The Volunteer’s Guide to Writing an Award Nomination
A strong award nomination is not about length or flowery language. It’s about clear evidence, accurate detail, and a convincing citation. For many awards, the quality of the citation is what makes the difference between success and rejection. In this short guide, we’ll share 8 practical steps to consider when writing an award nomination.
Take a few minutes to read the award guidance carefully and make sure you understand the criteria, word count, and any supporting material requested. It is also worth checking whether the award is aimed at a specific period of service or a full career, as the nomination must match that scope.
For example, if you are nominating for an Excellence Award, the online nomination page includes full guidance notes.
Alternatively, you can download a Word copy of the nomination form and detailed guidance notes from our policies and forms page.
A nomination should explain what the person has done, but more importantly, why it matters. Committees want to see impact over and above someone’s normal role, not simply a description of a good job well done. Think about the difference the nominee has made to cadets, other adults, the unit, the local community, or the wider organisation.
Useful questions to consider:
The citation should be written from an objective, third-party perspective, not copied from the nominee’s own words. You are telling a true story from an outside perspective. Keep it factual, balanced, and credible. Avoid exaggeration, since overstatement can weaken the nomination.
Be clear about the time period the nomination covers and make sure the dates are accurate. If the award is based on years of service, check that the nominee meets the criteria before submitting. Where relevant, include evidence from the whole period rather than focusing on one strong moment alone.
If the award body asks for letters of support, include the number requested and no more. Do not send extra evidence unless it has been asked for. Too much information can be as unhelpful as too little.
For external awards, avoid rank titles and use the person’s first name and surname instead. This keeps the nomination accessible to people outside the Army Cadet movement. It also helps ensure the citation reads clearly to a broader panel.
Ask someone else to proofread the draft before it is submitted. A fresh pair of eyes can spot errors, unclear wording, or missing evidence. Strong nominations are usually the result of careful drafting and rigorous checking.
If, after drafting an award nomination for an external body, you are still unsure, ACCT UK can help. This support can save time and improve the quality of the final submission. A good nomination may take a few hours, but it can make a huge difference to the person being recognised.
Contact awards@acctuk.org for help with external award nominations. Please allow plenty of time before the award deadline.
Don’t be put off if a nomination is unsuccessful the first time. You can often strengthen, update, and resubmit it later, or consider whether a different award is a better fit. The effort is worth it because recognition can be a lifetime experience for the nominee and a real motivator for other volunteers and young people.