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Want to know how to win a National Happiness Awards 2017?

Looking for some insider tips to help you get ahead in the National Happiness Awards? Here judges Gill White, Jane Thomas and Perry Timms discuss what they’ll be looking for and what impresses them.


Gill White

Gill White CIPD

Gill White is Commercial & Capability Director at the Chartered Institute or Professional Development. This is her second year as a judge.

What will make a nomination stand out for you?

Last year, the nominations that really came to life were those with additional photographs or videos that helped me visualise the impact the nominee had created.

Why should people nominate?

We all love to be around people who make us feel great and there is nothing better than saying "thank you - you make a difference". It’s your chance to give back some of the joy they have given to you.

What are the best examples of happiness practice you've encountered, either in schools or organisations?

Happiness at work often comes from a sense of adding and being valued. It doesn't need to cost anything other than being thoughtful. A certificate of "AWESOMENESS" is one of my team's favourite things to receive. Other examples are a thank you card; a pizza lunch every quarter where we read out thanks from peers about the work people have done; trusting people to come and go as needed and to manage their own lives, and caring about them and their whole life, not just who they are in work.

What makes you happy?

My husband, my work, wine!


Jane Thomas

 Jane Thomas headteacher of St Matthews Primary School the happiest Headteacher in the UK

Jane Thomas is headteacher at St Matthew’s Primary School in Luton. She won last year’s Happiest Headteacher award. This is her first year on the judging panel.

What will make a nomination stand out for you?

The nominations that will stand out for me will be those which move me and where actions and approaches to work are guided by knowing what generates engagement, shared purpose and fun. I will also be looking for actions that demonstrate compassion and an understanding of what human beings need at different times to give of their best or to get through tough times.

Why should people nominate?

So often in professions, no matter how confident and secure we seemingly are (or are not), rarely do we give ourselves the credit for the good work we do or the difference we make. Some of us are judged by external bodies and report on our performance within given frameworks, but people, relationships and organisations are so much more than these frameworks. The awards recognise this and reward organisations and individuals that put people at the heart of what they do in the widest possible sense. They need to be celebrated and 'unsung' drivers of this way of living and working should be noticed; so nominate that person who you and others quietly admire.

What are the best examples of happiness practice you've encountered, either in schools or organisations?

Leaders who enable colleagues to spend time on the difficult things that crop up in life and who accept that life gets in the way sometimes for people. Measures that help people release pressure, that show compassion and allow people take time out.  Also things that teach children about neuroscience, physiology, emotional literacy and the capacity for growth and change that we all possess as human beings.
I asked some children this question too. Their answers were; learning things to music, because you relax and just feel good, being taught how to make good friends, teachers leading us out of our comfort zone everyday but using things we already know about to make it feel ok, and smiling and saying thank you.

What makes you happy?

Laughing with friends, sitting in the sunshine with a glass of wine, not having to watch the clock, my mobile phone on silent, the funny things children say without meaning to.


Perry Timms

Perry Timms - Perry is Founder and Chief Energy Officer of PTHR

Perry is Founder and Chief Energy Officer of PTHR. This is his first year as judge.

What will make a nomination stand out for you?

It's important that happiness isn't a bandwagon-jumping exercise and is instead the impact people feel and experience from a well-designed, inclusive, trusting and inspiring working environment and way of leading.

Why should people nominate?

Because an award distinguishes the pretenders from the realists and showcases the sincere, the wholesome and the committed.  Without these awards to differentiate the two, unscrupulous enterprises could engineer a series of gimmicky activities to mask any discord and convince the world they're a better place to work in than they actually are.

What are the best examples of happiness practice you've encountered, either in schools or organisations?

I've been to Menlo Innovations in Michigan – also known as the ‘joy factory’, I’ve interviewed people from Nearsoft in Mexico and the USA; spent time at Widen - one of the best places to work in the US; I’ve spoken to the CEO of Happy Limited, read about Patagonia, Cyberclick and SouthWest Airlines and heard from the CEO of Propellernet, Morning Star and Buurtzorg.  I know a truly happy workplace and company, trust me.

What makes you happy?

People who are alive with the possibilities, the experiences and the warmth of a fulfilled life including their work.  And Northern Soul music.


Now that you have an insider view of how the judges will score the nominations, it is time for you to pop across to the National Happiness Awards 2017 page and send us your nominations. There are seven categories in this year's awards which cover businesses, organisations and schools - happy nominating!

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