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UTILITY WEEK | 17TH - 23RD FEBRUARY 2017 | 19 Operations & Assets JUDGES' TIPS We asked our judges what would make entries to this year's awards stand out. Here's what they said: "Take care when writing your entry. Write it for the reader and let the passion flow so the judges fully understand the importance of the work and are compelled by the story." "Don't replicate the same entry details for multiple awards. If the award is worth going for, it needs a fresh approach. Don't submit achievements that are just part of the day job – reducing your complaints when you are a customer service director won't impress. Stars need to show they have gone above and beyond." "Safety is the number one priority for this industry and it takes lots of individual commitments to make that the ethos of a business. Entries in this area are about how an individual has taken the initiative or a team's contribution has been transformational to the health, safety and well being of their colleagues. Those who stand out will demonstrate the impact of their work and, critically, how it has led to a shared improvement for others." "For the Rising Star category, make sure the nomination is about the individual rather than the employer's apprenticeship programme; otherwise it is impossible to differentiate between two nominees on the same programme." "When trying to sell the qualities of your Shooting Star nominee, try to quantify how far the individual has progressed; that helps to compare graduates, school leavers, people who have transferred late in their career – all with possibly different starting points." "The work utilities do to collaborate with their customer communities is essential to the sector's reputation and effectiveness. If you're trying to win this category, clarify what the situation was before the initiative started, why it was introduced and what the outcome was. Make clear if it is an individual, team/partnership or company being nominated. Try to include one or two quotes from community representatives." Last year's winners Big Bang Award for innovation Winner: Future networks team, SP Energy Networks Constellation Award for collaborative work with a customer community Winner: Mo Bates and Shona Horn, SSEPD Constellation Award for collaborative work with education Winner: Inspiring Young Talent initiative, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Customer Culture Award Winner: Customer change function team, UK Power Networks Data Demon Award Winner: Asset capture project team, SGN Health and Safety Champion – Initiative Winner: McNicholas safety day, McNicholas Construction Services Health and Safety Champion – Individual Winner: James Osborne, Morrison Utility Services Hero Award – Individual Winner: Mark Pickles, project manager for European intraday trading, National Grid Hero Award – Team Winner: Shetland (multifunctional) sewer response team, Scottish Water Rising Star Award Dual winner: Caroline Carslaw, SSE Energy Dual winner: Sammy-Jo Evans, UK Power Networks Shooting Star Award Winner: James McStravóg, McNicholas Construction Services Supernova Award for long service Dual winner: Graham Smith, UK Power Networks Dual winner: Steve Thornton, SGN MEET THE JUDGES The Utility Week Stars Awards are judged by an expert panel who know the true worth of the utility industry's people. With specialisms ranging from customer service and skills development to health and safety and operations, they know the difference that dedication and talent can make to company performance, colleagues, customers and communities. This year our judging panel includes: Lynn Cooper chief executive Institute of Water Nick Ellins chief executive Energy & Utility Skills Paul Fidler director of ops and health Energy Networks safety and environment Association Stuart Hawksworth head of energy innovation Health and Safety Lab Victoria MacGregor head of energy Citizens Advice Denise Massey managing director Energy Innovation Centre Ian McCluskey head of technical services IGEM Mark Smith chief executive Wrc Tony Smith chief executive CCWater