Awards Policy
Purpose
The Children’s Rights Alliance Inc., trading as Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ), is committed to recognising service, contribution, and community impact through the distribution of awards. This policy outlines the criteria, processes, and governance for recognising individuals and organisations that significantly contribute to the promotion and advocacy of children’s rights and wellbeing in Queensland. Through the Children’s Week Awards, Honorary Life Membership, and Ambassador Awards, CRQ aims to celebrate outstanding efforts, foster inspiration, and strengthen the children’s rights movement.
Commencement
This policy takes effect from March 2025 and supersedes all previous policies, whether documented or not.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- Leadership Team
- Executive
- Employees
- Contractors
- Volunteers
- Members of the public
- Award nominees
Definitions
- Children’s Rights: Refers to the entitlements and freedoms outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Ambassadors: Volunteers officially appointed by CRQ to promote and advocate for children’s rights.
- Honorary Life Membership: A lifetime recognition awarded to individuals for exceptional contributions to CRQ’s mission.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Leadership Team: Ensure compliance, provide strategic oversight, and approve award nominations.
- Executive: Manage nomination processes and oversee implementation of the policy.
- Volunteers: Promote children’s rights, advocate for child safety, and adhere to this policy.
- Contractors: Conduct risk assessments and ensure culturally safe practices in their work.
Policy Statement
1.0 Children’s Week Awards
1.1 Objective
The Children’s Week Awards honour individuals, groups, and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing children’s rights and wellbeing. These awards aim to highlight contributions that positively impact children and young people across Queensland.
1.2 Award Categories
- Each year a range of Awards Categories will be published on the Children’s Rights Queensland website. These will be determined by the CRQ Executive.
1.3 Eligibility Nominations are open to:
- Individuals, teams, or organisations based in Queensland.
- Activities or contributions within the past two years.
1.4 Awards judging exclusions:
- Individuals, teams, or organisations funded by Children’s Rights Queensland to deliver initiatives or create resources—either independently or in partnership with Children’s Rights Queensland—will have those specific aspects excluded from the judging process.
1.4 Nomination and Selection Process
- Nominations are invited from the public and CRQ members.
- A panel is established and evaluates entries based on:
- Alignment with the Awards criteria.
- Innovation and creativity.
- Demonstrated impact.
- Winners are announced during Children’s Week celebrations in October.
2.0 Honorary Life Membership
2.1 Objective Honorary Life Membership
This recognises individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to advancing the Children’s Rights Alliance Inc. organisation in Queensland.
2.2 Eligibility Candidates must:
- Have significantly contributed to the mission and objectives of CRQ.
- Demonstrate a longstanding commitment (minimum 4 years) to the organisation.
2.3 Nomination and Approval
- Nominations may be made by any member or Ambassador.
- The Leadership Team reviews nominations and approves candidates by a majority vote. If a member of the Leadership Team is nominated, they are excluded from the voting process.
2.4 Privileges Recipients enjoy:
- Lifetime recognition as an Honorary Life Member.
- Invitations to events.
- Waiver of any current or future membership fees.
3.0 Ambassador Awards
3.1 Objective
The Ambassador Awards recognise outstanding contributions from CRQ Ambassadors who promote children’s rights and raise awareness of CRQ initiatives in their communities.
3.2 Award Criteria
Ambassadors are evaluated on:
- Engagement and advocacy efforts.
- Contributions to CRQ programs and campaigns.
- Leadership and collaboration within their communities.
3.3 Selection Process
- The CRQ Executive nominate Ambassadors annually.
- A review panel assesses nominees based on their impact and alignment with CRQ’s mission.
- Awardees are celebrated at the Annual General Meeting or a special event.
3.4 Recognition
Awardees receive:
- A certificate of achievement.
- Public acknowledgment through CRQ channels.
- Opportunities for enhanced engagement within CRQ initiatives.
Repeat Nominations and Wins
Individuals or organisations may be nominated multiple times in different years. However, previous winners may not be awarded for the same contribution unless there is a significant new development or impact.
Privacy
CRQ is committed to protecting the privacy of award nominees. Personal information collected during the nomination process will be managed in accordance with the CRQ Privacy Policy. Photos and details of winners may be shared publicly with consent.
Judging
If a nominee has a close association with a judging panel member (e.g., family member, employer, direct financial relationship), the panel member must declare the conflict and abstain from the decision-making process.
Breaches of this policy
Non-compliance with this policy by any team member may result in investigations, corrective actions, disciplinary measures (e.g., warnings or termination), or reporting to relevant authorities. Breaches must be reported promptly to a member of the Children’s Rights Alliance Leadership Team.
Related Documents, Legislation and Standards
Policy Status and Review
- Approval: Approved by the Child Rights Alliance Inc. Leadership Team.
- Review: This policy will be reviewed every two years. Feedback from children, families, and stakeholders will guide updates.
Questions
Please contact us.