Suffolk Care Awards FAQ's

Here are the frequently asked questions.

Question 1 - Do the judges know who the entries belong to?

No, the entry name and organisation is redacted. Therefore, all entries are anonymous, and decisions are made fairly.

Question 2 - Who is on the judging panel this year and how does it work?

Specific names will remain anonymous, however, we are happy to be as transparent as we can on how the judging will work this year. Our judges are fully independent and are not care providers themselves, ensuring an impartial perspective, while bringing valuable experience and knowledge of the social care sector.

To ensure the process is as fair, transparent and impartial as possible, judging takes place in three stages.
Stage One – Initial Review
The Care Development East team and Board members complete an initial sift of all nominations, ensuring they meet the award criteria and identifying the strongest entries for each category.
Stage Two – Independent Judging
Independent judges review the shortlisted nominations and score them against the judging criteria, selecting their top entries based on the evidence provided. This stage brings together a range of professional expertise to ensure every nomination is considered fairly.
Stage Three – Final Review
An independent panel completes the final review of the highest-scoring nominations and agrees the overall winners in each category.
To protect the integrity of the awards, all judges will be asked to sign a confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement. We are incredibly proud of the fairness of our judging process, and the staged approach helps ensure that every nomination receives thorough consideration.
Suffolk County Council are our Headline Sponsor. As part of their role, they conduct due diligence reviews of all nominated organisations to ensure they meet the required standards and that the judging process is fair and consistent across all entries.

Question 3 - How many entries can I submit?

You can submit multiple entries, as long as they are not repeated entries for the same individual or team. You can submit an entry here.

Question 4 - How do I submit a nomination?

Entries are now open. You can submit a nomination here.

Entries close at midnight Wednesday 2nd September 2026.

Question 5 - Can I nominate an organisation that cares for my relative/friend?

Yes, anyone in Health & Social care can be nominated, and anyone can submit a nomination. 

Question 6 - Is there a word limit for entries?

Yes, please aim to keep your entries to no more than 350 words. The form will not let you submit your entry if you exceed the word count. In that instance, please reduce your text until you can submit the form. Alternatively, entries that are only a few sentences and too short will not be shortlisted.

Question 7 - I have additional evidence I'd like to submit with my entry, how do I send it?

That's great! Evidence examples are a great way to boost your nomination and bring it to life! Where possible, email us supporting documents, testimonials, feedback, or photographic examples to strengthen your nomination. Email us at info@caredevelopmenteast.co.uk with the award category and nominee's name clearly shown in the subject line.

Question 8 - Is there a second stage to nomination entries if we get shortlisted?

No, however, if the judges would like an extended explanation of your entry, then we may request this.

Question 9 - Do we find out if we have been shortlisted?

Yes, if you have been shortlisted and are one of the finalists, we will contact the person who put in the nomination to let them know. We have 3 finalists per category.

Question 10 - How many people are assigned to each table during the awards evening?

We have a range of tables which can seat up to 12 people, and a range seating up to 10 people. Tickets and tables are on a first-come first-served basis. See timeline below of when tickets open.

Question 11 - Where can I purchase tickets for the Care Awards?

Tickets open on the 23rd September 2026 on our Eventbrite page. Follow us to be the first to be notified when tickets go live. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets must be purchased on Eventbrite. We only reserve tickets for finalists and sponsors.

Question 12 - Is there a ticket purchasing limit?

Due to venue capacity, we have a ticket quantity limit: usually 1 table per team/organisation.

Question 13 - Will complimentary tickets be available for finalists?

Yes, this year each finalist will receive one complimentary ticket. If the finalists are a team or organisation, you will also receive the one complimentary ticket. 

Question 14 - What is the timeline for this year?

5th August - Nominations open

2nd September (Midnight) - Nominations close

16th September onwards - Finalists contacted

23rd September - Tickets open

25th November - Awards evening

Question 15 - Can we sponsor the Care Awards?

Yes! We would love to have you involved! Please email us at info@caredevelopmenteast.co.uk to find out whether any sponsorship opportunities remain.

Question 16 - Don't see your question listed?

No problem, please email info@caredevelopmenteast.co.uk with any additional questions.