Employee Benefits is inviting employers across the UK to enter the Employee Benefits Awards 2005.
If you feel that the work you and your team have done to provide effective benefits to staff deserves recognition, then this is your chance to shine in front your peers. Making it as a finalist will also earn you kudos from your employer - never a bad thing when looking for a promotion or pay rise.
• The full details of the awards can be downloaded at www.employeebenefits.co.uk/awards.
Although the categories are benefit-specific, within each category there are a wide range of strategies that you can enter. If you feel you have done something that we have not specifically mentioned, then don't feel you can't enter - just pick the most relevant category.
All strategies will be judged according to how well they met their stated objectives; how appropriate they were for the workforce profile; and how innovative they were compared with those of other employers.
Most effective company car strategyPerhaps you have changed to a new form of provision; introduced a new policy; improved driver safety; implemented a cost cutting drive.
Most effective healthcare strategyYou may have reduced absenteeism or stress through a health strategy; or introduced a policy to improve health. If yes, then enter this one.
Most effective pensions strategy You may have changed pension provision; launched a communications campaign; introduced a new scheme or new technology.
Most effective motivation strategyThis could be for anything from motivational programmes and rewards; to awards ceremonies or colleague recognition schemes.
Most effective use of a flexible benefits planHave you delivered effective employer-paid benefits through a flexible benefits plan?
Most effective use of a voluntary benefits plan The judges will look at which voluntary benefits you chose to offer and why; and how the plan fits into your broader benefits strategy.
Most effective all-employee share scheme strategyThe judges will be looking for a successful strategy that has made an all-employee share scheme effective in your organisation.
Most effective work-life balance strategyThis category covers flexible working, homeworking, childcare or vouchers - any initiative which helps staff with their lives outside work.
Most proactive use of group risk and rehabilitation benefits This award will recognise employers that help rehabilitate employees away from being long-term sick, or are brought back into the workplace.
Most effective use of financial advice in the workplace Have you taken a proactive approach to your workforce's financial needs and supported them when they make money management decisions?
Most effective use of an international benefits strategy The judges will be looking for entrants that run a benefits programme in more than one country in order to achieve business objectives.
Most successful new benefits launchHow did you alert staff to the launch of a single new benefit, or a whole package? Only 2004 launches or re-launches are eligible.
Communications strategy of the year The winner in this category will be awarded for an interesting and innovative approach to benefits communications.
Outstanding contribution awardVoted on by www.employeebenefits.co.uk visitors from our own shortlist. Grand PrixThe judges will be looking for an entry among the other categories that catches their eye.
Calling all consultants and benefits providersIf you want to be recognised as being the best in the business, then here is your chance. Although any award will be given in the name of your client, the entering consultant or provider is attributed in editorial content associated with the awards.
JUDGING PANELDebi O'Donovan (Panel 1 chair)Editor, Employee Benefits magazineDuncan Brown (Panel 2 chair)Assistant director general, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development David AstleyDirector of benefits, National Association of Pension FundsJanet CooperFounder of the ICSA certificate in employee share plans course and qualification Jane DaleChair, Group Risk Development (Grid)Mary GilesHead of compensation and benefits at MicrosoftMike HallChair of Private Medical Insurance Panel, Association of British Insurers Ian MannManaging director, ECA InternationalRussell MartinHR director, PrudentialAdrian McMullanPrincipal lecturer, Centre for Automotive Industries Management, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University