Resolution Awards 2024 – Categories and Criteria
The Awards are a celebration of what our members represent. Across all entries, judges will be looking for evidence of nominees embedding Resolution’s code of practice.
There are eleven award categories, find out the criteria for each award below:
Access to Justice Champion *new for 2024*
This new award celebrates members who have committed their expertise to give the most vulnerable individuals access to justice in family law. An appreciation of the specialist skills professionals demonstrate when working with vulnerable people, often in complex situations.
Judges will look at the following criteria, successful entries should demonstrate at least two of the three areas:
- applying special expertise in complex family cases
- improving access to justice for all and advocating for change in the system
- demonstrating resilience in challenging circumstances to support their clients
The Children’s Champion
This award recognises an individual or group who has made a difference to the lives of children from separating families. Awarded for championing children’s voices and advocating a child-centred approach.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- leading the way in championing the voice of children and their experience of parental separation
- helping other professionals to take a child-centred approach
- demonstrating the positive impact on children in the family justice system
Community Champion
Recognising members who have used their professional expertise to make a positive difference in their local community, by putting our Code into practice.
This could include, but is not limited to, pro-bono work, supporting and advocating for vulnerable groups, developing future family justice talent by volunteering with local students.
Judges will look at the following criteria
- using expertise as a family justice professional to support the local community
- evidence of making a positive impact within the local community
- putting the Code of Practice at the centre
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
Recognising an individual or group driving positive change in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
Judges will look for the following criteria:
- commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
- applying innovative policies or working practices to support EDI and/or improve social mobility
- evidence of the positive impact made to addressing EDI in the family justice profession
Innovation Champion
Recognising members who have taken bold, progressive approaches to their practice to benefit clients, their firm or the wider family justice community.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- developing and applying an innovative solution to a problem or initiating smarter ways of working
- how new technologies, systems and/or processes have benefited your organisation, clients and/or the wider family justice community
- how the approach has embraced the Code of Practice
The John Cornwell Award
The prestigious John Cornwell Award is named after one of Resolution’s founders, and presented annually to an individual or group who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to family justice.
The John Cornwell Award recognises those who have championed our Code of Practice throughout their career.
Entries for the John Cornwell Award must be nominated by another member, you cannot self-nominate for this category.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- a sustained contribution to upholding the Code of Practice over time, which has made a significant difference either regionally or nationally to family justice
- a body of work which could include: writing books, articles and/or reports, public activities such as media or fundraising activity, supporting younger members, developing innovative practices/projects
- evidence of making a positive impact to peers and/or separating families.
The Member’s Choice Award
**Members decide the winner of this category. Judges will select the shortlisted nominees, with the final winner voted for by members**
This award is presented to your ‘Member of the year’. Recognising someone who has gone above and beyond to support, mobilise and inspire their fellow members. This is your opportunity to nominate a member that has made a positive difference to you and your work as a family justice professional.
You cannot self-nominate for this category.
Judges will look at the following criteria when selecting the short-list:
- making a positive difference to fellow members over the past 12 months through an initiative or series of activities
- forging positive relationships with peers and helping to build a community of family justice professionals
- using their knowledge and experience to support and develop other members
- embodying the Code of Practice and being a role model for other professionals
Regional Champion
This award recognises Resolution members at a regional level, celebrating those who go above and beyond to foster a strong regional network with our Code of Practice at its centre. This could be through helping share best practice, supporting junior professionals in the region, raising the profile of Resolution in the region and building strong regional partnerships.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- commitment to building an active regional community of family justice professionals
- evidence of the positive impact on members in the region, and the families they work with
- embedding the Code of Practice across the region
Wellbeing Champion
Recognising individuals, or a group, who have championed a healthy workplace and prioritised the wellbeing of their colleagues, employees and/or the wider family justice community.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- putting strategies in place to prioritise wellbeing in the workplace
- contributing to the wellbeing agenda in family justice
- evidence of making a positive difference to the wellbeing of colleagues, employees and/or the wider family justice community
Working in Collaboration Award
Recognising members who have made a difference to separating couples and families by working together with other professionals, sharing expertise to achieve the best outcomes.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- working together across disciplines (two or more) to improve outcomes for clients and their families
- putting the Code of Practice at the centre
- how this approach of sharing expertise has made a difference to clients
Rising Star Award
For an emerging talent (within the first ten years of their career) who has demonstrated their potential as a future leader of family justice.
Judges will look at the following criteria:
- going above and beyond to champion the Code of Practice
- a commitment to making the family justice landscape the best it can be
- acting as a positive voice and role model for their peers and future family practitioners