I am based outside the Square Mile - can I still apply?
Yes. The Dragon Awards are open to organisations based in any of
the 33 boroughs in London.
View a map of the 33
London boroughs.
How can I apply?
Details of
how to apply will be posted on this website in May. Please
check back then. Alternatively, you can
email your
details, and we will make sure you receive an information
packet once the application process is open.
When will you begin accepting applications?
The application process will open on 12 May and will close on 18
July 2008 at 5.00pm.
Why aren’t environmental issues covered by the Dragon
Awards?
Environmental issues are covered by other awards programmes
hosted by the City of London Corporation – such as the
Sustainable City Awards and the
Clean City Awards.
Can I apply to the Dragon Awards with a partner
organisation?
Yes. Two or more companies may apply jointly where they are
working in equal partnership on a particular project, but only one
application should be submitted. In the event that the application
should win, Dragons may be awarded to all parties named as
applicants.
Can I apply to the Dragon Awards in more than one award
category?
Each application should normally be submitted in one category
only, but there is no limit on the number of different applications
submitted by an organisation.
Can I nominate a partner business for an award?
Schools, charities and community organisations may submit
applications on behalf of their corporate partners in any of the
categories 1-4 but should discuss it with the company first. It
should be noted that in the event of the application winning, the
Dragon would be awarded to the company and not to the community
partner.
Can I submit extra material with
my application?
You may submit up to 10 photos and a short film/video clip with
your application. Where possible, films should be DVD data files
(Quicktime uncompressed or DVPAL compression, full size 720/576) or
on mini DV or DVCAM tape (full screen size). Photos should
preferably be JPEG 72dpi. This extra material will be shown at the
awards ceremony, should your project win. Judges will not use extra
material to assess your project. We do not accept any other
material, such as CSR Reports or annual reports.
I do not have any photos or videos to submit with my
application. Will I be disadvantaged?
No. Any extra material or media submitted with your application
will not be used to judge your application. Photos and videos may
be shown during the awards ceremony, if your project wins. We do
encourage applicants to submit videos or photos, as this makes the
awards ceremony more interesting for the attendees. Please make
sure that your material is of high digital quality.
I won a Dragon Award last year. Can I still apply?
If you programme or project won a Dragon Award last year (2007),
it should not be entered again this year (2008). It may be entered
again in following years. The only exception is the 2007 winner of
the Lord Mayor’s Award, which may enter elements of their winning
application in other categories.
I am a small or medium sized enterprise (SME). Can I
apply?
Yes. SMEs (up to approximately 250 employees) are encouraged to
apply in any of the categories 1-5. In each category the judges may
choose to award two Dragons – one to a large organisation and one
to a small or medium organisation. If more appropriate, they may
choose to award only one. The judges will take into account the
relative size and resources of applicants, so smaller organisations
will not be disadvantaged.
I am a charity or school. Can I apply?
Charitable organisations and schools cannot apply themselves in
categories 1-4, but they can nominate an individual from a business
for the Volunteer of the Year Award (category 5). Charitable
organisations and schools can also nominate their business partners
in categories 1-4, but they should check with their business
partner beforehand. If the application wins, the nominated business
would receive the award.
I am a public office. Can I apply?
Yes. The Dragon Awards are intended to recognise good practice
from for-profit businesses and public offices. Remember, you must
be able to demonstrate that your project is outside of your normal
business mandate.
Can you offer me an example of a good application?
You can review last year’s Dragon Awards Yearbook, which
provides descriptions of the winners and short-listed candidates.
You can request a copy from our office or download a copy from our
Publications section. You may also want to attend one of our
breakfast workshops.
Can I have more personalised help with my application?
Yes. Breakfast workshops will be held on 3 and 26 June, in the
City Marketing Suite, where you can meet with CSR professionals to
discuss the applications process. Please email
dragonawards@cityoflondon.gov.uk
if you wish to attend. We highly recommend applicants attend these
workshops.
How do you choose the winners?
A preliminary judging panel made up of Community Affairs
professionals will meet and decide on a shortlist of applications.
You will receive a letter informing you whether or not your
application has been short-listed. Feedback will be available on
request. The Lord Mayor’s final judging panel will then meet to
decide on the winners.
When will the Dragon Awards winners be announced?
On 21 October, during the Dragon Awards dinner.
Why does the Lord Mayor hold the Dragon Awards?
The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London, the body that
provides local government services for the financial heart of
Europe. The policies that the City of London Corporation pursues,
and the high standard of services that it provides, are dedicated
to maintaining and enhancing the Square Mile’s status as the
world’s leading international financial business centre.
The City of London Corporation recognises that the Square Mile
will not prosper in isolation and is acutely award that although
the area houses some of the richest concentrations of economic
business in the world, its neighbouring boroughs include some of
the country’s poorest and most deprived communities. For this
reason, it is committed to working with its neighbours in the City
fringes and Greater London and is currently a member of seven
regeneration partnerships and other strategic alliances working to
improve social, economic and environmental conditions within some
seventeen London boroughs.
Still have a question? Please
email us.