Nominations for SQF Excellence Awards

The SQF Excellence Awards celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of SQF auditors and practitioners. Below are details on how to nominate a candidate for consideration. 

Judging Criteria & Requirements

All entries will be reviewed, judged, and scored by an outside panel of SQF stakeholders and by SQFI staff. Three finalists will be selected from each category and winners will be announced during the SQF Unites conference.

All submissions must include:

  1. Completion of an online questionnaire
  2. One letter of endorsement which must include:
    • Identification of the applicant and their position.
    • Identification of the endorser and their relationship to the applicant.
    • A description of the applicant’s qualifications, achievements, and previous awards.
    • Signature and contact information of the endorser.
  3. Completion of the Endorsement Form, with one signature:

If applying for the Excellence in SQF Auditing award, the required signature MUST be from an individual at an SQF-licensed certification body (e.g., a program manager, technical manager, technical reviewer, certification manager, etc.) If applying for the Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership award, the required signature MUST be from a senior site manager or another industry colleague.

 

Nomination Deadlines

  • The names of nominees must be entered into the submission portal no later than December 2, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Supporting documents and materials for each nomination must be submitted no later than December 13, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.
  • Incomplete submissions (i.e., without supporting documentation) will not be considered.

Rules & Eligibility

  • All nominators and nominees must be affiliated with the SQF program. Examples of appropriate affiliations include, but are not limited to, registered auditors, consultants or trainers, licensed certification bodies, registered and certified suppliers, licensed training centers, etc.
  • Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted via the online portal by the advertised due date.
  • Nominators must obtain permission from the nominee prior to submitting a nomination.
  • Self-nominations will be accepted.
  • Previous nominees and finalists are encouraged to apply, but previous award winners are not eligible.
  • SQFI/FMI reserves the right to investigate the good standing and character of each nominee.

Recognition & Awards

 One recipient in each category will receive:

  • A crystal award.
  • A $250 gift certificate.

Runners-up in each category will each receive:

  • A $100 gift certificate.

All finalists will receive a discount on ticket prices and will be promoted on social media and in a press release.

Finalists

Three finalists in each of the two categories will be announced no later than February 3, 2025 and if available, will participate in the live SQF Unites award ceremony in Orlando, March 2025.