This award recognises the vital contributions of support staff whose work forms the backbone of their organisation. Often operating behind the scenes, these individuals demonstrate exceptional skill, reliability, and professionalism in roles such as HR, finance, administration, and wider organisational support. Their dedication ensures smooth operations, high-quality service delivery, and strong internal collaboration.
Successful candidates will be those who consistently enhance efficiency, provide outstanding support to colleagues or clients, and make meaningful contributions that strengthen both their team and the wider organisation.
This category aims to honour support professionals whose commitment, expertise, and day-to-day actions have a significant and lasting impact, whether or not they are always in the spotlight.
Who Should Enter
This is an individual award for either a TPI Scotland Individual member or employee of a TPI Scotland Company member. It is open to those working in support roles such as HR, finance, administration, operations, or similar, who demonstrate excellence in delivering essential organisational support.
Nomination Criteria
Nominations must be submitted by a colleague or client and approved by a director or senior team lead.
Judging Criteria
1. Excellence in Service Delivery (40%)– up to 400 words
Judges will look for:
- Evidence of delivering high-quality, timely, and accurate support
- Consistent demonstration of efficiency, organisation, and attention to detail
- Examples of problem-solving, initiative, and proactive service improvements
- Clear impact on operational effectiveness or the performance of others.
2. Customer Care and Communication (20%) – up to 200 words
Judges will look for:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and supportively
- Examples of strong internal or external customer service
- Evidence of building trust-based relationships through responsive and empathetic communication.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration (20%) – up to 200 words
Judges will look for:
- Contributions that strengthen team cohesion and support colleagues’ success
- Collaborative working across departments, functions, or projects
- Evidence of being a dependable team member who enhances group performance.
4. Professionalism and Continuous Improvement (20%) – up to 200 words
Judges will look for:
- Commitment to professional standards, confidentiality, and ethical practice
- Examples of personal development, learning, or pursuit of improved ways of working
- Demonstrated adaptability, growth mindset, or willingness to embrace change.
Submission Requirements
- Entries will be assessed across the four key areas of each category’s judging criteria
- Attach at least one supporting document that illustrate excellence in the category
- Include a headshot and/or company logo (for individuals or companies as applicable)
- Provide a 100-word summary (for individuals or companies as applicable).
Submission Tip
- Provide clear, specific examples that demonstrate impact and results.
- Include measurable outcomes wherever possible (metrics, client feedback, project results)
- Where applicable, ensure nominations are approved by a senior team lead, director or client before submission
- Keep the submission concise, focused, and structured according to the judging criteria
- Allow time to gather and verify supporting materials before submission.
Deadline
All entries must be submitted by 18:00 on the 15th January 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Enter now