Frequently Asked Questions

How do we enter?
Please contact your Local Authority Pride of Place Liaison Officer. Relevant names, numbers and email addresses are located in the ‘How to Enter’ section of this website.

What will we be judged on?
The judging criteria have been formulated to capture the essence of the competition, namely people working together to create pride in their community.

For specific details, please refer to the Judging Criteria under the How to Enter section of this website.

How do we know if we have reached the required standard?
A major component to the Pride of Place competition is to be as inclusive as possible. We recognise that there are many different groups operating in the various communities who undertake a variety of unique activities.

As a result, the individual elements of a group’s entry are itemised and scored according to their merits.

If you wish your group can specialise and concentrate on a project or issue in which they are particularly strong e.g. The Arts or Community Enterprise. In 2010, councils have the opportunity to enter in any of the three designated single issue projects (see Entry Form).

Who will do the judging?
Pride of Place is extremely fortunate to have a pool of talented and experienced judges involved in the competition.

Our judges have been extensively involved in community activities, often officiating at extremely high levels. Last year, a number of our judges were retired Local Authority County Managers and Chief Executives.

As the competition is island-wide, judges are paired up, one representing Northern Ireland and the other originating from the Republic of Ireland. However, due to onerous schedules and demands on judges' time this will not always be possible.

In addition to this, there is a higher level Judging Steering Forum which ensures the smooth running of the competition.

When will the judging take place?
In 2010 judging will commence in mid June and concludes in August (date TBA).

When will we be advised about our judging date?
The Pride of Place competition co-ordinators will advise all entrants of their respective judging dates during May 2010. We will aim to give participants at least three weeks notice.

If the judging date does not suit can it be changed?
The organisation and actual logistics of the Pride of Place competition is a massive undertaking. As a result, judging dates can only be changed in exceptional circumstances.

How will we make contact with the judges on the day?
On judging day, your Local Authority Liaison Officer will accompany the judges to the various locations.The Liaison Officer will have all the relevant information.

It is important, however, that your original application form has the correct details of your group (with mobile phone number) along with a designated meeting point and includes directions. This ensures that if there are any concerns, both parties can make contact with each other.

What hospitality will the judges require?
On judging day, there should be a meeting room or place to assemble before the judges embark on their visit. The meeting room will be used as an assembly point and will also facilitate the presentation/ question and answer session.

You should contact your Liaison Officer about provision of refreshments, meals etc.

What will the judges want to see on their visit?
This one’s easy - You (the community) decide the itinerary, but generally you will want to demonstrate physical evidence of what makes you "proud of your place".

When will we know the outcome?
The Pride of Place 2010 winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in Trim, County Meath in November 2010.

Will there be feedback?
Yes, in 2010 the judges will provide written comments. The comments will reflect salient aspects of the judging visit and possibly recommendations for the future.