Media Requirements

Who Should Enter
Strategic communications programmes designed to influence public policy, regulation, or government stakeholders.

This is NOT for:
General corporate PR without a clear public affairs, advocacy, or policy component.

About the Award

This award recognises excellence in public affairs and government relations strategy. It celebrates work that engages policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders with clarity and responsibility, shaping policy outcomes, influencing public discourse, and delivering measurable impact in complex environments.

Judging Criteria (Please note that Strategy Area has the Highest Score Weighting)

1. Executive Summary
Overall quality, clarity, and credibility of the submission. Judges will assess how effectively the policy challenge, strategy, and outcomes are articulated.

2. Strategy
Demonstrates a clear and well-defined public affairs strategy. Includes policy context, objectives, stakeholder mapping, and the approach to influence and engagement.

3. Innovation
Shows evidence of innovative thinking in advocacy or engagement. Includes new or effective approaches to influencing policy, building coalitions, or shaping public dialogue.

4. Creativity (Design & Communication)
Demonstrates how complex issues are communicated clearly and persuasively. Includes messaging, narrative framing, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

5. Experience
Illustrates how stakeholders interact with the strategy. Includes accessibility, relevance, and the ability to build understanding and trust across audiences.

6. Leadership
Demonstrates leadership in responsible and ethical engagement. Includes governance, transparency, and the ability to influence outcomes while maintaining credibility and integrity.

7. Impact & Results
Provides clear, measurable evidence of success. This may include policy outcomes, regulatory influence, stakeholder support, or shifts in public or institutional perception. Base numbers or credible indicators must be included.