Entries can relate to projects and initiatives of all sizes, local or national, in the public, voluntary or private sector. Anyone can nominate a team or a public servant or you can nominate yourself.
All work entered into the awards must have taken place in Scotland, and the project or initiative should have been active between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. Judges will be looking wherever possible for evidence of genuine innovation and success achieved in terms of end results.
Education initiative of the year sponsored by Thinktastic
We are looking to recognise innovative and inspiring work which can demonstrate tangible benefits for learners in and outside the classroom.
Environmental initiative of the year
This seeks to reward initiatives which have delivered a positive change in contributing to the sustainability and climate change agenda.
Young people's project of the year (under-24s) sponsored by Improvement Service
The award will go to a team or initiative working with young people which has achieved results that others haven't managed, perhaps through creative or imaginative approaches. You should provide evidence of what made the project successful and what steps you undertook to implement it.
Older people's project of the year (60-plus)
The award will go to a team or initiative working to improve the lives or lifestyles of older people which has achieved results that others haven't managed, perhaps through unusually creative or imaginative approaches. You should provide evidence of what made the project successful and what steps you undertook to implement it.
Campaigner(s) of the year sponsored by Third Sector Lab
We are seeking nominations for individuals or groups who have worked tirelessly to make a positive difference to the public or third sector. For example to improve services, widen access or reduce inequality.
Health provider of the year
We want to recognise work which can demonstrate impressive results in improving health and well being. This can be in early intervention and preventative health care or improving the outcomes of medical care and treatment at a later stage.
Equalities award
This category will reward an initiative that goes beyond compliance and meaningfully engages with communities on equality matters. Entries should demonstrate their impact in terms of improving the circumstances of people or supporting communities to improve their own circumstances for the better.
Partnership award sponsored by Glasgow Housing Association
Effective partnership working is more important than ever. This category will recognise an outstanding example of collaboration in the public and/or third sector. Entries should clearly demonstrate the benefits of such an approach for communities or service users.
Herald Society worker of the year
We are seeking nominations for individuals whose outstanding drive and commitment have made a difference in improving the lives of people in Scotland. Judges will be looking for evidence of what has been achieved by the nominees and why they deserve special recognition.
Herald Society team of the year
We are seeking nominations for teams, departments or partnerships whose public service values, outstanding drive and commitment have made a difference in improving the lives of people in Scotland. Judges will be looking for evidence of what has been achieved by the nominees and why they deserve special recognition.
Community project of the year Sponsored by EVH
This will reward projects which put control in the hands of those within their own communities so enabling ordinary people to take the lead in changing their local circumstances.
The unsung hero award sponsored by Big Lottery Fund
Too often we see people who work tirelessly, above the call of duty, who are magnets in their community but receive little recognition, even though initiatives would often fail without them. This award will be given to the individual who in the judges' opinion best fits the definition of 'unsung' hero or heroine. Nominations can be for members of the community, or people working in the public or third sector in Scotland. Your entry should explain their personal qualities, what they have achieved and why they deserve greater recognition.
The closing date for entries is Friday, August 31, 2012.
For an entry form email societyawards@theherald.co.uk, call 0141 302 7319 or visit www.heraldscotland.com/ societyawards12
