Application guidance
Q: What are the judging panel looking for in my application?
A: The panel is looking for a well-structured, transparent, and fair awards process that clearly aligns with EAPM’s values. Your application should demonstrate:
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Transparency & Fairness in Selection
Clear, consistent, and unbiased selection processes. -
Focus on HR Excellence & Innovation
Selection processes with modern, strategic HR approaches with evidence of innovation. -
Credibility of the Judging Panel
Experienced, diverse panel with transparent selection and briefing. -
Impact on HR & the Community
Demonstrated influence on HR practices, organisations, or the wider community.
Q: How will my application be scored?
A: Each part of your application will be evaluated against the endorsement criteria using a 1–5 scale:
• 1 = Does not meet the criteria
• 5 = Fully meets the criteria
The final endorsement decision will be based on a combined review and discussion by the assessment panel. The applicant may be required to provide further evidence or make improvements before endorsement.
Q: What types of outcomes can I expect from the endorsement decision?
A: There are three possible outcomes:
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Full Endorsement – Approved with no conditions.
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Conditional Endorsement – Requirements for improvement prior to approval. Recommended improvements must be completed within six months; otherwise, the application will be closed, and a new submission and fee will be required.
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Rejection – Declined with written feedback. Applicants are welcome to apply again, provided that the areas for improvement outlined by the panel are addressed. Reapplication will incur a new fee.
All applicants will receive written feedback, and those not endorsed will have access to a structured appeals process.
Q: What if I don’t have a particular element that the form asks for?
A: If your award does not include a specific element requested in the form, please provide a short explanation. This helps the panel understand your context and assess your application fairly. The panel may ask for additional information to support this.
Eligibility and Scope
Q: What kinds of awards are eligible for endorsement?
A: Only awards that focus on projects or processes are eligible for EAPM endorsement. Awards recognising individuals are not eligible for endorsement.
Q: Can we apply for category-specific endorsement?
A: Not yet. EAPM endorsement is only focused on the awards processes. Category-specific endorsement will be introduced in a future phase.
Document Submission
Q: What format should uploaded documents be in?
A: All supporting documents must be in English to ensure full transparency and fair review. This requirement is clearly stated on the form and in these FAQs.
Q: What if my file exceeds the maximum upload size?
A: The maximum file upload size is 64MB. If your documents exceed this limit, please send them to the EAPM Secretariat using WeTransfer or another secure file-sharing service.
Fees and payments
Q: Are there any fees to have our awards endorsed by EAPM?
A: Yes. The 2025/6 fees are as follows:
- Initial evaluation (process only): €500
- Annual renewal fee (years two and three): €250/year
- A full re-evaluation is required every three years
Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: The evaluation fee is non-refundable, as it covers the expert review, written feedback, and Secretariat support provided regardless of the outcome.
Q: What does the evaluation fee include?
A: The evaluation fee covers a comprehensive review of your awards process by three experienced volunteer panel members, a written feedback report (regardless of outcome), and—if successful—access to EAPM branding and promotional support. It also includes Secretariat support and monitoring for a three-year endorsement period.
Assessment Process
Q: Who assesses the applications?
A: Each application is reviewed by a panel of three people: the Working Group Lead (or Board Sponsor), plus two other members of the Awards Working Group.
- No panel member will assess awards from their own country.
- The EAPM Secretariat participates in every round to ensure continuity.
- Additional Board Members may be invited to join assessments where needed.
Q: Can panel members assess awards from their own country?
A: No. To ensure fairness and impartiality, panel members may not review applications from their own country.
Q: Can the panel invite additional members to assist with assessing applications?
A: Yes. The Working Group may invite additional Board Members when necessary to ensure robust and fair assessments.
Q: How is the judging conducted?
A: The process involves two steps:
- Individual assessments by each panel member.
- A group discussion to calibrate scores and agree on a final decision.
All assessors must complete their individual reviews before the final meeting.
Submission Deadlines
Q: When should I submit my application?
A: You must apply at least six months before the launch of your next award cycle. This allows time for due diligence and the full evaluation process.
Q: How are applications reviewed?
A: Applications are assessed on a first-in, first-out basis. However, the panel will also prioritise evaluations based on the timing of your next awards round.
Q: What happens after endorsement?
A: Endorsed awards receive branding support, formal recognition from EAPM, and increased visibility across our European network through social media, the EAPM website and the EAPM newsletter.
Additionally, successful applicants may invite a member of the EAPM Awards Working Group to present an award at their ceremony. These invitations are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on the member’s personal availability. Travel and associated costs must be covered by the host organisation. Availability is not guaranteed.
EAPM reserves the right to suspend or revoke endorsement if an award process is found to breach the principles of transparency, fairness, and credibility.