B@D

B@D Event Survey Master

Business@Dusk Survey | March 2024

 


Thank you for attending the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s Business@Dusk event this month, held in partnership with UniSQ and hosted by McNab. We appreciate your feedback and would like to ask you a few questions about your experience. Please rate the following statements on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).


Judging EOI

Form submission is now closed.

Judges EOC

BEA 2023 | Judges Assessment Form Employer of Choice

Focus HR Business Excellence Awards | Judging Assessment

 

This form is for the Judging of Employer of Choice

Questions about your judging assessment? Contact the Chamber.

07 4638 0400 or bea@toowoombachamber.com.au 

YOUR PROGRESS WILL SAVE ON EXIT AT THE END OF EACH SECTION

Focus HR BEA 2023 Judging Co-ordinated by: 

 


Judges Assessment Overview

Judging assessment for the Focus HR Business Excellence Award 2023 is as follows:

  • written application, 45%;
  • site visit and presentation from the applicant, 45%; and
  • the 30 second – 1-minute video of the business,10%.

Note:  Judges should reduce applicant scores who exceed word and video limits length limits.

Judges are required to provide feedback on each application. All assessments must identify areas of excellence and areas for improvement and are to be completed and submitted online via the Toowoomba Chamber website. Judges feedback will be provided to each applicant from the Toowoomba Chamber.

 

The Judges Site Visits

The Judges’ site visits will give applicants the opportunity to showcase their businesses.

During the site visit, judges will want to see evidence of strategy, vision, and values coming to life in the applicant’s business.

All judges are to visit each applicant together to reduce disruption to the business.


Judges Scores

Judges are required to score applicants responses to each question on a scale of 1-5 as follows:

 

  • 1: Extremely Poor;
  • 2: Poor;
  • 3: Average;
  • 4: Good; and
  • 5: Excellent.

 

Do not hesitate to give a 2.25 or 2.5 or 2.75/5 score or similar.


All sections scored out of 5

Satisfaction and Wellbeing

The organisation consciously focuses on employees’ wellbeing and satisfaction.

Did the applicant:

  • demonstrate how they focus on staff culture and demonstrate that their work environment promotes the health and wellbeing, motivation and satisfaction of its employees
  • identify any extra benefits or ‘perks’ they provide to their employees
  • outline how they show their employees that they care about them
  • provide evidence through results of staff surveys (or similar) of staff satisfaction, commitment and retention
  • provide evidence of financial investment such as percentage (%) of turnover spent on benefits/wellness and dollars ($) per head spend on benefits/wellness per annum or other relevant metrics)
  • outline creative and innovative ways they are leading the way to promote workforce wellbeing within their specific industry
  • stand out from other employers and go over and above.

Culture and Employee Engagement

Employees speak positively about the organisation, are motivated and feel connected.

Did the applicant:

  • articulate how people would describe their organisational culture and working environment
  • outline initiatives they use to ensure effective communication with and involvement from their people
  • How their business has created a culture that is consistent with its missions, vision and values
  • demonstrate how they measure the level of employee engagement and share statistics and information with their team
  • describe how these initiatives have made a real impact on their organisation and resulted in tangible results for your organisation
  • outline challenges their business may have faced and describe their learnings.

People Development

Employees are encouraged and supported to grow and progress.

Did the applicant:

  • outline employee training and development and growth initiatives
  • detail the policies or practices (formal or informal) they have in place for career progression
  • provide evidence of financial investment such as percentage (%) of turnover spent on employee development and dollar ($) per head spend on employee development or describe their professional development program for staff and leaders
  • describe how these initiatives improve productivity and commitment and support employees to achieve high performance and reach their full potential.
  • outline how the engage employees in their own learning and development.

 


Performance, Recognition and Reward

Employees understand the organisation’s goals, and the impact of their personal contribution is positively reinforced.

Did the applicant:

  • demonstrate how their organisation’s employee performance reviews/appraisals support employees to achieve high performance
  • articulate their approach to providing feedback to their people, for example when, how, and why
  • identify how they approach performance improvement and the impact of this
  • show how they effectively remunerate, reward, and recognise their employees’ efforts.

Committed Leadership and Strategy

Leaders connect employees with the organisation’s vision and strategy in a meaningful way.

Did the applicant:

  • describe their approach to people management aligned to their organisation’s strategic objectives
  • describe how senior leaders demonstrate organisational culture, values, objectives and expectations through effective leadership behaviour
  • outline how they go about developing leaders in their business
  • articulate how they get employees on board with their strategic direction of the organisation
  • describe their practices to maximise employee engagement and communication within their organisation.

 


Strong Employer Brand for Attraction

The organisation enjoys a strong supply of qualified and quality talent needed to achieve business goals.

Did the applicant:

  • outline techniques they use to attract and retain talent?
  • demonstrate how they actively promote their employee value proposition, that is, promoting why they are great to work for
  • describe how this has increased their ability to attract quality people in their field.

Business Summary Video

Did the one-minute video pitch describe to you:

  • who they are
  • what their business does
  • why they believe they are excellent and an award-winning business.

 

Note:  All finalist will be offered the opportunity to complete a new video for the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.


Feedback for Applicants


Declaration


Sign Here

Judges FL

BEA 2023 | Judges Assessment Form Future Leaders

Focus HR Business Excellence Awards | Judging Assessment

 

This form is for the Judging of  Future Leader of the Year

Questions about your judging assessment? Contact the Chamber.

07 4638 0400 or bea@toowoombachamber.com.au 

YOUR PROGRESS WILL SAVE ON EXIT AT THE END OF EACH SECTION


Judges Assessment Overview

This award recognises young business leaders who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic direction and innovative ideas, whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming young businesspeople. Nominations are sought from individuals who are under 35 years and under (at the time of award nomination opening) and who have had significant success in their business.

The Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Future Leader of the Year assessment process consists of three parts:

  • written application – 25% of the assessment;
  • a 1-minute video – 25% of the assessment; and
  • an interview – 50% of the assessment.

 

The judges may seek further information or clarification from any applicant or referee, at their discretion. This may be in the form of further written information or verbal contact. Judges feedback will be provided to each applicant from the Toowoomba Chamber.  Interviews will be held at the Toowoomba Chamber office.

 

Note:  Judges should reduce applicant scores that exceed word and video length limits.


Applicant Submission Requirements

A written application of no more than 3 pages is to be submitted addressing the following criteria.

  • Applicants are required to submit a Current Resume (maximum 2 pages) and 1 referee that can be contacted to verify the application.
  • The applicants resume should outline their current and previous employment profile including job role, scope of responsibilities and professional development within the business and any voluntary work.
  • Applications MUST BE completed by the applicant themselves. Third Parties that nominate an individual are highly encouraged to ensure that the Future Leader submits their own application.
  • How long has the nominee been with the business?

  • What does professional and personal success mean to the nominee?

  • What does the nominee consider to be their most significant career or personal achievement to date?

  • Where does the nominee see themselves in five years?

  • What does the nominee think makes a good leader? And what is the nominee’s leadership style?

  • What are the key challenges that the nominee has faced as a young business leader and how have they dealt with each of these challenges?

  • Detail the nominee’s approach to leadership, diversity and inclusion, and how it influences their actions and activities within the company.

  • Highlight the initiatives the nominee has developed as a leader in their business, detailing their success.

  • How has the nominee’s leadership positively impacted on their business, their workplace and or their community? Describe how the nominee’s leadership has assisted in resolving a workplace or community challenge.

  • What are the nominee’s interests and involvement in the community?

  • Outline how the nominee has contributed to the Toowoomba Business Community, including the period, amount, nature and level of the contribution.

  • Why should the nominee be considered for the Future Leader of the Year award?

  • Please provide supporting evidence or any other documentation to support your application including your resume.


Judges Scores

Judges are required to score applicants responses to each question on a scale of 1-5 as follows:

 

  • 1: Extremely Poor;
  • 2: Poor;
  • 3: Average;
  • 4: Good; and
  • 5: Excellent.

 

Do not hesitate to give a 2.25 or 2.5 or 2.75/5 score or similar.


Submission Requirements

Did the applicant:

  • submit a current resume (maximum 2 pages) and 1 referee that can be contacted to verify the applicants description what professional and personal success means for them
  • outline their most significant career or personal achievement to date
  • illustrate their five year plan for themselves
  • make clear the obstacles they have faced as a young business leader and how have they dealt with each of these challenges
  • detail their approach to leadership, diversity and inclusion, and how it influences their actions and activities within the company
  • highlight initiatives they have developed as a leader in their business, detailing their success
  • describe their leadership style, what makes a good leader and any areas they need to work on in terms of their personal leadership style
  • outline how their leadership positively impacted on resolving a matter in their business, their workplace and or their community
  • present their contribution, interests and involvement in the community
  • profile how they have contributed to the Toowoomba business community, including the period, amount, nature and level of the contribution
  • articulate why they should be Future Leader of the Year 2023.

Applicant’s Written Response


Applicant’s Interview


Applicant’s Video Application

Did the one-minute video pitch describe to you:

  • who they are
  • what they do
  • why they believe they are the Future Leader of the Year 2023.

 

Note:  All finalist will be offered the opportunity to complete a new video for the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.


Feedback for Applicants


Declaration


Judges Categories

BEA 2023 | Judges Assessment Form | All Other Categories

Focus HR Business Excellence Awards | Judging Assessment

 

This form is for the Judging of All Other Categories

Questions about your judging assessment? Contact the Chamber.

07 4638 0400 or bea@toowoombachamber.com.au 

YOUR PROGRESS WILL SAVE ON EXIT AT THE END OF EACH SECTION


Judges Assessment Overview

Judging assessment for the Focus HR Business Excellence Award 2023 is as follows:

  • written application, 45%;
  • site visit and presentation from the applicant, 45%; and
  • the 30 second – 1-minute video of the business,10%.

Note:  Judges should reduce applicant scores who exceed word and video limits length limits.

Judges are required to provide feedback on each application. All assessments must identify areas of excellence and areas for improvement and are to be completed and submitted online via the Toowoomba Chamber website.

Judges’ feedback will be provided to each applicant from the Toowoomba Chamber.

 

 

The Judges Site Visits

The Judges’ site visits will give applicants the opportunity to showcase their businesses.

During the site visit, judges will want to see evidence of strategy, vision, and values coming to life in the applicant’s business.

All judges are to visit each applicant together to reduce disruption to the business.


Judges Scores

Judges are required to score applicants responses to each question on a scale of 1-5 as follows:

 

  • 1: Extremely Poor;
  • 2: Poor;
  • 3: Average;
  • 4: Good; and
  • 5: Excellent.

 

Do not hesitate to give a 2.25 or 2.5 or 2.75/5 score or similar.


All sections scored out of 5

Business Strategy

Did the Applicant:

  • submit a summary of their strategic plan or business plan ( maximum three pages).
  • describe their strategic or business planning process.
  • outline how they link your strategic plan or business strategy to day-to-day operations?
  • outline their vision and values and how they are embedded in the organisation and communicated to the team
  • describe what benefit has your business gotten from strategic planning and business planning.

Business Performance and Improvements 

Did the applicant:

  • outline the key indicators on how their business measures its performance
  • provide evidence of financial literacy, financial management practices and performance (profitability, liquidity, sustainability of the business) such as graphic representations of financial performance
  • demonstrate how they measure customer relationships such as customer satisfaction surveys, customer retention, customer growth or net promoter scores
  • use other tools and measures their business uses to monitor performance
  • outline their quality assurance processes and procedures
  • outline how their business focuses on continuous improvement.

People Management and Development

Did the applicant:

  • describe what people practices their business has in place for the life span of an employee – from hire until the leave the business
  • outline attraction and retention strategies
  • illustrate how they onboard new employees
  • describe their training and development programs
  • highlight the inclusion and diversity policies and practices and success stories
  • outline how they focus on workplace culture and staff engagement and staff wellbeing
  • demonstrate their leadership model and how they invest in their leaders.

 

Note:  Sole Traders who choose not to complete this section will receive an automatic 3/5 score.

 


Customer Market and Focus

Did the applicant:

  • describe the business’ approach to attracting and retaining customers
  • provide evidence of their understanding of the target market and their customer needs
  • demonstrate their marketing/promotional activities
  • outline their unique selling proposition and what gives them their competitive advantage
  • articulate their unique value proposition identifying why their customers need their product and/or service
  • show you their customer service strategies/ethos
  • outline how they keep abreast of customer needs and satisfaction.

 


Community Engagement and Activities

Did the applicant:

  • describe how their business engages with and helps to support the broader community
  • identify what local community support (in-kind, financial etc.) it provides
  • show how they are involved in community awards and accolades.

 


Innovation Entrepreneurship & Resilience

Did the applicant:

  • demonstrate their innovative practices implemented to drive success
  • show you entrepreneurship in the development of a process or practice to enhance their business growth
  • highlight the challenges their business faced and measures put in place to be resilient in the changing business environment
  • show businesses changes and their expected long-term impact on operations and overall net benefits
  • discuss any unintended outcomes from the changes – positive and negative.

Business Summary Video

Did the one-minute video pitch describe to you:

  • who they are
  • what their business does
  • why they believe they are excellent and an award-winning business.

 

Note:  All finalists will be offered the opportunity to complete a new video for the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.


Feedback for Applicants


Declaration


Nomination Form

BEA Nomination Form

Category Applications

BEA 2023 | Category Awards Application

Overview

The Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 assessment process consists of 3 parts:

  • written application – 45% of the assessment;
  • judges’ site visit and presentation from the applicant – 45% of the assessment; and
  • 30 second to 1-minute video of the business – 10% of the assessment. (Note: all finalists will be given the opportunity to resubmit a 1 minute video for the gala dinner and for the  Toowoomba Chamber  to promote your business.)

The Judging Process

Note:  Judges will be advised that they should reduce applicant scores who exceed word and video limits length limits.  The site visit will give you the opportunity to showcase your business. During the site visit, judges will want to see evidence of your strategy, vision, and values coming to life in the applicant’s business. All judges are to visit each applicant together to reduce disruption to the business.


Focus HR Business Excellence Awards Application | CATEGORY AWARDS

This application form is for the following categories:

Agriculture sponsored by FX Technologies Toowoomba
Best Regional Business sponsored by Toowoomba Regional Council
Community & Not-For-Profit sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo
Gerry Doumany Export Award sponsored by TSBE
Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Bank of Queensland
Hospitality sponsored by Little Pig Consulting
Industry sponsored by Russell Mineral Equipment
Innovation & Technology sponsored by Tilly’s Crawler Parts
Professional Services 10 employees or less sponsored by TAFE QLD SW
Professional Services 11 employees and above sponsored by TAFE QLD SW
Property Construction and Development sponsored by Specialised Property Consulting
Retail sponsored by RSM Australia
Tourism sponsored by Excavation Equipment

 

 

Questions about your application? Contact the Chamber.

07 4638 0400 or bea@toowoombachamber.com.au  

 

YOUR PROGRESS WILL SAVE ON EXIT AT THE  COMPLETION OF EACH SECTION


Application Guidelines & Eligibility

    • All applications MUST be signed and authorised by a Senior Executive of the company or event applying.
    • All applications must be submitted by Monday 24 July 2023 at 9am. Please note – there will be no extensions this year.
    • Businesses entering the Employer of Choice Category will be required to complete the application SPECIFIC to that category.
    • Businesses may enter more than one category. A separate application will be required per category that the applicant would like to apply for. Note: While applicants can enter more than one category, it is highly recommended that the applicants enter the category where they can demonstrate a competitive edge.
    • All applications MUST be submitted electronically through this form ONLY, including the signed declaration. Without this signature the application will not be accepted. NO USB’s or hand delivered applications will be accepted.
    • Judges may at their discretion, re-categorise an application, if it is felt appropriate. You will be advised if this change is made.
    • All applications are judged by a selection of independent judges.
    • All applications are confidential, and all judges sign a deed of confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement.
       

APPLICANTS DETAILS


APPLICATION

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS


Business Strategy

Business strategy is key to success. This section is about demonstrating a sound understanding of business goals and objectives including evidence of strategic direction, goal setting and the processes you have in place to achieve them.

In this section of the application describe how you work ‘on’ your business. Focus on planning methods, including when you plan, how you plan, frequency of reviews and who is involved.

Did you:

  • submit a summary of your strategic plan or business plan (maximum three pages)
  • describe your strategic or business planning process
  • outline how you link your strategic plan or business strategy to day-to-day operations
  • outline your vision and values and how they are embedded in the organisation and communicated to the team
  • describe what benefit your business has received from strategic planning and business planning.

PRO TIP: During the site visit, judges will want to see evidence of your strategy, vision and values coming to life in your business.


Business Performance & Improvements

Successful businesses know what drives their economic engine and what they need to measure to ensure they are building a long-term sustainable and profitable business.   Metrics are important to a business.  It helps track how a business is performing and how it benchmarks itself.

 

Did you:

  • outline the key indicators on how your business measures its performance
  • provide evidence of financial literacy, financial management practices and performance (profitability, liquidity, sustainability of the business) such as graphic representations of financial performance
  • demonstrate how you measure customer relationships, customer retention, customer growth
  • show the other tools and measures you use to monitor performance
  • outline your quality assurance processes and procedures
  • outline how your business focuses on continuous improvement.

People Management and Development

People are the central component of all businesses. How businesses manage this important resource and the initiatives they put in place to ensure the development and professional progression of their staff is a critical component of excellence in business.

 

Did you:

  • describe your people practices your business has in place for the life span of an employee – from hire until the leave the business
  • outline your attraction and retention strategies
  • illustrate how you onboard new employees
  • describe your training and development programs
  • highlight your inclusion and diversity policies and practices and success stories
  • outline how you focus on workplace culture and staff engagement and staff wellbeing
  • demonstrate your leadership model and how they invest in their leaders.

 

Note:  Sole Traders who choose not to complete this section will receive an automatic 3/5 score.


Customer and Market Focus

Businesses need to understand who their customers are, how to attract them, what their needs are and how to retain/create loyal customers from them.

 

Did you:

  • describe your approach to attracting and retaining customers
  • provide evidence of your understanding of your target market and customer needs
  • demonstrate your marketing/promotional activities
  • outline your unique selling proposition and what gives you, your competitive advantage
  • articulate your unique value proposition identifying why your customers need your product and/or service
  • show your customer service strategies/ethos
  • outline how they keep abreast of customer needs and satisfaction.

Community Engagement Activities and Sustainability

A key component of excellence is engagement with and support of the broader Toowoomba community.  The Toowoomba business community has a legacy of engaging and giving back to the community including volunteering, sponsoring local charities and interest groups, and holding events to support and contribute to the development of the local community.

 

Did you:

  • describe how your business engages with and helps to support the broader community
  • Describe how your business implements practical environmental actions, to meet your sustainability goals.
  • identify what local community support (in-kind, financial etc.) you provide
  • show how you are involved in community awards and accolades.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Resilience

Innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience enable businesses to respond to challenges, capitalise on opportunities, adapt quickly, create efficiencies, and lead to long term growth and sustainability.  Excellence in business does not necessarily mean being immune to the impact of the business environment, rather it is about the business’ ability to face and recover from adversity and the agility to change and adapt when needed.

 

Did you:

  • demonstrate your innovative practices implemented to drive success
  • show your entrepreneurship in the development of a process or practice to enhance their business growth
  • highlight the challenges your business faced, and measures put in place to be resilient in the changing business environment
  • show your businesses changes and expected long-term impact on operations and overall net benefits
  • discuss any unintended outcomes from the changes – positive and negative.

Business Summary Video | Tell us in a nutshell who you are, what your business does and what makes your business Award-winning.

Applicants are afforded the opportunity to sell their ‘business excellence’ by highlighting how their business displays and delivers excellence. 

 

Did your one-minute video pitch describe:

  • who you are
  • what your business does
  • why you believe you are excellent and an award-winning business.

 

Note:  All finalists will be offered the opportunity to complete a new video for the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.


Preferred Dates & Times for Judges Site Visit

(we will do our very best to accommodate your times)


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

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UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

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UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

This link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


YesNo
Uploaded Business Strategy/Plan (3 pages max)
Uploaded Business Metrics (3 pages max)
Uploaded Video( 480mp / .mp4)
Uploaded logo (jpeg, png)
Choosen 3 preferred times

DECLARATION


Sign Here

FL Applications

BEA 2023 | Future Leader of the Year Application

Focus HR Business Excellence Awards Application | Future Leader of the Year

 

This form is for the FUTURE LEADER OF THE YEAR sponsored by TalentSpring

Questions about your application? Contact the Chamber.

07 4638 0400 or bea@toowoombachamber.com.au 

YOUR PROGRESS WILL SAVE ON EXIT AT THE END OF EACH SECTION


Overview

This award recognises young business leaders who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic direction, and innovative ideas, whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming young businesspeople.

Nominations are sought from individuals who are 35 years and under (at the time of award nomination opening) and who have had significant success in business.

 

The Future Leader of the Year assessment process consists of three parts:

  • written application – 25% of the assessment
  • an interview – 50% of the assessment
  • a one-minute video – 25% of the assessment.

 

 


The Judging Process

Judges may seek further information or clarification from any applicant or referee, at their discretion. This may be in the form of further written information or verbal contact.  All interviews will be held at the Toowoomba Chamber office.

 

Note:  Judges have been advised that they should reduce applicant scores who exceed word and video limits length limits.


Application Guidelines & Eligibility

  • Applicants must be 35 years and under. Applicants do not have to be a Toowoomba Chamber member.
  • Applicants must have been employed with their current business for 12 months or more or be self-employed.
  • Applicants must live within the Toowoomba Region.
  • Applicants are required to submit a Current Resume (maximum 2 pages) and 1 referee that can be contacted to verify the application.
  • The applicants resume should outline their current and previous employment profile including job role, scope of responsibilities and professional development within the business and any voluntary work.
  • Applications MUST BE completed by the applicant themselves. Third Parties that nominate an individual are highly encouraged to ensure that the Future Leader submits their own application.
  • All applications must be submitted by Monday 24th July 2023 at 9am. Please note – there will be no extensions this year.
  • All applications are judged by a selection of independent judges.
  • All applications are confidential, and all judges sign a deed of confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement.

The Future Leader of the Year is not eligible for the overall Focus HR Business of the Year award 2023.


APPLICANTS DETAILS


REFEREES DETAILS


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A future leader embodies the necessary skills and characteristics required to successfully lead a workforce or team of the future. While setting a vision and executing a strategy is expected from a leader today, achieving these company goals also relies on the ability to motivate, communicate, and inspire a workforce (Think Big, 2023).

 

Did you:

  • submit a current resume (maximum 2 pages) and 1 referee that can be contacted
  • describe what professional and personal success means to you
  • outline your most significant career or personal achievement to date
  • illustrate your five-year plan for yourself
  • make clear the obstacles you have faced as a young business leader and how you have dealt with each of those challenges
  • detail your approach to leadership, diversity and inclusion, and how it influences your actions and activities within the company
  • highlight initiatives that you have developed as a leader in your business, detailing your success
  • describe your leadership style, what makes a good leader and any areas you need to work on in terms of your personal leadership style
  • outline how your leadership positively impacted on resolving a matter in your business, workplace and or community
  • present your contribution, interests and involvement in the community
  • profile how you have contributed to the Toowoomba business community, including the period, amount, nature and level of the contribution
  • articulate why you should be Future Leader of the Year 2023.

Video Application (Submitted in .mp4 format)

Applicants are afforded the opportunity to sell themselves by highlighting how they have the characteristics and skills to lead Toowoomba’s future. 

 

Did your one-minute video pitch describe:

  • who you are
  • what you do
  • why you believe you are the Future Leader of the Year 2023.

 

Note:  All finalist will be offered the opportunity to complete a new video for the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.

 


Preferred Dates & Times for Judges Interview

(we will do our very best to accommodate your times)


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

The link will open in a new window

UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


YESNO
Uploaded Document Titles include Your Name
PDF Resume (2 pages max)
PDF Submission Document (3 pages max)
Video (1 minute maximum)
Your Preferred Times

DECLARATION


Sign Here

EOC Applications

BEA 2023 | Employer of Choice Application

Focus HR Business Excellence Awards Application | EMPLOYER OF CHOICE AWARD

 

This form is for the EMPLOYER OF CHOICE AWARD sponsored by FocusHR

Questions about your application? Contact the Chamber.

07 4638 0400 or bea@toowoombachamber.com.au 

YOUR PROGRESS WILL SAVE ON EXIT AT THE END OF EACH SECTION


Overview

The assessment breakdown for the Focus HR Business Excellence Award 2023 is as follows:

  • written application | 45%
  • site visit and presentation from the applicant | 45%
  • the 30 second – 1minute video of the business | 10%.

 

The site visit will give you the opportunity to showcase your business. During the site visit, judges will want to see evidence of your strategy, vision, and values coming to life in the applicant’s business. All judges are to visit each applicant together to reduce disruption to the business.


The Judging Process

Judges will be advised that they should reduce applicant scores who exceed word and video limits length limits.

 

The business is required to nominate key personnel to undertake a short survey as part of the process.


Application Guidelines & Eligibility

All applications MUST be signed and authorised by a Senior Executive of the company or event applying.

All applications must be submitted online using this form  by Monday 24 July 2023 at 9am. Please note – there will be no extensions this year

Businesses entering the Employer of Choice Category will be required to complete the application SPECIFIC to that category.

Businesses may enter more than one Category. A separate application will be required per category that the applicant would like to apply for. Note: While applicants can enter more than one category, it is highly recommended that the applicants enter the category where they can demonstrate a competitive edge.

All applications MUST be submitted electronically ONLY, including the signed declaration. Without this signature the application will not be accepted. NO USB’s or hand delivered applications will be accepted.

All applications are judged by a selection of independent judges.

All applications are confidential, and all judges sign a deed of confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement.

The Employer of Choice Champion will not be eligible for the overall Focus HR Business of the Year 2023 Award.


APPLICANTS DETAILS


APPLICATION

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS


1. Please select one of the below


2. Number of Employees

 (including owner / operator)


3. Describe the nature of your business including history, products, services and key activities

Maximum 600 words | Exceeding the word limit will receive a reduced score.


4. Outline your organisational structure or attach an organisational chart (names not required):


Satisfaction and Wellbeing

The organisation consciously focuses on employees’ wellbeing and satisfaction.

  • Businesses that consciously focus on employee’s wellbeing and satisfaction are typically more likely to produce exceptional products and services, have an aligned workforce and be successful.  A focus on individuals, programs, processes, and systems can supercharge a workforce productivity.

     

    Did you:

    • demonstrate how you focus on staff culture and demonstrate that their work environment promotes the health and wellbeing, motivation and satisfaction of its employees
    • identify any extra benefits or ‘perks’ you provide to your employees
    • outline how you show your employees that they care about them
    • provide evidence through results of staff surveys (or similar) of staff satisfaction, commitment and retention
    • provide evidence of financial investment such as percentage (%) of turnover spent on benefits/wellness and dollars ($) per head spend on benefits/wellness per annum or other relevant metrics)
    • outline creative and innovative ways you are leading the way to promote workforce wellbeing within their specific industry
    • outline how you stand out from other employers and go over and above.

Culture and Employee Engagement

Employees speak positively about the organisation, are motivated and feel connected.

Employees build the business brand.  An employee that speaks positively about the business they work in, is considered motivated and connected.  A strong and positive culture can enhance productivity and improve employee and customer experience. Committed employee engagement can lead to innovation, efficiency, and a real sense of employee belonging.

 

Did you:

  • articulate how your people would describe their organisational culture and working environment
  • outline initiatives you use to ensure effective communication with and involvement from their people
  • outline how your business has created a culture that is consistent with its missions, vision and values
  • demonstrate how you measure the level of employee engagement and how you share statistics and information with their team
  • describe how your initiatives have made a real impact on their organisation and resulted in tangible results for your organisation
  • outline challenges you faced and described your learnings.

People Development

Employees are encouraged and supported to grow and progress.

People are the central component of all businesses. Employers that encourage and support employees to grow, and progress is an essential component of being an Employer of Choice. How businesses manage this important resource and the initiatives they put in place to ensure the development and professional progression of their staff is a critical component of excellence in business.

 

Did you:

  • outline your employee training and development and growth initiatives
  • detail your policies or practices (formal or informal) that you have in place for career progression
  • provide evidence of financial investment such as percentage (%) of turnover spent on employee development and dollar ($) per head spend on employee development or describe their professional development program for staff and leaders
  • describe how your people initiatives improve productivity and commitment and support employees to achieve high performance and reach their full potential.
  • outline how you engage employees in their own learning and development.

Performance, Recognition and Reward

Employees understand the organisation’s goals, and the impact of their personal contribution is positively reinforced.

Employees need to understand the organisation’s goals and the impact of their personal contribution positively reinforced.  Businesses with excellent recognition and reward programs demonstrate increased productivity and higher levels of employee engagement and conversation.  It typically decreases employee turnover, results in enhanced employee satisfaction and an enjoyable and engaging work environment.

 

Did you:

  • demonstrate how your employee performance reviews/appraisals support employees achieve high performance
  • articulate your approach to providing feedback to their people, for example when, how, and why
  • identify how you approach performance improvement and the impact of this
  • show how you effectively remunerate, reward, and recognise their employees’ efforts.

 


Committed Leadership and Strategy

Leaders connect employees with the organisation’s vision and strategy in a meaningful way.

Leaders connect in a meaningful way, with employees, with their business vision and with their business strategy.  Only committed connection brings employees and strategy.  

 

Did you:

  • describe your approach to people management aligned to your organisation’s strategic objectives
  • describe how your senior leaders demonstrate organisational culture, values, objectives and expectations through effective leadership behaviour
  • outline how you go about developing leaders in their business
  • articulate how you get employees on board with their strategic direction of the organisation
  • describe your practices to maximise employee engagement and communication within their organisation.

Strong Employer Brand for Attraction

The organisation enjoys a strong supply of qualified and quality talent needed to achieve business goals.

A business needs a strong supply of qualified and quality talent to achieve business goals. Employee attraction and retention can help businesses maintain a competitive advantage of like companies.  The ability to attract and retain staff has been demonstrated as a key tool in business growth and success.

Did you:

  • outline techniques you use to attract and retain talent?
  • demonstrate how you actively promote their employee value proposition, that is, promoting why they are great to work for
  • describe how you have increased your ability to attract quality people in their field.

Employee Survey

A part of the process of being judged as an Employer of Choice is allowing a survey to be completed of your employees. Please attach a list of employee details including:

  • unique identifier (this may be employee number, initials, or full name); and
  • unique email address or mobile phone number where the survey can be sent to.

Please note: the survey is not compulsory, however will contribute to the overall scoring allocated by the judges in each of the above 6 sections.  Submissions without an employee survey will not be able to attain the highest overall grading in each of the sections.

The link to your employees will be submitted within 3 working days of your application being submitted to the Toowoomba Chamber. Please notify your staff of what the link is about so that it does not go to spam and they understand the purpose of the link and their involvement.

Employees will have 3 working days to complete the easy online survey.


Business Summary Video

Applicants are afforded the opportunity to sell their ‘business excellence’ by highlighting how their business displays and delivers excellence. 

 

Did your one-minute video pitch describe:

  • who you are
  • what your business does
  • why you believe you are excellent and an award-winning business.

 

Note:  All finalists will be offered the opportunity to complete a new video for the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.


Preferred Dates & Times for Judges Site Visit

(we will do our very best to accommodate your times)


Please UPLOAD ALL your supporting documents here (see checklist below)

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UPLOAD YOUR FILES HERE

 


YESNO
Uploaded Document Titles include Your Business Name
Organisational Chart PDF
PDF Supporting Documents Satisfaction & Wellbeing
Logo (png or Jpeg)
Chosen 3 preferred times

DECLARATION


Sign Here