Nomination - Notes for Entry

What are we looking for?

Individual Learners
We are looking for people whose learning achievements, will inspire others to return to learning, who have improved their lives and/or the lives of others, and gained a positive or life-changing experience from returning to learning.

Learning Groups
We are looking to promote the benefits of adults learning and working together towards a collective goal or common purpose.

Learning Families
We want to recognise the potential of adults and children learning together, including all forms of informal and formal learning that involves interaction between the different generations within a family or community.

Tutors/Mentors/Trainers
We are looking for mentors, tutors and trainers who are 'outstanding' in their field and give 'over and above' what is expected of them, e.g.:

  • Have made some special contribution to curriculum or material development or to teaching
  • Are active in more than one learning situation
  • Have overcome particular personal circumstances and/or are working in particularly difficult circumstances
  • Have demonstrated a particular committment to learners
  • Have inspired learners to progress onto other courses or opportunities to learn

Who can make a nomination?
Anyone can nominate an individual, family, group or tutor, mentor, or trainer for an Inspire! Award.  You may self-nominate if you are a learner, family or group but mentors, tutors and trainers must not nominate themselves or initiate the process. A statement of support must accompany your nomination. Your supporter could be a friend, a member of your family or a tutor. Someone who has knowledge about your learning or tutoring and the difference it has made to your life, or the lives of others. All those nominated will receive a certificate of achievement. This will be sent to the person identified in part 3 of this form. Please ensure that the spelling of the learner/family/group/tutor/mentor/trainer name is correct, as this name will appear on the certificate.

Who is eligible for an award?

Learner nominations - entry is open to learners living and learning in Wales only. For nominating learners living in England visit www.alw.org.uk/nominate or call 0116 2044 200 and ask to speak to the Campaigns and Promotions team.

Tutor/Mentor/Trainer nominations - entry is open to people who have been involved in adult learning provision in Wales for the last three years.

Previous winners of an Inspire! Award are ineligible for further nominations.

Individual Learners
Any adult over 19 on 10th February 2012 who may not be a current learner, but who has undertaken learning at some point since 11th February 2009 and/or have had a break of at least 3 years from full-time study.

Learning Groups
Three or more adults over 19 years of age on 10th February 2012.

Learning Families
Two or more individuals from different generations of a family or community, at least one of whom should be an adult aged 19 or over on 10th February 2012.

Tutors/Mentors/Trainers
Nominations are invited from ALL sectors of adult learning provision - statutory or voluntary, formal or informal training or education and different modes of study including distance learning. Nominations for full-time and part-time mentors, tutors and trainers are welcome.

How does the selection process work?
An independent panel of judges will select the award winners. The judges' decision is final.

What is the closing date for entries?
10th February 2012 - We will acknowledge entries by email, if an address is supplied.     

What happens at the awards ceremony?
Winners and their nominators will be invited to the Inspire! Awards Ceremony to receive their award on Thursday 10 May 2012, at Venue Cymru, Llandudno prior to Adult Learners' Week. The ceremony will be attended by the Deputy Minister for Skills and other senior politicians and celebrities.

Further information
Hard copy nominations can only be accepted on a fully completed and signed official nomination form. Electronic nomination forms will be deemed to be signed upon submission. Please feel free to photocopy this form to circulate to your networks. You can read about previous winners at http://www.niacedc.org.uk/inspire-awards.

The closing date for entries is Friday 10 February 2012

We will acknowledge entries by email

Please remember it is in your nominee's interest for you to provide a clear and rounded picture of their background and success as possible. What you can tell us on this form will be crucial to the selection panel's decision, so be as detailed as you can.