Judging Process

STARS methodology and jury evaluation system

Open to individuals, organizations, and movements globally creating measurable, ethical impact. Anyone can be nominated—regardless of age, location, or background. We accept both self-nominations and third-party nominations. Anonymous entries are not permitted.

Submissions must demonstrate authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity.
All entries are reviewed through the STARS Framework: Significance, Transformation, Accountability, Reach, Sustainability.

    • Submission Tips:
      Make your Spicy Awards nomination stand out by telling a story that moves, inspires, and reflects your authentic journey.
    • Tell a Compelling Story
      Use clear, powerful language to bring your story to life. Let your voice shine — be real, bold, and passionate.
    • Provide Evidence
      Support your story with tangible proof. Include links, reports, media coverage, testimonials, or other materials that demonstrate your impact.
    • Reflect SPICE
      Show how your nominee embodies the essence of S.P.I.C.E — Strength, Purpose, Innovation, Creativism, and Equity.
      Tell your story in a way that honours your journey and demonstrates your impact.
      At the Spicy Awards, we celebrate stories of transformation — from the margins, from lived experience, and from those who dared to try.
      To help you structure your story with clarity and inspiration, we recommend using the STARS Method when preparing your nomination.
    • The STARS Methodology
      • S – Situation:
        Start with context. Briefly describe who you are — your background, skills, work, or lived experience. What motivated your journey? What community or challenge are you working in?
      • T – Task:
        Define the challenge or mission. Describe your goals, responsibilities, and the barriers you faced. What did you set out to achieve? What made it urgent or necessary?
      • A – Actions:
        Explain what you did. Highlight your specific role and steps taken to drive change. How did you mobilize people, resources, or creativity? What bold moves or values guided you?
      • R – Results:
        Share your impact. Present meaningful results — numbers, stories, or ripple effects. Who benefited? What changed because of your actions?
      • S – Summary:
        Bring it home. Reflect on why your story deserves recognition and what the Award means to you, your team, or community. How might this honour amplify your future impact?
  • We Value People Over Papers
    We celebrate skills, experience, and passion over formal education — and do not discriminate based on academic background.

Scoring Rubric

Learn how an independent jury evaluates nominations through a transparent, fair, and impact-driven assessment process. Based on the STARS methodology. Nominees are scored under a unified SPICE-aligned framework in five criteria:

  1. Social & Environmental Impact (30%)
  2. Leadership & Influence (20%)
  3. Innovation & Entrepreneurship (20%)
  4. Governance, Accountability & Ethics (20%)
  5. Public Engagement (10%)

Each score is weighted in percentage to ensure transparency and fairness.

The Spicy Awards Scorecard

The Spicy Awards celebrate changemakers—be they individuals or organizations—who are leading innovative, ethical, and impactful work for people, planet, and prosperity.

To ensure equity, transparency, and merit-based recognition, each submission will be reviewed by a diverse and independent panel of judges who assess the overall body of work, quality of impact  based on the evidence provided within the nomination form and any supporting documentation. Entries are assessed against a well-rounded set of criteria, with each element weighted based on its relevance to lasting social change, ethical leadership, and sustainability. Public voting is also factored in, offering an opportunity for communities to champion the voices and projects they believe in.

All entries are evaluated using the following five core criteria;

Unified Scoring Framework for Individuals and Organizations

Criteria

Description

Weight

1. Social & Environmental Impact

Evidence of positive, measurable impact on society and the environment. Includes efforts in fair treatment, inclusion, climate action, biodiversity restoration, fair wages, equity in practice, and contributions to communities or supply chains.

30%

2. Leadership & Influence

Demonstrated ethical leadership, innovation in approach, strategic influence, mentoring, and the ability to mobilize others around a shared purpose. Includes board or executive roles, campaign involvement, and cross-sector collaboration.

20%

3. Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Integration of bold, creative, or disruptive ideas into initiatives or business models. This includes the development and success of new solutions, services, or systems that are scalable and sustainable.

20%

4. Governance, Accountability & Ethics

Evidence of strong governance, transparency, stakeholder engagement, financial responsibility, inclusivity in decision-making, and fair policy practices. For individuals, includes ethical consistency and authenticity.

20%

5. Public Engagement

People’s choice via online voting. A reflection of community support and resonance of the nominee’s work among peers, beneficiaries, or the wider public.

10%

📝 Submission Guidelines

  • Open to individuals and organizations of any size or stage from around the globe.
  • Self-nomination and third-party nomination are both accepted.
  • Anonymous entries are not permitted.
  • Supporting documents may be requested, including ID, awards, project reports, letters of recommendation, or professional credentials.
  • Judges will assess each nominee’s full contribution, considering both depth and breadth of impact—locally and beyond.—not just the most recent activity.
  • Judges will also consider narrative quality, supporting materials, and alignment with the spirit of the award category.

🏁 Total Possible Score: 100 Points

The Spicy Awards are not just about celebrating impact—they are about identifying and elevating the stories that matter most, especially from the margins. Whether you are an emerging leader or a pioneering institution, your work will be assessed with fairness, care, and integrity.

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