{"id":62155,"date":"2025-10-27T11:26:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T11:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/?p=62155"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:18:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T12:18:02","slug":"how-to-choose-judges-for-awards-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/how-to-choose-judges-for-awards-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing (the Right) Judges for Awards Programmes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group toc has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c385debf wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"toc\"><strong>This article covers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#start-early\" title=\"\">When to start recruiting (hint: earlier than you think)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#good-judge\" title=\"\">What makes a good judge<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#build-criteria\" title=\"\">Building judge criteria first<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#where-to-find\" title=\"\">Where to actually find judges<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#diverse-panels\" title=\"\">Diverse panels to improve outcomes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#costs\" title=\"\">The costs of judge management<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#technology\" title=\"\">Why technology affects judge participation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#handling-issues\" title=\"\">Dealing with the messy reality (dropouts&#8230;)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#retention\" title=\"\">Creating advocates from judges<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<p>You&#8217;ve secured your dream judge. They&#8217;ve agreed, you&#8217;ve announced it publicly, submissions are pouring in (partly due to the excitement candidates have getting their work seen by their idols). Then, three weeks before judging starts, the email arrives: &#8220;So sorry, something&#8217;s come up.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This nightmare happens more often than you&#8217;d think. But it is (mostly) preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing judges isn&#8217;t (just) about credentials and industry clout. It&#8217;s about finding people who&#8217;ll actually follow through, understand what you&#8217;re trying to achieve, and treat the process with the respect your candidates deserve. Get it wrong and you&#8217;re scrambling at the worst possible moment. Get it right and your judges become your strongest advocates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-early\"><strong>Start recruitment six months early<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most organisations start recruiting judges far too late. You&#8217;re not booking a plumber for next Tuesday (well you might be, but plumbing is beyond the scope of this article). You&#8217;re asking busy professionals to commit significant time months in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-profile judges book up quickly. The curator you want? Already committed to three other competitions. That industry leader? Judging two awards programmes and speaking at four conferences. By the time you reach out two months before your deadline, the best people are already overcommitted (that&#8217;s why they are the best people).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your judge recruitment 6-9 months before your submission deadline. This gives you time for the back-and-forth, the polite declines, the &#8220;let me check my schedule&#8221; responses that take three weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br><strong>If you need five judges and your response rate runs at 30% (which is good), you&#8217;re contacting at least 17 people&#8230; That takes time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s the other reason early recruitment matters: announcing your judges boosts submissions. When potential candidates see respected names on your panel, it validates your programme. But you can only announce judges who&#8217;ve actually confirmed, which means you need those confirmations two months before the deadline to <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/marketing-your-competition\/\" title=\"\">maximise the marketing benefit<\/a> (4 months if you want to be loved by your marketing department!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Calculate backwards from when you want to announce judges publicly, add time for recruitment conversations, factor in holiday periods and busy seasons for your industry. Suddenly six months doesn&#8217;t seem excessive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"calendar-days\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-calendar-days\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M128 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32l0 32 128 0 0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32s32 14.3 32 32l0 32 48 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 48L0 160l0-48C0 85.5 21.5 64 48 64l48 0 0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32zM0 192l448 0 0 272c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48L48 512c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48L0 192zm64 80l0 32c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l32 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-32c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-32 0c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16zm128 0l0 32c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l32 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-32c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-32 0c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16zm144-16c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16l0 32c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l32 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-32c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-32 0zM64 400l0 32c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l32 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-32c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-32 0c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16zm144-16c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16l0 32c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l32 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-32c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-32 0zm112 16l0 32c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l32 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-32c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-32 0c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Recruitment timeline breakdown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6-9 months before deadline: Start recruitment. 3-4 months before: Announce confirmed judges publicly. 2 months before: Final confirmations and backup plans. Early recruitment reduces dropout from 15-20% to just 5-10%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"good-judge\"><strong>What makes someone a good Judge?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Credentials matter, obviously. But they&#8217;re not everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good judge shows up. They respond to emails. They meet deadlines without constant reminders. They understand that real people invested time and often money in their submissions, and those people deserve thoughtful consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You want someone with relevant expertise, yes. But also someone with availability. The distinction matters. That internationally renowned expert might be perfect on paper, but if they&#8217;re juggling six other major commitments, your programme gets squeezed. Better to recruit someone slightly less famous who&#8217;ll give your entries proper attention (to be honest, having both is better &#8211; but if you had to choose one, go for the latter).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br><strong>Inviting Jeremy Clarkson to judge your national tofu award may not be a good idea.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch for warning signs during recruitment. &#8220;I&#8217;m incredibly busy but I&#8217;ll make it work&#8221; often means they won&#8217;t make it work. &#8220;Let me think about it&#8221; without a follow-up timeline usually means no. People who ask detailed questions about time commitment and process are often better bets than those who agree immediately without asking anything (what exactly are they agreeing to? will they follow through when they find out?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"triangle-exclamation\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-triangle-exclamation\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 32c14.2 0 27.3 7.5 34.5 19.8l216 368c7.3 12.4 7.3 27.7 .2 40.1S486.3 480 472 480L40 480c-14.3 0-27.6-7.7-34.7-20.1s-7-27.8 .2-40.1l216-368C228.7 39.5 241.8 32 256 32zm0 128c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24l0 112c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-112c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24zm32 224a32 32 0 1 0 -64 0 32 32 0 1 0 64 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Red flags during recruitment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m incredibly busy but I&#8217;ll make it work&#8221; usually means they won&#8217;t. &#8220;Let me think about it&#8221; without a timeline means no. Those who agree immediately without asking questions about time commitment don&#8217;t understand what they&#8217;re signing up for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication style matters too. You&#8217;ll need to correspond with these people throughout the process. Someone who takes three weeks to respond to a simple scheduling question will likely struggle with judging deadlines. Pay attention to early interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And here&#8217;s something you won&#8217;t hear often (and is critical): judges need to <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/defining-your-purpose\/\" title=\"\">match your values<\/a>. If your programme prioritises innovation, don&#8217;t recruit judges known for conservative taste. If accessibility matters to your organisation, choose judges who&#8217;ve demonstrated inclusive thinking. Their judgements will reflect their values whether they realise it or not. Inviting Jeremy Clarkson to judge your national tofu award may not be a good idea.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"top-post-cta\" class=\"wp-block-group top_post_cta has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ead219762bcc1c462ed6c2056d53965a has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34d7f7af wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(103deg,rgba(242,145,160,0.7) 0%,rgba(187,215,242,0.73) 70%);margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-35626ede75d32280e57e9f0344fb15d5 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e4a18999 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8536a955ce3b9176b8984c5730bb22c9\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0.2rem\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"list-check\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-list-check \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" style=\"font-size:1.4em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M133.8 36.3c10.9 7.6 13.5 22.6 5.9 33.4l-56 80c-4.1 5.8-10.5 9.5-17.6 10.1S52 158 47 153L7 113C-2.3 103.6-2.3 88.4 7 79S31.6 69.7 41 79l19.8 19.8 39.6-56.6c7.6-10.9 22.6-13.5 33.4-5.9zm0 160c10.9 7.6 13.5 22.6 5.9 33.4l-56 80c-4.1 5.8-10.5 9.5-17.6 10.1S52 318 47 313L7 273c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l19.8 19.8 39.6-56.6c7.6-10.9 22.6-13.5 33.4-5.9zM224 96c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l224 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-224 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zm0 160c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l224 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-224 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zM160 416c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l288 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-288 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zM64 376a40 40 0 1 1 0 80 40 40 0 1 1 0-80z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-c41f21bc37c7849d15c85a341bf756f3\">Download launch checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Never miss a critical step: 300+ tasks across 8 phases, from securing judges to winner announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-launch-checklist-mid-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/awards-resources\/competition-launch-checklist\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"envelope\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-envelope \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M48 64C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112c0 15.1 7.1 29.3 19.2 38.4L236.8 313.6c11.4 8.5 27 8.5 38.4 0L492.8 150.4c12.1-9.1 19.2-23.3 19.2-38.4c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H48zM0 176V384c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64H448c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64V176L294.4 339.2c-22.8 17.1-54 17.1-76.8 0L0 176z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> Get Checklist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"build-criteria\"><strong>Build your judge criteria first<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t just create a wishlist of dream judges and hope for the best. Build actual criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with must-haves. What expertise is non-negotiable? What level of experience do entries require? How many hours can you realistically ask judges to commit? (More on calculating this later, but spoiler: it&#8217;s probably more than you think and technology is your friend in reducing this!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then identify your nice-to-haves. Geographic diversity? Mix of established and emerging voices? Specific industry sectors represented? Previous judging experience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br><strong>If what you have to offer is &#8216;supporting your eco-system&#8217; \u2013 then the very least you can offer them is a perfect process<\/strong> that respects their time<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The distinction matters because you&#8217;ll compromise on nice-to-haves when your first choices decline. You won&#8217;t compromise on must-haves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider your entry volume. Under 100 entries? Three to five judges can assess everything thoroughly without burning out. Between 100-500 entries? You&#8217;re looking at 5-10 judges, possibly working in panels. Above 500 entries, you need either a qualifying round to narrow the field or a much larger judging pool divided by category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to factor in attrition. If recruitment happens less than two months before judging starts, expect 15-20% dropout. Plan accordingly. That means recruiting more judges than you technically need, or at least having backup options ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Budget affects everything too. Can you pay judges (based on our experience that&#8217;s mostly unlikely)? Even modest honorariums (\u00a3500-\u00a32,000 depending on time commitment and <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/pricing-your-competition\/\" title=\"\">pricing strategy<\/a>) make securing commitments easier. If you&#8217;re relying entirely on goodwill, you need to offer something else of value: significant recognition, networking opportunities, genuine influence over outcomes that matter. However, if what you have to offer is &#8220;supporting your eco-system&#8221; &#8211; then the very least you can offer them is a perfect process (reducing the ask to only an hour).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-to-find\"><strong>Where judges hang out<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional associations and industry bodies are the obvious starting point. They often maintain directories of experts willing to volunteer time. The networking is built-in, which helps with recruitment conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your past winners make interesting judges, assuming they&#8217;ve developed enough experience since winning. They understand your programme from the inside, which can be valuable. But watch out for unconscious bias towards work that resembles their own winning entries. And make sure enough time has passed that they&#8217;re not judging against their peers (#awkward).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Academic institutions house experts in most fields. University faculty often have flexibility in their schedules and value service work. PhD candidates in relevant fields bring current research knowledge and fresh perspectives, though they may lack the industry recognition that attracts submissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Previous judges for other programmes worth approaching, particularly if those programmes align with yours. They already understand judging processes and commitments. Just make sure you&#8217;re not directly competing for the same candidate pool (there might be opportunities there for you to partner, but if you&#8217;re rivals you might want to skip that).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br>Online engagement \u2260 qualification<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media and professional networks reveal who&#8217;s actively engaged in your field. Someone regularly posting thoughtful commentary about your industry probably has opinions worth hearing (be sure to verify their actual expertise beyond online presence. Online engagement \u2260 qualification).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t overlook practitioners working outside major cities or internationally. Geographic diversity brings valuable perspectives, and video conferencing makes location largely irrelevant for most judging work these days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-515c3f106323f79451d2306e7d591c2e has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34d7f7af wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(143deg,rgba(127,219,202,0.61) 21%,rgba(255,107,107,0.45) 74%);margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a010d6200a7e32bad37e80b21d4e1c95 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32abe225 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b167b480f0a97ca07872b7020eb348f6\">Want more articles like this?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Give this one a like<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a763ec69 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-animated-heart  wpulike-is-pro\" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_restricted\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"62155\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"be49033e8a\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"post\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-animated-heart\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-likers-style=\"popover\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-append=\"&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop one&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop two&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop three&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop four&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop five&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop six&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop seven&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop eight&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop nine&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_image wp_post_btn_62155\"><svg class=\"wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-icon\" viewBox=\"0 -28 512.00002 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path\n\t\t\t\t\t\td=\"m471.382812 44.578125c-26.503906-28.746094-62.871093-44.578125-102.410156-44.578125-29.554687 0-56.621094 9.34375-80.449218 27.769531-12.023438 9.300781-22.917969 20.679688-32.523438 33.960938-9.601562-13.277344-20.5-24.660157-32.527344-33.960938-23.824218-18.425781-50.890625-27.769531-80.445312-27.769531-39.539063 0-75.910156 15.832031-102.414063 44.578125-26.1875 28.410156-40.613281 67.222656-40.613281 109.292969 0 43.300781 16.136719 82.9375 50.78125 124.742187 30.992188 37.394531 75.535156 75.355469 127.117188 119.3125 17.613281 15.011719 37.578124 32.027344 58.308593 50.152344 5.476563 4.796875 12.503907 7.4375 19.792969 7.4375 7.285156 0 14.316406-2.640625 19.785156-7.429687 20.730469-18.128907 40.707032-35.152344 58.328125-50.171876 51.574219-43.949218 96.117188-81.90625 127.109375-119.304687 34.644532-41.800781 50.777344-81.4375 50.777344-124.742187 0-42.066407-14.425781-80.878907-40.617188-109.289063zm0 0\" \/><\/svg><\/button><span class=\"count-box wp_ulike_counter_up\" data-ulike-counter-value=\"\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diverse-panels\"><strong>Panels that improve outcomes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Diverse judging panels aren&#8217;t just good optics (and we&#8217;ve seen plenty of the &#8220;optics&#8221; panels). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diverse panels catch excellent work that homogeneous panels miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When everyone on your panel shares similar backgrounds, training, and career paths, they share blind spots too. Work that challenges conventional thinking gets overlooked. Approaches unfamiliar to the panel get dismissed as &#8220;not quite right&#8221; rather than recognised as innovative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br><strong>Diverse judging panels aren&#8217;t just good optics. They catch excellent work that homogeneous panels miss.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Diversity means more than demographic representation (of course that is vital too). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider diversity across:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Career stage (emerging professionals see different strengths than established leaders)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional backgrounds (practitioners, academics, critics, administrators bring different lenses)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geographic location (regional perspectives matter)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industry sectors (cross-sector judges catch interdisciplinary innovation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And the very important race, gender, age, and other protected characteristics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Start building diversity from the onset, not when finalising your panel. If your long list of 20 potential judges all reflect light in the same way or all have XY genes, the problem isn&#8217;t your final selection &#8211; it&#8217;s your sourcing. Consider rebuilding that list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reach out intentionally to professional associations serving underrepresented communities, regional industry groups outside major cities, practitioners with excellent work but less public visibility. Don&#8217;t just add one person from an underrepresented group to an otherwise homogeneous panel and call it diverse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure on occasion your panel may end up looking a certain way (if you&#8217;re not paying, then it will be people who can afford to give their time for free)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Create an environment where all judges feel genuinely valued for their expertise, not tokenised. That means clear communication, respect for everyone&#8217;s time equally, and meaningful involvement in outcomes. If diverse judges feel like they&#8217;re there for appearances rather than genuine contribution, they won&#8217;t return.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"costs\"><strong>The real costs of judge management<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge management costs more than most organisations budget for. Not just honorariums (if you&#8217;re paying them), but coordination time that adds up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If each judge needs 30 minutes of onboarding, asks 5-10 questions during judging that take 15 minutes each to respond to properly, and requires 20 minutes of follow-up after judging concludes, <strong>you&#8217;re looking at 2-3 hours of coordination per judge<\/strong>. Five judges means 10-15 hours. Ten judges means 20-30 hours. There is some overlap and you can reduce this significantly with the right processes. (that&#8217;s separate from any actual judging you&#8217;re doing yourself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technical support adds more. Judges encounter login issues, forgotten passwords, scoring interface questions, media that won&#8217;t load properly. Someone needs to handle that (and quickly because judges work on tight schedules and get impatient quickly &#8211; and that&#8217;s understandable when you give your time for free!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"calculator\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-calculator\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 0C28.7 0 0 28.7 0 64L0 448c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l256 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-384c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L64 0zM96 64l192 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32l0 32c0 17.7-14.3 32-32 32L96 160c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32zm32 160a32 32 0 1 1 -64 0 32 32 0 1 1 64 0zM96 352a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64zM64 416c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zM192 256a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64zm32 64a32 32 0 1 1 -64 0 32 32 0 1 1 64 0zm64-64a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64zm32 64a32 32 0 1 1 -64 0 32 32 0 1 1 64 0zM288 448a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Quick calculation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A programme with 200 entries, 5 judges spending 3 minutes per entry, and coordination taking 2.5 hours per judge means roughly 62 hours of judge time and 12.5 hours of coordination time. At \u00a325\/hour, that&#8217;s \u00a31,875 in implicit costs even if nobody&#8217;s being paid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Conflict resolution takes time too. Judges disagree. Judges score wildly differently. Judges miss deadlines. Judges drop out. Each situation requires careful handling to maintain relationships and programme integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some programmes pay judges nothing beyond expense reimbursement, others offer \u00a3500-\u00a32,000 honorariums depending on time commitment. Corporate programmes sometimes pay significantly more. Celebrity judges might expect appearance fees for eye-watering figures (if you have those budgets, lucky you!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget travel and accommodation if you&#8217;re running in-person judging or bringing judges to your awards ceremony. Video calls reduce these costs substantially, but some programmes value face-to-face deliberation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some awards management systems can support you in minimising the costs above &#8211; but be mindful some of those cost per judge! Factor this into your budget alongside any judge payments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mid_post_cta has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-83858da6ced582519ce63fcfd9662766 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34d7f7af wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(103deg,rgba(242,145,160,0.7) 0%,rgba(187,215,242,0.73) 70%);margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div id=\"mid-cta-a\" class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f0a12e20b216dfc8dc951a5929df682a has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e4a18999 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-decc535b6327c1f7126198669a05008a\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0.2rem\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"envelope-open-text\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-envelope-open-text \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" style=\"font-size:1.4em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M288 33.9L96.4 175.8 254.5 293c5.3 3.9 11.2 6.9 17.5 8.7L272 464c0 5.5 .5 10.8 1.3 16L96 480c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-239.9c0-20.3 9.6-39.4 25.9-51.4L254.5-21c9.7-7.2 21.4-11 33.5-11s23.8 3.9 33.5 11L518.1 124.7c7.2 5.3 13.1 12 17.4 19.6-2.5-.2-5-.3-7.5-.3L436.6 144 288 33.9zM320 240c0-26.5 21.5-48 48-48l160 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 224c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-160 0c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48l0-224zm80 16c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24s10.7 24 24 24l96 0c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-96 0zm0 96c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24s10.7 24 24 24l56 0c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-56 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-8a0ce27d23f7e9cc6f0d594f1d06f2d9\">Insights like these straight to your inbox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Receive weekly tips from our founder to grow your program\u2019s impact; regardless of what tools you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-weekly-tips-mid-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/weekly-awards-and-competitions-insights\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><\/span> <span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"envelope\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-envelope \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M48 64c-26.5 0-48 21.5-48 48 0 15.1 7.1 29.3 19.2 38.4l208 156c17.1 12.8 40.5 12.8 57.6 0l208-156c12.1-9.1 19.2-23.3 19.2-38.4 0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48L48 64zM0 196L0 384c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l384 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-188-198.4 148.8c-34.1 25.6-81.1 25.6-115.2 0L0 196z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> Subscribe to Insights<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mid-cta-b\" class=\"wp-block-group hide has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ca05ccdaab1def85577cb2a6d6db569d has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e4a18999 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c35947b2679f7e019645ffbfe224e3d2\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0.2rem\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chart-line\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-line \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" style=\"font-size:1.4em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 64c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32S0 46.3 0 64L0 400c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80l400 0c17.7 0 32-14.3 32-32s-14.3-32-32-32L80 416c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16L64 64zm406.6 86.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L320 210.7 262.6 153.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0l-96 96c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l73.4-73.4 57.4 57.4c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l128-128z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-77a2863cd996b074853fbd2c95c9a19c\">Calculate when submissions will arrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Ever wondered if your award will hit its submission targets? Or how your program compares to industry standards?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-submissions-projection-mid-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/submission-projection-calculator\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"calculator\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-calculator \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 0C28.7 0 0 28.7 0 64L0 448c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l256 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-384c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L64 0zM96 64l192 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32l0 32c0 17.7-14.3 32-32 32L96 160c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32zm16 168a24 24 0 1 1 -48 0 24 24 0 1 1 48 0zm80 24a24 24 0 1 1 0-48 24 24 0 1 1 0 48zm128-24a24 24 0 1 1 -48 0 24 24 0 1 1 48 0zM88 352a24 24 0 1 1 0-48 24 24 0 1 1 0 48zm128-24a24 24 0 1 1 -48 0 24 24 0 1 1 48 0zm80 24a24 24 0 1 1 0-48 24 24 0 1 1 0 48zM64 424c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24l112 0c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24L88 448c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24zm232-24c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24-24-10.7-24-24 10.7-24 24-24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> Calculate submissions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"technology\"><strong>Why technology affects judge participation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your judging platform directly impacts judge willingness to participate and return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clunky systems frustrate judges immediately. If they spend 15 minutes just figuring out how to view entries, that&#8217;s 15 minutes not spent evaluating work. If they need to download files individually rather than viewing them in-browser, that&#8217;s friction that makes scoring entries feel like unnecessary labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"mobile-screen-button\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-mobile-screen-button\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M16 64C16 28.7 44.7 0 80 0L304 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 384c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64L80 512c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L16 64zM144 448c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l64 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16s-7.2-16-16-16l-64 0c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16zM304 64L80 64l0 320 224 0 0-320z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Judges work everywhere<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Busy professionals judge on trains, during lunch breaks, and late at night. If your platform only works on desktop, you&#8217;ve eliminated half their available time. Mobile-first design isn&#8217;t optional anymore &#8211; it&#8217;s essential for judge participation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Mobile accessibility increasingly matters. Judges are busy people. They judge on trains, during lunch breaks, late at night when family&#8217;s asleep. If your platform only works well on desktop, you&#8217;ve just eliminated half the potential judging time for many people (and you really don&#8217;t want to ask them to download an app&#8230;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that&#8217;s not all &#8211; you really want:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-02fcd9b9 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"star\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-star \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M309.5-18.9c-4.1-8-12.4-13.1-21.4-13.1s-17.3 5.1-21.4 13.1L193.1 125.3 33.2 150.7c-8.9 1.4-16.3 7.7-19.1 16.3s-.5 18 5.8 24.4l114.4 114.5-25.2 159.9c-1.4 8.9 2.3 17.9 9.6 23.2s16.9 6.1 25 2L288.1 417.6 432.4 491c8 4.1 17.7 3.3 25-2s11-14.2 9.6-23.2L441.7 305.9 556.1 191.4c6.4-6.4 8.6-15.8 5.8-24.4s-10.1-14.9-19.1-16.3L383 125.3 309.5-18.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Clear scoring interfaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clear scoring interfaces reduce decision fatigue. If judges spend mental energy figuring out how to record their assessment rather than making the assessment itself, quality suffers. Simple, intuitive scoring beats elaborate rubrics that confuse more than clarify.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4a83cbc0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"photo-film\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-photo-film \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M192 64c0-35.3 28.7-64 64-64L576 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 224c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-320 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-224zM320 96a32 32 0 1 0 -64 0 32 32 0 1 0 64 0zm156.5 11.5C472.1 100.4 464.4 96 456 96s-16.1 4.4-20.5 11.5l-54 88.3-17.9-25.6c-4.5-6.4-11.8-10.2-19.7-10.2s-15.2 3.8-19.7 10.2l-56 80c-5.1 7.3-5.8 16.9-1.6 24.8S279.1 288 288 288l256 0c8.7 0 16.7-4.7 20.9-12.3s4.1-16.8-.5-24.3l-88-144zM144 128l0 160c0 61.9 50.1 112 112 112l192 0 0 16c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64L64 480c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 192c0-35.3 28.7-64 64-64l80 0zM52 196l0 24c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l24 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-24c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-24 0c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16zm16 80c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16l0 24c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l24 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-24c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-24 0zm0 96c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16l0 24c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16l24 0c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-24c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-24 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>On Browser rich media support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rich media support is essential for many programmes. Images should display at proper resolution without requiring downloads to view. Video should play smoothly in-browser. Audio should work reliably. PDF documents should be readable without external viewers. When media doesn&#8217;t work properly, judges can&#8217;t judge properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4a83cbc0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"location-pin\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-location-pin \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M192 0C86 0 0 84.4 0 188.6 0 307.9 120.2 450.9 170.4 505.4 182.2 518.2 201.8 518.2 213.6 505.4 263.8 450.9 384 307.9 384 188.6 384 84.4 298 0 192 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Progress tracking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Help judges manage their own workflow. They should see at a glance how many entries they&#8217;ve scored, how many remain and view all their scores in order to review their choices. Without this visibility, judges lose track and miss entries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4a83cbc0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"comments\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-comments \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M384 144c0 97.2-86 176-192 176-26.7 0-52.1-5-75.2-14L35.2 349.2c-9.3 4.9-20.7 3.2-28.2-4.2s-9.2-18.9-4.2-28.2l35.6-67.2C14.3 220.2 0 183.6 0 144 0 46.8 86-32 192-32S384 46.8 384 144zm0 368c-94.1 0-172.4-62.1-188.8-144 120-1.5 224.3-86.9 235.8-202.7 83.3 19.2 145 88.3 145 170.7 0 39.6-14.3 76.2-38.4 105.6l35.6 67.2c4.9 9.3 3.2 20.7-4.2 28.2s-18.9 9.2-28.2 4.2L459.2 498c-23.1 9-48.5 14-75.2 14z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Chat \/ Commenting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Collaboration features matter for programmes using panel deliberation. Judges need to leave comments for co-judges, flag entries for group discussion. If your platform doesn&#8217;t support this, you&#8217;re managing deliberation through email threads, which becomes chaotic quickly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-04406d3e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"download\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-download \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 32c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32s-32 14.3-32 32l0 210.7-41.4-41.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l96 96c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l96-96c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L256 242.7 256 32zM64 320c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 32c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l320 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-32c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64l-46.9 0-56.6 56.6c-31.2 31.2-81.9 31.2-113.1 0L110.9 320 64 320zm304 56a24 24 0 1 1 0 48 24 24 0 1 1 0-48z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Export capabilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This matters for some judges who want their own records. CSV downloads of scores, PDF compilations of comments &#8211; not essential features but appreciated by judges who work on paper (back to diversity &#8211; an older generation may favour it).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Technical problems always surface at deadlines. Your platform needs reliable support. Judges shouldn&#8217;t wait three days for answers when they&#8217;re trying to meet your scoring deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clunky judging systems don&#8217;t just frustrate current judges. They ensure those judges never return. And they complain to peers who might have judged for you in future. Your technical choices have reputation implications beyond the immediate programme. A judge may even refuse to participate with you if you&#8217;re using a platform they had a bad experience with in the past on another award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"handling-issues\"><strong>Handling dropouts and difficult situations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite your best planning, judges drop out. They get sick. Family emergencies happen. Work commitments change. That big project they thought would finish before judging starts runs late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Build redundancy into your recruitment. Having one backup judge confirmed gives you options when someone drops out. Recruiting 10-15% more judges than you technically need provides a buffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"life-ring\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-life-ring\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M367.2 412.5L99.5 144.8C77.1 176.1 64 214.5 64 256c0 106 86 192 192 192c41.5 0 79.9-13.1 111.2-35.5zm45.3-45.3C434.9 335.9 448 297.5 448 256c0-106-86-192-192-192c-41.5 0-79.9 13.1-111.2 35.5L412.5 367.2zM0 256a256 256 0 1 1 512 0A256 256 0 1 1 0 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Always have a backup<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recruit 10-15% more judges than you technically need. Having one confirmed backup judge means you have options when the inevitable dropout happens. Prevention costs nothing; scrambling at the last minute may cost you your sanity (and lead to a few white hairs).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When dropouts happen close to deadlines, assess whether you can redistribute workload among remaining judges without compromising quality. If each judge was handling 30 entries, asking them to handle 35 might work. Asking them to handle 50 probably won&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communicate transparently with participants if judging gets delayed, but don&#8217;t name the judge who dropped out. That&#8217;s unprofessional and sets fire to a bridge unnecessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conflicts of interest surface regularly. Judges realise they know an entrant. Judges discover they competed for the same grant an entrant won. Judges recognise work from a colleague they dislike. Your process needs a clear, easy recusal mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some judges score consistently higher or lower than others. That&#8217;s normal -people have different standards. Your process should accommodate this through normalisation or discussion, not by pressuring judges to match arbitrary scoring patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Judges miss deadlines sometimes despite reminders. A friendly nudge usually works (some platforms can do that for you automatically). If it doesn&#8217;t, you need to know quickly so you can activate backup plans. Automated deadline tracking helps catch this early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Occasionally judges provide inadequate feedback. If you&#8217;ve promised entrants constructive comments and a judge writes &#8220;good&#8221; on every entry, that&#8217;s a problem. Address it privately and directly, emphasising the value proper feedback provides candidates. In the worst cases provide judges with templates for answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Very rarely, judges behave inappropriately &#8211; attempting to contact entrants directly, sharing confidential submission information, making discriminatory comments. Have a clear policy for addressing serious issues and don&#8217;t hesitate to remove judges when necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"retention\"><strong>Creating advocates<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First-year judges who have good experiences often return. But you can&#8217;t just assume they will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank judges properly when judging concludes. Ideally not a generic mass email. Give specific acknowledgment of their contribution. What insights did they bring? How did their perspective improve outcomes? Make them feel their work mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Share results and impact. Judges want to know what happened after they scored entries. Who won? How are winners being supported? What impact is your programme having? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel your judges have the time &#8211; ask for feedback on the judging process. What worked well? What frustrated them? What would make them more likely to judge again? If they give you feedback be sure to implement\/respond to suggestions. This shows you value their input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If multiple judges mentioned that instructions were unclear, revise them. If the scoring system confused people, simplify it. Showing continuous improvement makes judges feel heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintain relationships between competitions. Occasional updates about your organisation, early previews of next year&#8217;s programme, invitations to relevant events &#8211; stay connected (don&#8217;t stalk&#8230;stalking is always bad).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br><strong>Visibility has value (so do backlinks!)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognise judges publicly. Their names on your website year-round (not just during judging), mentions in impact reports, acknowledgment in communications with winners. Visibility has value (so do backlinks!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make returning easier than starting fresh. &#8220;Would you like to judge again next year?&#8221; asked at the right moment gets better response than cold recruitment emails 12 months later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The value of judge continuity is significant. Returning judges understand your process, maintain consistent standards across years, and provide valuable perspective on how entries evolve. First-year judges bring fresh eyes. You want both, but you definitely want some continuity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Remember &#8211; judges are investing in you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you&#8217;re paying judges, you&#8217;re almost certainly not paying them what their time is actually worth. They&#8217;re doing this because they care about the field, want to support emerging talent, or believe in your organisation&#8217;s mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Respect their time. Meet your own deadlines for providing information. Don&#8217;t change requirements halfway through. Make the technical side as smooth as possible. Respond quickly when they have questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trust their judgement (that&#8217;s why you invited them). If someone scores entries differently than you&#8217;d expect, that&#8217;s probably valuable perspective, not a problem to fix. Let judges judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Handle disagreements among judges professionally. Different perspectives produce different assessments &#8211; this is normal and healthy. Your process should accommodate genuine differences of opinion without forcing artificial consensus. The greatest entries will be the ones with the fiercest conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protect judges from harassment. If entrants contest results, you handle it. Judges shouldn&#8217;t be defending their decisions to upset participants. That&#8217;s your job as organiser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br><strong>The greatest entries will be the ones with the fiercest conversations.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that judging quality work is harder than it looks. Assessing 50 excellent entries and selecting winners requires genuine intellectual and emotional labour. Respect this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your judges shape how your programme is perceived. Respected judges lend credibility. Returning judges signal that your organisation treats people well. Diverse judges demonstrate commitment to inclusive excellence. Choose thoughtfully, treat them well, and invest in relationships that last beyond a single competition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9972a97b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:#bf3ea2;border-left-width:4px;background-color:#f4e7f180;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-26ac2763 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"kiwi-bird\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-kiwi-bird\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" color=\"#ae3485\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M291.2 388.4c31.2-18.8 64.7-36.4 101.1-36.4l55.7 0c4.6 0 9.1-.2 13.6-.7l85.3 121.9c4 5.7 11.3 8.2 17.9 6.1S576 471 576 464l0-240c0-70.7-57.3-128-128-128l-55.7 0C355.9 96 322.4 78.4 291.2 59.6 262.3 42.1 228.3 32 192 32 86 32 0 118 0 224 0 295.1 38.6 357.1 96 390.3L96 456c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-46c15.3 3.9 31.4 6 48 6 5.4 0 10.7-.2 16-.7l0 40.7c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-50.9c12.4-4.4 24.2-10 35.2-16.7zM448 200a24 24 0 1 1 0 48 24 24 0 1 1 0-48z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We can help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Zealous makes your judging easier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-tour-bottom-cta\"><a rel=\"\" target=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/demo\/judging\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\">Experience Judging Tour<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline secondary-cta is-style-outline--2\" id=\"host-product-bottom-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/submissions-management-platform\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\">View product &amp; features<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tertiary-cta has-medium-font-size\" id=\"host-8-others-bottom-cta\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">But we&#8217;re not alone in the space &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/resources\/best-award-management-software\/\" title=\"\">here are 8 others you may wish to consider<\/a> (even if we would prefer you choose us!).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:0\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Want us to write more content like this? Give it a like<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9366075c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-368c6775 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-animated-heart  wpulike-is-pro\" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_restricted\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"62155\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"be49033e8a\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"post\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-animated-heart\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-likers-style=\"popover\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-append=\"&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop one&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 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44.578125c-26.503906-28.746094-62.871093-44.578125-102.410156-44.578125-29.554687 0-56.621094 9.34375-80.449218 27.769531-12.023438 9.300781-22.917969 20.679688-32.523438 33.960938-9.601562-13.277344-20.5-24.660157-32.527344-33.960938-23.824218-18.425781-50.890625-27.769531-80.445312-27.769531-39.539063 0-75.910156 15.832031-102.414063 44.578125-26.1875 28.410156-40.613281 67.222656-40.613281 109.292969 0 43.300781 16.136719 82.9375 50.78125 124.742187 30.992188 37.394531 75.535156 75.355469 127.117188 119.3125 17.613281 15.011719 37.578124 32.027344 58.308593 50.152344 5.476563 4.796875 12.503907 7.4375 19.792969 7.4375 7.285156 0 14.316406-2.640625 19.785156-7.429687 20.730469-18.128907 40.707032-35.152344 58.328125-50.171876 51.574219-43.949218 96.117188-81.90625 127.109375-119.304687 34.644532-41.800781 50.777344-81.4375 50.777344-124.742187 0-42.066407-14.425781-80.878907-40.617188-109.289063zm0 0\" \/><\/svg><\/button><span class=\"count-box wp_ulike_counter_up\" 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xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13.982 10.622 20.54 3h-1.554l-5.693 6.618L8.745 3H3.5l6.876 10.007L3.5 21h1.554l6.012-6.989L15.868 21h5.245l-7.131-10.378Zm-2.128 2.474-.697-.997-5.543-7.93H8l4.474 6.4.697.996 5.815 8.318h-2.387l-4.745-6.787Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link-label screen-reader-text\">\n\t\t\tShare on X\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group au_row is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-527f440d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border au_img\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44104 lazyload\" style=\"border-radius:40px;object-fit:cover;width:80px;height:80px\" data-src=\"http:\/\/mused.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/11\/guy-armitage-zealous-1.webp\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group au_txt_block wp-container-content-9dbf05af has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c4ee154b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/team\/guyarmitage\/\" title=\"\">Guy Armitage<\/a> is the founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/?utm_source=guy_armitage&amp;utm_medium=blog_footer&amp;utm_campaign=founder_insight&amp;utm_id=founder_insight\" title=\"\">Zealous <\/a>and author of &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/everyoneiscreative.org\/?utm_source=guy_armitage&amp;utm_medium=blog_footer&amp;utm_campaign=founder_insight&amp;utm_id=founder_insight\" title=\"\">Everyone is Creative<\/a>&#8220;. He is on a mission to amplify the world&#8217;s creative potential.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>How many judges do I need for my awards programme?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>It depends on your entry volume and judging format. For programmes with under 100 entries, three to five judges typically works well, allowing for thorough evaluation without overwhelming anyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Programmes with 100-500 entries might need 5-10 judges, often working in panels. Above 500 entries, consider a multi-round process with an initial qualifying round to reduce judge workload. Factor in a 15-20% dropout rate if recruitment happens within two months of judging, and recruit accordingly. You might also want backup judges confirmed just in case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>When should I start recruiting judges for my competition?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Start 6-9 months before your submission deadline, especially if you&#8217;re targeting high-profile judges who book up quickly. Starting early gives you time to recover if your first choices decline, conduct proper outreach (most people need 2-3 contacts before responding), and handle the inevitable scheduling negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re planning to publicly announce your judging panel to boost submissions, you&#8217;ll need names confirmed at least 3-4 months before deadline. Early recruitment also significantly reduces dropout rates\u2014from 15-20% when recruiting late to just 5-10% when recruiting six months ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>Should I pay my judges or keep them as volunteers?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>There&#8217;s no universal answer, but transparency is essential. High-profile industry judges often expect honorariums of \u00a3500-\u00a32,000 depending on time commitment, with corporate programmes typically budgeting higher. Emerging professionals might value recognition and networking over payment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At minimum, cover reasonable expenses for travel or materials. Whatever you decide, state it clearly in your initial outreach\u2014judges appreciate knowing expectations upfront. If budget constraints mean you can&#8217;t pay what judges deserve, be honest and work harder on providing other forms of value like visibility, networking, or genuine influence over outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>How do I build a diverse judging panel without it feeling like tokenism?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Start by auditing your longlist for representation gaps across race, gender, age, geography, professional background, and career stage\u2014not just your final selections. If your list of 20 potential judges lacks diversity, rebuild it rather than adding one or two people at the end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Actively reach out to professional associations serving underrepresented communities, regional industry groups outside major cities, and excellent practitioners without huge public profiles yet. Most importantly, create an environment where all judges feel genuinely valued for their expertise through clear communication, respect for their time, and meaningful involvement in outcomes. Diversity improves judging quality by bringing varied perspectives that catch excellent work homogeneous panels miss.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>What should I do if a judge drops out close to the deadline?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>First, assess whether you can redistribute their workload among remaining judges without compromising quality. If each judge was handling 30 entries, asking them to handle 35 might work. Asking them to handle 50 probably won&#8217;t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If redistribution isn&#8217;t feasible, activate your backup judge immediately\u2014this is why recruiting one extra option is smart planning. Communicate transparently with participants if judging will be delayed, but don&#8217;t name the judge who dropped out. For future competitions, get written confirmations with specific date commitments and check in monthly as the date approaches to catch potential dropouts earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>How can I make judging less time-consuming for busy professionals?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Choose a platform that works seamlessly on mobile devices, displays rich media directly in the browser without downloads, and has genuinely intuitive scoring interfaces. Be realistic about time commitments upfront\u2014calculate hours based on entry numbers and criteria complexity, then add 20% because it always takes longer than expected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider multi-round judging where initial qualifying narrows the field before detailed evaluation begins. Automated reminders help judges stay on track without requiring constant manual follow-up from you. Most importantly, provide clear instructions before judging starts and make technical support easily accessible when issues arise.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>Should judging be blind or should judges know who submitted entries?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>This depends on your programme goals and industry norms. Blind judging (where judges don&#8217;t see submitter names or organisations) reduces unconscious bias and works well for purely merit-based awards. However, some programmes deliberately assess entries in context\u2014you might judge a small organisation&#8217;s work differently than a major institution&#8217;s given different resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose non-blind judging, implement clear conflict of interest policies and easy recusal processes. Many programmes use hybrid approaches: blind initial rounds to surface the strongest work, then open final judging where context matters for determining winners. Consider what serves your specific programme goals best rather than following a universal rule.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Build a judging panel that shows up. Practical guide: recruitment timing, diverse panels, real costs, handling dropouts. 6-9 month timeline included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":59292,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"wp-custom-template-post-org-insight","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[499],"tags":[910],"class_list":["post-62155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights","tag-managing-awards"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62155\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59292"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}