Awards Dinner 2026

Professional Excellence Awards

Eligibility

• Candidates must have completed their qualification within the previous 12 months (as defined by the CII/PFS academic calendar)
• Candidates must be registered under the Bristol Insurance Institute region or working for a firm within its catchment area

Award Structure

There will be three awardees, one for each of the following categories:

• ACII (Advanced Diploma in Insurance) – Highest overall grade or aggregate score among Bristol candidates
• Dip CII (Diploma in Insurance) – Highest overall grade or aggregate score among Bristol candidates
• PFS (Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning) – Highest overall grade or aggregate score among Bristol candidates

Each winner will receive:

• A Professional Excellence Award trophy presented on stage
• A personal citation read by the event host
• Complimentary event attendance and one guest ticket to celebrate their success
• Inclusion in the event programme and post-event communications as the Professional Excellence Award Winner in their category

Excellence in Customer Outcomes Award

Recognition of an individual or team that consistently delivers exceptional client experiences through professionalism, empathy, and ethical service.

Award Criteria

• Client Impact
  • Clear examples of how client relationships or outcomes improved
• Service Innovation
  • Creative or thoughtful approaches to delivering outstanding service
• Professional Conduct
  • Examples of ethical and transparent client management.

Evidence Examples

• A case story describing how client satisfaction or clarity improved
• Client or colleague testimonials (no personal data)
• Recognition or internal commendations for service excellence
• Outline of a change or process introduced to improve service

Contribution to Professional Development Award

This award honours those who recognise that the future of our profession depends on the development of its people and who actively invest time, expertise and leadership into helping others succeed.

Award Criteria

• Commitment to Development
  • Clear and sustained involvement in mentoring, coaching, qualification support, structured training or industry outreach
• Tangible Impact
  • Evidence of positive influence on professional confidence, qualification attainment or engagement within the profession
• Strengthening Professional Standards
  • Demonstration of how their efforts promote competence, ethical practice and long-term development within the sector

Evidence Examples

• A summary of mentoring or development initiatives led
• Description of structured training or qualification support programmes
• Testimonials from individuals supported
• Examples of workshops, CPD events or educational outreach
• Explanation of how their contribution has influenced others’ progression

Industry Innovation Award

Recognises those who have implemented new ideas or approaches that made a measurable improvement to work quality, efficiency, or inclusivity.

Award Criteria

• Innovation & Creativity
  • Originality of an idea or improvement
• Demonstrable Improvement
  • Clear explanation of how things changed for the better
• Transferability
  • Evidence others could learn or apply the idea

Evidence Examples

• Short narrative of how a new process, system, or idea was introduced
• Quotes or statements from colleagues showing positive change
• Recognition, internal award, or team acknowledgment
• Overview of next steps or lessons learned

Rising Star Award

Honours a new professional (less than 5 years’ experience) showing exceptional promise, professionalism, and enthusiasm for learning.

Award Criteria

• Achievement & Growth
  • Clear examples of how the nominee has developed in skill or responsibility
• Contribution to Team or Organisation
  • How they’ve positively impacted their workplace
• Future Potential
  • How they are developing towards leadership or specialist expertise

Evidence Examples

• Story of their development or career progression
• Mentor or manager statement recognising their growth
• Example of an initiative or contribution they’ve made
• Short personal reflection on their goals

Outstanding Team Contribution Award

Celebrates teamwork and partnership that achieved something valuable for clients, colleagues, or the wider community.

Award Criteria

• Collaboration Impact
  • Clear description of what was achieved through working together
• Innovation through Partnership
  • How collaboration improved outcomes or efficiency
• Legacy & Influence
  • How the relationship continues to deliver benefit or inspiration

Evidence Examples

• Narrative about how the partnership formed and what it achieved
• Testimonials from partners, clients, or colleagues
• Recognition in internal or local communications
• Description of how the partnership strengthened future cooperation

President's Award

This is an award for Outstanding Professional Contribution. The President presents the award at the event as the final award of the evening following a presentation speech that will include a short citation summarising the measurable achievements of the winner.

Outstanding Contribution

• Raising Professional Standards
  • Mentoring others, supporting training or qualifications
• Promoting Ethics and Inclusion
  • Championing fair and transparent practices, improving access or representation
• Community Engagement
  • Volunteering, fundraising, or improving local understanding of insurance and finance
• Encouraging Innovation and Collaboration
  • introducing new ideas or partnerships that benefit the industry
• Leadership and Influence
  • Inspiring colleagues or peers to achieve more, through example or guidance

Eligibility

• Open to individuals or firms active in the Bristol Insurance Institute region
• Nominee must have made their contribution within the past two years
• Activities should align with the values of professionalism, integrity, and community promoted by the CII and PFS

Nomination

Each nomination should include two short sections:

• Nomination Summary (maximum 500 words)
  • Describe what the nominee has achieved and how it has made a positive difference to the profession or community
  • Clearly state the timeframe (must fall within the last 24 months).
  • Explain which of the criteria best fits their contribution
• Measurable Impact Summary (maximum 250 words)
  • Provide specific, factual indicators of success — for example:
    • Number of people mentored or trained
    • Amount of funds raised
    • Number of initiatives launched or events organised
    • Feedback, testimonials, or outcomes achieved

Optional:

• A single short endorsement (up to 150 words) from a colleague, client, or community partner, confirming the nominee’s impact (no formal letter required)