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There are just ten days left to nominate someone for the IoD Jersey Director of the Year Awards, sponsored by Appleby Jersey. The awards celebrate the Island’s most inspiring and successful leaders. In the fifth and final article in the series looking at the various categories, Natasha Egré, chair of IoD Jersey, looks at those who are not only leading their organisations to success, but are ensuring that the wider community is considered through the categories of sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion
SUSTAINABILITY delivers greater prosperity and a better quality of life for both the community and the business. Today’s customers and employees want to purchase from, and work with, organisations which are helping to look after the world in which we all live.
That’s a win-win for the business on its own, but add to that the reduced costs and waste reduction that transpire through sustainable business practices, and it’s clear that sustainability is a critical consideration for any leader.
The IoD Sustainability Award is aimed at those leaders who can demonstrate how they integrate the success and smooth running of their business with a strong sense of social responsibility and corporate values and is designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible or green business leader.
Judges are looking for directors that are aware of the impact of their business on all aspects of society including economic, social and environmental. It is important the entrant demonstrates their own direct and active role in this. The 2022 winner was Mark Brandon, of SunWorks, Jersey’s first and largest solar company.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion within any business are key factors in determining organisational success. Over the years, many organisations have worked hard to embrace diversity within their workplaces and create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or cultural background or disability, can flourish and succeed, but more can be done.
Judges are looking for examples that demonstrate that the nominee has put in place specific initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. These initiatives must be appropriate and relevant to their organisation and its employees. They should demonstrate:
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The impact of, and positive outcomes from, an intersectional approach (viewing personal demographics such as age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social mobility, disability and gender in combination instead of isolation).
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Active recruitment to encourage diversity.
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A voice, belonging and authenticity.
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Doing things differently by incorporating diversity and inclusion values and behaviours, which results in a positive impact on organisational culture.
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That initiatives or new practices leave a lasting legacy.
The 2022 winner was Julia Warrander, of trust and investment management services firm Affinity Private Wealth.
Nominate a leader who inspires you
Nominating someone takes just a few minutes online but you only have until 30 June. Once an individual has been contacted by the IoD to say they’ve been nominated, they will need to fill in the application form to showcase what they have achieved in their organisation. These applications must be received by 24 July. I really do urge you to think about nominating a leader who has inspired you, whether that’s in a business, charitable organisation or the public sector.
Good leadership is vital to our organisations and our Island and by recognising the individuals who show best practice we can all play our part in ensuring success for Jersey.
Head judge Kevin Keen has some final tips for applicants. He says: ‘Allow yourself plenty of time to complete the entry and evidence your answer whenever you can. A good entry takes time, so it is not something to do the day before the deadline. Most importantly, read the questions asked like you are doing an exam and ensure you answer them.’
With just ten days to go, Kevin is urging people to get nominating, saying: ‘Directors are very often modest about their achievements so they would not think of entering. That is why the fact that anyone can nominate a director is so important. A nomination encourages someone to step forward and share their own achievements and, in turn, what a fantastic island we live in. I really enjoy being a judge in the IoD Awards. One gets to see the talent we have right across Jersey and, to be completely honest, it is one of the highlights of my business year.’
Nominations close on Friday 30 June. It takes only two minutes to nominate someone online and nominations can remain anonymous if you choose. To nominate someone for an award visit bit.ly/41IGjzI or iod.je/dotya. The portal for nominees to submit their completed applications is https://directoroftheyear.awardsplatform.com.
The ten award categories are:
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Director of the Year – Large Business (over £10 million turnover).
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Director of the Year – SME Business (under £10 million turnover).
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Family Business Director of the Year.
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Start-up Director of the Year.
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Third Sector Director of the Year.
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Public Sector Director of the Year.
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Young Director of the Year.
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Director of the Year – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
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Director of the Year – Sustainability.
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Non-Executive Director of the Year.
Shortlisted entries will be announced on 10 August and the gala awards dinner will take place on Thursday 19 October at the Royal Jersey Showground. You can get your tickets now at eventbrite.co.uk/e/director-of-the-year-awards-2023-tickets-559402878067
