st July 2025.

Awards are genderless and both men, women and non-binary Black or Mixed heritage identifying colleagues can be considered for an award.

Ally’s should identify as non-black POC’s or white

Nominee’s must be Civil or Public servant staff at the time of nomination or have left the Civil/Public sector within the last 5 years.

  • Recognises a person committed to driving positive change in their organisation. They are dedicated to serving others while making an impact and leading with a purpose. Through their work, they successfully demonstrate solutions for issues. This award celebrates a person with an innovative mindset with proven success as a respected leader whose actions and influence inspire change.

  • Recognises the achievements of a person who has made a significant impact in their career through their work and achievements. They are a role model who has broken barriers and overcome challenges. Their personal story of resilience motivates others to do the same.

  • Recognises a person who has helped others achieve success through encouraging and empowering them to overcome barriers to achieve their goals. The recipient of this award is someone who has demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to building a better future for themselves and others. They are a cheerleader, mentor or coach for others.

  • Recognises a person who demonstrates exemplary leadership and has made significant contributions in their organisation. They have demonstrated authenticity and integrity in their leadership style and have inspired and empowered others to be their authentic selves. This award honours those who have earned the respect of their superiors/peers . They have built trust and credibility through their actions and have fostered a culture of openness, honesty, and transparency in their organisation through their ability to be their authentic self. They empower and support others in their workplace.

  • Recognises a leader who is demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and is making a significant impact in their Department/team. This person is early in their civil service career but is carrying the baton as a rising leader to inspire and empower others to follow their lead and is making a lasting impact through their work. This award recognises a person who’s impact in the early stages and is poised for continued success.

Special Categories

Allyship Award

Recognises A person that actively champions and promotes the success and advancement racial equity and equality personally and professionally. A team player who champions for the inclusion of people of colour in the goals and the vision of their organisation who paves the road to empower others in their network and or wider workplace. This award acknowledges individuals for their strong efforts and dedication to support racial equity and equality.

Nominee’s should identify as non-black POCs or not as a POC

Early Excellence Award

Recognises an inspiring person who is demonstrating excellence as a newer civil/public servant. They are one to watch within their organisation, making inspirational strides with finesse early in their career!

This award is intended to inspire the future generation of people regardless of age!

Nominee’s for this award should have less than 5 years service in the public sector or civil service.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognises a person who has made significant contributions throughout their career and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact, and excellence. The recipient of this award is an extraordinary person who has manifested a legacy that continues to inspire others. They’re recognised as a role model through their extraordinary dedication, personal and professional achievements.

Nominees must have a minimum of 15 years service in the public sector/civil service.

Please complete the below form by 31st July 2025 to nominate your friends, colleagues or yourself for an award!

Nominee’s for special category awards will be announced in advance of the evening!

 FAQs

  • Nominees can be of ANY gender expression, so regardless of your identity you are welcome to nominate yourself or others!

  • Nominators can be of ANY ethnic background and do not need to identify as Black/Mixed heritage to nominate someone.

  • Nominees for the Ally Award should identify as Non-Black, they may identify as a Person of Colour or White.

  • Awards will be moderated by the UK Black in Gov CIC Voluntary Advisory Board

  • Yes, you can be nominated across multiple categories. Only one application needs to be submitted to be considered

  • Yes, you can still nominate someone who may not be in attendance BUT this will be considered in the short listing of the awards. We want to celebrate those who are in the room! Unfortunately we aren’t the Grammy’s yet so to receive an award we need nominees there in person so that they can soak up the glory and recognition of your peers. Try and confirm in advance they plan to attend before making the nomination

  • Yes, If you left within the last 5 years you are eligible for nomination for an award.