All the entries we receive are read through and carefully considered by our judges. Each year a diverse mix of past winners join experts to judge the entries, reflecting the scheme’s ideals of putting young people at the heart of the process.
Shortlisting
The first stage is to check that the nominations have met the criteria and put forward those that remain for judging.
The judging panel includes past winners, representatives from the Home Office and Department for Education, and is chaired by Sir Trevor McDonald. The young people involved often say it boosts their skills and confidence and it’s a great experience to mix and share their points of view. The panel score the shortlisted entries based on the criteria to decide which projects deserve a national award. It’s a tough decision and not without a certain amount of discussion and debate, but in the end the judges agree on a selection.
Selecting
The judges’ selection of projects are then vetted in great detail to determine whether they can be verified as winners.
Winners’ events
Winners are recognised and celebrated in their local area, and are given the opportunity to take part in a national event.
Read the nomination rules and guidance here.
