AWARD CATEGORIES
Accountant of the Year
An accountancy professional who has consistently met or exceeded challenging objectives to ensure the highest quality of provision of accountancy and related services. The award is based on achievements made in the last 18 months.
Advocate of the Year
A woman working within financial services who is a role model and has gone out of her way to support the cause of getting more women into finance in the last 18 months. As well as examining the initiatives the candidates has pioneered to inspire women to succeed in the industry, judges will also assess their leadership and the initiative’s impact on, and integration with, the business.
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Banker of the Year
The most influential and inspirational female private and/or personal banker who has overseen strong financial performance and successfully guided the bank in best practices, expansion into new markets, or innovation in terms of new products or services. The award is based on achievements made in the last 18 months.
Board Director of the Year
This award is to highlight for the impactful role of a female board member or senior executive board member of a company or not-for-profit organisation such as an endowment or charitable fund. Judges will assess their influence on strategy, their leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the organisation/s.
CFO of the Year
A chief financial officer that has delivered real value – with tangible business results – to a company. Judges will look at projects and achievements, along with examples of best practice, leadership, ROI generated and alignment to business goals. The award is based on achievements made in the past 18 months.
DEI Initiative of the Year
This award category is open to organisations that have undertaken a specific initiative that has been established to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within their organisation or the wider community. These could involve gender pay gap, paternal leave, greater support for BAME and LGBT+ professionals, greater opportunities for people with disabilities, etc. Judges will assess commitment to the cause, awareness raised, impact on the organisation and/or industry, and ultimate results of the initiative. Submissions should include the name of the initiative.
Employer of the Year (over 250 employees)
This award category is open to financial services companies which have demonstrated great efforts to recruit and retain more women, and achieve equal gender representation at all levels. Judges will look at efforts the employer has made to create a more diverse and inclusive working environment. Submissions should include examples of professional training and advancement, ways to boost morale and implemented programmes to increase the well-being of employees.
Employer of the Year (up to 250 employees)
This award category is open to financial services companies which have demonstrated great efforts to recruit and retain more women, and achieve equal gender representation at all levels. Judges will look at efforts the employer has made to create a more diverse and inclusive working environment. Submissions should include examples of professional training and advancement, ways to boost morale and implemented programmes to increase the well-being of employees.
Finance Team of the Year (led by a woman)
A finance team, led by a woman, that has delivered real value – with tangible business results – to a company. Judges will look at projects and achievements, along with examples of best practice, leadership, ROI generated and alignment to business goals. The award is based on achievements made in the past 18 months.
Insurance Leader of the Year
This award is open to the strongest senior-level contender in the insurance sector who has an outstanding track record in attracting and managing clients and bringing in successful deals. Judges will be looking for nominees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership.
Innovator of the Year (B2B)
This award recognises a female professional in a senior role who has demonstrated outstanding innovation, within a financial service or fintech business which is focused on creating solutions to other businesses, over the last 18 months. Judges will look at products/services, client testimonials, examples of ROI achieved, success in challenging implementations, post-sales support and services, and tailored customisations in specific enterprise environments.
Innovator of the Year (B2C)
This award recognises a female professional in a senior role who has demonstrated outstanding innovation within a financial service or fintech business which is consumer-facing in the last 18 months. Judges will look at products/services, client testimonials, examples of ROI achieved, success in challenging implementations, post-sales support and services, and tailored customisations in specific enterprise environments.
Legal Adviser of the Year
The corporate lawyer or in-house legal counsel that has broken down barriers to advancement in the firm and wider legal sector, as well as paved the way for diversity in leadership. The award is based on achievements made in the past 18 months.
Male Ally of the Year
A senior male figure who has gone out of his way to improve the diversity levels of women in finance, within the organisation and/or in the wider community. Successful nominations must provide case studies or examples of how the candidate has gone out of his way, or strategically prioritised, getting more women into finance and/or supporting them in their careers.
Next Generation Leader of the Year
A woman under the age of 35, or who turns 35 in 2021, who has progressed rapidly though their career within financial services and demonstrated business value and innovation throughout.
Judges will examine the last 18 months in each candidate’s career, looking at standout achievements and demonstrable contributions to successful projects.
Outstanding Contribution of the Year
Nominations can be submitted for this category and candidates will be selected from across the current nominees as well as the judging panel’s knowledge of key industry individuals. It is to recognise the achievements over a long period of time which has made an important contribution to the general standing of the financial services industry.
Returner of the Year
A woman with business experience that has returned to the industry after a significant time away (minimum of 2 years) and has shown great promise upon their return. Judges will examine the last 12 months in each candidate’s career, looking at standout achievements and demonstrable contributions to successful projects.
Specialist of the Year
This award is open to a woman who is an investor or analyst at a private equity, venture capital, business angel or alternative investment groups. The winner of this award will be a role model for women in a wide range of disciplines. The award is based on achievements made in the past 18 months.
Sustainability Project Leader of the Year
This award is for an individual that is responsible for sustainable investing within an asset management firm, investment company or pension scheme. Judges will assess projects and achievements, along with examples of best practice, leadership, ROI generated and alignment to business goals. The award is based on achievements made in the past 18 months.
Wealth Manager of the Year
This award recognises a female wealth manager or financial planner who has made an outstanding contribution to their clients financial well-being and in particular female clients, as well as initiatives to improve financial literacy and inclusion with the wider public. The judges will look for real evidence of achievement.
Woman of the Year
A woman who has demonstrated the highest degree of excellence, innovation and leadership in their role in the last year, and shone a light on the great things women in financial services can achieve. This inspiring leader will have challenged, influenced or revolutionised the culture of the financial services sector. In their submission, nominees should not only have demonstrated outstanding business achievements, but should also give examples of how they have actively sought to bring more diversity to the financial services industry.
FAQ
Who can nominate for these Awards?
You can nominate yourself or your colleagues/peers.
Please make full use of the wordcount providing the performance information requested in the category description. You are also invited to include links to associated work for our judges to verify the information shared.
Our Women in Finance Award nominations are open to all women. We look forward to receiving your nominations.
How do I nominate?
Using the nomination link provided, each candidate can be nominated for a maximum of two categories. If subsequent nominations are received, only the first two will be considered for the shortlisting process. Please select the most relevant for you or the candidate being nominated.
Please use the criteria of the category you wish to enter to shape your written submission, as the judges will refer to the criteria to guide their decisions. You should submit an essay style submission which (we recommend) should be between 600 – 800 words.
The more factual information and stats you can provide for any of these questions, the better your chances of being shortlisted. The submission should cover achievements in the day-to-job as well as prove of your advocacy for gender parity, diversity, equity and inclusion.
What is the involved cost?
There is no cost to enter a submission for the awards.
Equally, if you are shortlisted, there is no cost to attend this virtual event. Thanks to the support of our wonderful sponsors, we are able to make this a free to attend opportunity for all nominees and their guests.
If I can’t attend the ceremony, will this impact my chances of winning?
No, this will not impact your chances of winning at all. You are welcome to ask someone to accept the award on your behalf, or you can send an acceptance message which the WIF Team will be happy to share for you. Your award will be sent to your postal address post-event.
Who judges the submissions?
An independent panel of industry judges will consider each nomination and vote on the winners for each category. Please view the judging information for more on the judging methodology.
Who shall I contact if I have any more questions?
If you need any further assistance, please contact us via email: event.marketing@bonhillplc.com
When is the deadline for nominations?
Nominations for the 2021 Women in Finance Awards UK will close on 5th July.