Frequently asked questions

If your question about the Disability Smart Awards isn’t answered below, please contact us.

When are entries open?  

Entries closed on Sunday 28 January 2024.  

Who can enter the Disability Smart Awards?   

The 10 Disability Smart Award categories are open to all UK, international and global organisations of all sizes, from a wide range of sectors.

The 3 Disability Confident Awards (independent of the Disability Smart Awards and judged by the Department for Work and Pensions Disability Confident Team) can only be entered by organisations that are signed up to the UK Government’s Disability Confident employer scheme. 

Why should my organisation enter the awards?   

Winning a Business Disability Forum Disability Smart Award or Disability Confident Award gives your organisation the opportunity to showcase and celebrate what you are doing to improve disability inclusion and inspire others.    

How do I enter the awards?    

Entries for the 2024 awards are now closed. We will open for entries for 2025 in December.

Can I add supporting evidence to the entry form?  

Yes, you can upload a maximum of two attachments (5MB each) with your entry form. The following formats are permitted, with the following extensions: .pdf, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .pot, .doc, .docx   

What if I need any information in another format?  

To request any information in an alternative format please email dsawards@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk   

Can I enter multiple categories? 

Yes, you can enter as many categories as you like, but refer to the award category information and judging criteria and amend your entries accordingly. If you want to use one entry as a template for another category, simply use the copy feature, change the category name and then ensure that your entry is tailored for that category.

Can I edit my entry?    

You can save your entry in-progress but don’t forget to click submit entry when it is complete. You can edit it after submitting it, but only until the entry deadline. After that no further amends can be made.

Can entries remain confidential?  

If you are a winner or highly-commended, you agree to Business Disability Forum (or Department for Work and Pensions for Disability Confident Awards) promoting your entry as an example of disability-smart business practice.  If any of the information in your entry form or supporting evidence needs to remain confidential, please make this very clear on your entry form. 

Does my organisation need to be a member of Business Disability Forum to enter?  

Business Disability Forum membership is not required for entry to any category. 

How much does it cost to enter?    

It is free to enter all categories.  

How are entries judged?  

• Disability Smart Award categories have two judges. Meet 2024 the judges 
• Disability Confident Award categories are judged by the Department for Work and Pensions Disability Confident Team. 

When is the awards ceremony and who can attend?  

Finalists and their guests were invited to attend the Disability Smart Awards Ceremony 2024 (free of charge) which took place in London and online on 30 April 2024, in partnership with Bloomberg. All winners and highly-commended entries were announced during the ceremony.

If you require this content in a different format, contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.