The Nomination Journey
Ever wondered what happens after you submit your nomination? This transparent look breaks down each step of our awards process – from the moment your entry lands to the final announcement of the winners.
A First-Past-the-Post Format
At the National Charity Today Awards, we are committed to a process that is fair, transparent, and efficient. That's why we operate a first-past-the-post nomination format.
This means nominations are reviewed and scored as they are received, rather than waiting until the deadline has passed. Strong entries that meet our scoring threshold are promptly progressed to the judging stage.
Important: Nominations remain open until either all category finalist places are filled or 60 days before the event—whichever comes first.
Your Nomination Journey: Step by Step
A clear, transparent path designed to reward quality, speed up feedback, and ensure the best nominees rise to the top.
Submit Nomination
Entrants provide the required details and supporting evidence for their chosen categories. This initial submission forms the foundation of the assessment process carried out in the following stages.
Scoring & Assessment | Quality Threshold
Upon submission, our software will automatically assess whether the nomination meets the minimum standard for progression to our judges. This includes clarity, relevance, supporting evidence and alignment with the category criteria. Nominations that meet the quality threshold are confirmed for progression and scored against category-specific criteria. Strong entries are advanced to Step 3. Entries that do not meet the required standard are rejected at this early point.
Judges' Review
Shortlisted nominations that pass the quality threshold are reviewed by the awards team judges in their own time, normally within 7 to 14 days. Judges consider a range of factors, including completeness, quality of detail, supporting evidence, clarity of impact, and the quality of any submitted images or video. Impact, innovation and overall excellence are assessed as part of this process.
Shortlisted
Following the judging process, successful nominees are contacted directly to confirm they have been shortlisted for the National Charity Today Awards™. Shortlisted nominees receive an invitation to attend the prestigious Gala Lunch, together with full booking information and details of the next stage.
Finalist Confirmation
Once a shortlisted nominee's table booking has been completed, their place as an official finalist at the National Charity Today Awards™ is confirmed. Finalists receive confirmation of their status alongside full details of the Gala Lunch, where the winners will be revealed.
The National Charity Today Awards™ Gala Lunch
The National Charity Today Awards™ Gala Lunch brings together outstanding charities, dedicated individuals and inspiring organisations from across the UK for a prestigious celebration of charitable achievement. The winners are revealed during the ceremony, recognising the remarkable people and organisations making a difference in communities nationwide.
Why This System Works
By adopting this rolling system, we ensure a more responsive experience for nominees and a smoother, more professional Awards process for everyone involved.
Quality First
Only the strongest nominations progress to our expert judging panel
No Waiting Game
Early excellence is recognised promptly, not held back until deadlines
Fair Process
Every nomination is assessed using the same rigorous criteria