Frequently Asked Questions

Disability Smart Awards FAQs

If your question isn’t answered here please contact us. 

When are entries open?  

We are open for entries from Tuesday 3 December 2024 (International Day of Persons with Disabilities) and close on Friday 17 January 2025 at 5 pm.  

Who can enter the Disability Smart Awards?   

The 13 Disability Smart Award categories are open to all UK, international and global organisations of all sizes, from a wide range of sectors that want to share work they have done to support disability inclusion for employees or consumers. 

The 2 Disability Confident Awards (in association with The Department for Work and Pensions) can only be entered by organisations that are signed up to the UK Government’s Disability Confident employer scheme.  

Check if your organisation is signed up for Disability Confident. 

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.    

What are the award categories? 

See Award categories and critera. 

How do I enter the awards?    

All entries must be submitted on our online awards platform, Award Force. The link will be live from Tuesday 3 December. How to enter.

Can I add supporting evidence to the entry form?  

Yes, you can upload a maximum of 2 attachments with your entry form. The following formats are permitted, with the following extensions: .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .eps, .mp3, .mov, .mp4.

What are you looking for in a winning entry?

We are often asked for feedback, but due to the number of entries received we aren’t able to feedback on individual entries. Watch our ‘How to write a winning Disability Smart Award entry’ video for some tips.

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.

Can I edit my entry?    

You can continue to edit your entry until the closing date but once you have submitted your entry and supporting evidence, we are unable to accept changes.   

Can entries remain confidential?  

If you are a winner you agree to Business Disability Forum promoting your entry as an example of disability-smart business practice on the website, socials and in the media.  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 when prompted to do so. 

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

Business Disability Forum membership is not required. Any UK or global organisation can enter the 13 Disability Smart Award categories. Organisations need to be signed up to the UK Government’s Disability Confident employer scheme to enter the 2 Disability Confident Award categories.  

How much does it cost to enter?    

It is free to enter all categories.  

How are entries being judged?  

• Disability Smart Award categories all have two Business Disability Forum judges and one external judge.

• Disability Confident Award categories will be judged by the Department for Work and Pensions Disability Confident Team. 

The judges decisions are final. 

When will the shortlist by announced?    

The shortlist will be announced in early March.  

When is the awards ceremony and who can attend?  

Shortlisted organisations and their guests, will be invited to attend our awards ceremony (free of charge) which will take place in London and online in late April. Winners will be announced during the ceremony and there will be many opportunities to celebrate, promote and share your success.