Nominations

Aspiring Stars Award
2025

Are you passionate about diversity, leadership, and making a real impact? Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in collaboration with the Black Achievers Awards is offering young people aged 18-25 a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an inclusive, dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will work with you to tailor this internship in a way that supports you in your career. We will listen to your aspirations, understand your availability and capacity for travel as we set up the programme. We are not able to support an Operational firefighting role for this internship but will give you the chance to take part in “Have a Go Days” to help you understand our operational work.

This category is open for you to self-nominate for this internship by submitting a 500-word statement. Your submission should explain why you are a great fit for the programme, including your experiences, achievements, and future goals.

Eligibility:

· DBS Check & Vetting Process: Successful candidate will be subject to a disclosure and barring check and a Police vetting process if based at Joint Headquarters

· Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with different people, both in writing and verbally

· IT Skills: Familiarity with email, document creation, presentations, and communication tools

· Training: You will receive training in one or more departments, focusing on Organisational Development and Inclusion

In your self-nomination (500 words), please include:

1. Why are you interested in the internship: Share what excites you about this opportunity and the Fire and Rescue Service

2. Your background: Highlight relevant experiences, skills, or achievements that show your commitment to diversity, leadership, and inclusion

3. Your future goals: Explain how this internship will help you grow and achieve your career aspirations

We are committed to increasing diversity within the workforce and encourage applications from underrepresented communities, we also support applicants with disabilities and will make reasonable adjustments where needed.

Interns will be paid at least the national minimum wage or the national living wage (for those over 21).

This internship offers you the chance to gain real-world experience, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are passionate about making an impact, apply today and begin your journey with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

We look forward to reading your self-nomination!

Minimum of 500 words

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them.

Public Service Award
2025 

This category recognises individuals who have made significant contributions in public service. This includes work in government, emergency services, education, social services, and other sectors that serve the public.

Nominees for this award will have shown strong leadership, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Their efforts will have helped improve communities, advance equality, and inspire others through their work.

Candidates may include:

  • Public officials or government workers who have improved policies or services
  • Educators who have led initiatives in schools or public education
  • Leaders in health, social services, or charities that improve lives
  • Innovators who have introduced new ideas to benefit the public
  • Emergency services professionals, such as police, firefighters, or paramedics, who have made a significant impact in protecting and helping communities

This award celebrates the important work of those who serve the public and make a real difference in their communities.

Minimum of 350 words 

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them. 

Sports Award
2025


This category is open to an individual who has made a significant impact through sport, either by helping others or achieving excellence in their own sporting journey. The nominee could have been inspired by personal experiences that led to a project or initiative aimed at supporting others within the community.

Through their dedication, motivation, and mentoring, the individual may be seen as an outstanding figure who positively influences those around them. They are recognised for their commitment to developing others and for being a source of inspiration within the community.

The nominee should have excelled in their sport and be actively working towards further achievements, demonstrating progress and a clear vision for their future success.

Minimum of 350 words

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them.

pCommunity Award
2025

This category aims to recognise the outstanding voluntary contributions made by an individual or a group to the local community in the voluntary field touching the lives of so many people. Volunteering has many positive benefits for both the volunteer and the community, but it is important to remember and acknowledge that volunteering is a freely chosen act of selflessness for the greater good. Volunteering transforms lives as it empowers individuals and strengthens communities and is a powerful force for social change with an immense economic value too.

Criteria:

  • Outline of the volunteering activity they have engaged with and the time spent and how long have they been volunteering/ supporting the community
  • What motivated them to volunteer/ be involved in the community
  • What have they personally gained from the experience
  • Describe any achievements both personally and for others
  • Any particular challenges they have had to overcome

Please be advised that, in circumstances where a group has been nominated, reference must be made to the ‘group nomination policy.

Must be 350 words minimum

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them. 

Cultural, Music & Arts Award
2025

This award is aimed at a male or a female individual who has been notably successful in the field of art and culture. We are looking for someone who has achieved prominence in their field as an: –

  • Artist
  • Dancer
  • Musician
  • Writer
  • Cultural leader

Through the work that they do, has enhanced, or inspired the cultural or performance life and experiences of the people of Nottingham.

Minimum of 350 words 

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them. 

Most Transformed Life Award
2025

This category is aimed at a male or a female who has gone through adversity and challenging circumstances and confronted the issues he/she faced and in doing so has turned his life and is now fulfilling his/her potential. We do not seek to prescribe what the Challenges are.

Criteria:

  • Define what the challenges were without betraying confidence
  • How did the nominee overcome challenges
  • What organizations / individuals were key to helping nominee turn their life around
  • Describe where they are now and what is the transformation
  • What difference has it made to them and others around them
  • How are they or would they like to use their experiences of the transformation to support others in difficulty

Minimum of 350 words

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them.

Business and Entrepreneurial Award
2025

Candidates for this award can be a black businessman or businesswoman running a small or large company/business in the East Midlands and surrounding areas. They must be seen as a positive role model within the community, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

To be eligible, the individual must have been running their business for at least two years, which can include online businesses. Through their business, they should have provided employment to the local community or offered a service that is reputable and valuable to the area.

The nominee must have made a positive impact on society, the local community, or the environment. This could involve sustainable business practices, contributions to community development, or initiatives that improve the well-being of the community they serve.

Must be 350 words minimum

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them. 

Lifetime Community Contributor Award
2025

This category is open to an individual with an outstanding record of achievement who has, in their lifetime, made a significant contribution towards enhancing the lives of people in the Nottingham Community. Nominees may come from any background or sector.

A strong candidate is expected to have made an exceptional impact with distinct personal achievements over a prolonged period of involvement.

Minimum of 400 words 

*Please note that the winner is not based on how many votes they get, but the quality of what is written about them.