Transformation Project of the Year Award

Tier ❷ Projects and Programmes

Sponsored by QinetiQ

Recognising and rewarding organisational and cultural change projects across all sectors that deliver significant benefit through project delivery excellence. 

Our highly sought-after Project of the Year categories are designed to recognise project excellence, both in delivery and outcomes. There are four Project of the Year Award categories, representing different types of projects. The winners of each of these awards are entered into the prestigious overall project of the year category, of which there is one winner. 

The Transformation Project of the Year Award is given to the team whose project demonstrates the most effective use of project management and the greatest benefits and outcomes to end users in projects providing transformational change, either culturally or organisationally. 

We require entrants to all project of the year categories to produce a submission of 1,500-2,500 words (in English) based on the judging criteria for that category. Entrants may also submit up to four pieces of supporting evidence - images or graphics only (no text apart from captions). Evidence must support information already included in the submission and must not introduce additional elements. Please see further details on the ‘Supporting evidence’ tab of the Awards platform. Video and audio is not accepted as part of the submission. 

The Transformation of the Year category is a two-stage judging category, the first stage being the written submission mentioned above and the second stage requires all finalists to present virtually to a panel of judges on Thursday 5 September 2024. Projects from all sectors, and from across the globe, may apply. 

Submit an entry           Entries close 10 June.

Tier ❷ Projects and Programmes category criteria

This applies to Technology Project of the Year, Transformation Project of the Year, Engineering, Construction and Infrastructure Project of the Year and Social Project of the Year. 

Please read the category description and the below criteria carefully before submitting your entry. Please ensure you address each of the headings in bold.

Project management | Weighting: 40% Please make sure you address each of the headings in bold.

Context:
Describe the background of the project and how the need for it arose. Outline the project structure, governance, expected deliverables and outcomes. How did the governance of the project influence its successful delivery? What broad organisational/environmental factors outside of the project had an impact on how it was managed? 

Capability
People:Tell us about the people who worked on the project, detailing their skills and expertise and how you are continuing to develop these. 
Leadership: Explain how the project leader(s) motivated and co-ordinated people working on the project in order to ensure successful delivery. How were the attitudes, relationships and dependencies between those people effectively managed? How was a professional approach established and a shared understanding of deliverables developed and maintained throughout the project?  
Challenges: What challenges were faced in any of these areas and how were they overcome? 

Delivery
Methods: Describe the methods and techniques used to effectively manage the delivery of outputs, outcomes and benefits. How did this approach positively impact the project?  
Risk: How did the project manage risks, opportunities, issues and dependencies?  
Sustainability: How did the project perform against sustainability goals to minimise environmental impact identified at the start?  
Diversity, Equity &Inclusion: What was the approach to maximising the benefits of inclusivity and diversity of thought, perspectives, and experience in the project work?  
Time & Cost: Did the project deliver on time, on budget and to the required standard?  

Interfaces:
How did the management of the project interface with other areas, stakeholders and disciplines? 

Outcomes and benefits | Weighting: 40%

Summarise both the short- and long-term outcomes and benefits the project has delivered. How do these compare to the outcomes and benefits defined in the project's business case? Identify any areas where the project achieved additional benefits over and above those originally identified.  

How have the project team’s skills and knowledge developed as a result of working on this project? What will members of the project team take away with them into their next project?  

Describe the results and the benefits for the customer/end user. What were the success factors of the project from their perspective?  

Describe the results and benefits for other stakeholders. How did the successful completion of this project benefit both the wider organisation and society? How has the project contributed positively to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact? 

Innovation and lessons learned | Weighting: 20%

Lessons learned:
What were the key lessons learned that have been captured and shared within your organisation and/or project team? What methods were used to document and share these experiences? How will you ensure these are incorporated into future projects to continually improve performance? 

Managing innovation:
How were innovative ideas within the project team encouraged? Were any innovative project management techniques used to deliver the project? Were these innovations completely new to the project profession (rather than just your organisation)? How did any innovations used impact the success of the project? Describe how these innovations will benefit future projects, both in your organisation and/or the wider profession.  

Challenges overcome:
What were the biggest challenges faced during the execution of this project, and how were they overcome? How did these impact the end result?  

Submit an entry           Entries close 10 June.