DSSA Awards 2026
Shine a light on exceptional work
From innovation to collaboration and delivery excellence, celebrate the contributions that strengthen DSSA.
Why these awards matter
Recognising the people and teams who go beyond business as usual gives great work the visibility it deserves.
It helps DSSA reinforce the behaviours that strengthen the branch, celebrate work that often happens quietly, and recognise contribution in a way that feels fair.
Recognise real impact
Acknowledge outcomes and observable contribution without rewarding self-promotion.
Celebrate collaboration and innovation
Highlight work that improves how the branch delivers, works together, and supports others.
Support fair, evidence-based recognition
Keep nominations grounded in specific examples that can be assessed consistently.
Start here
The two things most people need before they nominate.
Explore the categories first, then review the process so your nomination is aligned, evidence-based, and ready to submit.
Discover the six award categories and choose the one that best matches the contribution you want to recognise.
See how nominations are reviewed, assessed and selected through a clear, fair and evidence-based process.
Key dates
Know the window and plan your nomination.
Clear timing makes it easier to act early, prepare strong evidence, and understand what happens next.
Nominations open
Submit a concise nomination linked to the category that best fits the evidence.
Shortlisting
Eligible entries are reviewed and low-evidence submissions are filtered out.
Assessment
A cross-branch panel scores shortlisted nominations against evidence and branch benefit.
Awards announced
Winners are recognised at the branch Town Hall.
How to nominate
Keep it simple, specific, and evidence-based.
A strong nomination is concise and clear. Focus on the best-fit category, the most relevant evidence, and the contribution you want to make visible.
- 01
Choose a category
Select the single award category that best matches the strongest evidence you have.
- 02
Write a short nomination
Keep it evidence-based, specific, and within the 100-word limit for examples of impact.
- 03
Submit the form
Send the nomination through the online form before the round closes.
Recognition principles
Evidence first. Fairness throughout.
The scheme is designed to recognise real contribution without leaning on volume, popularity, or broad claims.
Recognise impact and observable behaviours, not self-promotion.
Recognise contributions beyond routine business-as-usual delivery.
Avoid popularity bias by keeping decisions evidence-based.
Remain fair to quieter contributors and behind-the-scenes work.
Maintain transparency, consistency, and probity throughout assessment.
2026 round
Nominations are closed.
The nomination period has closed and submitted nominations are now being reviewed.