THE GOLDEN THREADS 2026
At the heart of every successful organisation are its people - their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Our Golden THREADS represent the core values and principles that bind us together, shaping not only how we work but how we celebrate and support one another.
The Golden THREADS Staff Recognition Event is our way of celebrating those who exemplify these values in extraordinary ways. This year, we are excited to invite you to take part in this special celebration by nominating employees who inspire, innovate, and make a difference every day.
This nomination pack is your guide to recognising the individuals and teams who embody the ethos of our organisation. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know about the nomination process, the award categories, and what we’re looking for in our Golden THREADS recipients. Whether it’s a quiet act of kindness, an exceptional achievement, or a demonstration of leadership and teamwork, your nominations help us shine a light on those moments that truly matter.
By taking a few moments to nominate someone, you are helping to weave the fabric of recognition and gratitude that strengthens us as an organisation. Together, we can ensure that everyone’s efforts and contributions are valued and celebrated.
Thank you for helping us recognise the remarkable individuals who make our organisation thrive. Your involvement in this process is an essential part of creating a culture where excellence is acknowledged and success is shared. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the incredible achievements of our team at this year’s event.
Entries close: 5pm Tuesday 31 March 2026
Please contact the team if you have any questions on the below:
E. internalcomms@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Best of luck!
RICHARD BAKER GM MSC Chief Executive
COUNCILLOR LEAH KIRKPATRICK Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey
GENERAL INFORMATION
Key Dates
• Entries open: Friday 27 February 2026
• Entries close: 5pm Tuesday 31 March 2026
• Judging: w/c 6 April 2026
• Shortlist announced: Friday 17 April 2026
• Golden THREADS Award Ceremony 2026: Thursday 28 May 2026, 6pm–8.30pm, Theatre at The Mill, Mossley Mill
How to enter
All entries can be submitted by using the downloadable nomination form or the online form, both available on iConnect. All downloadable forms should be emailed to internalcomms@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk by the closing date.
Golden THREADS Award Ceremony 2026
The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 28 May 2026, 6pm–8.30pm, Theatre at The Mill, Mossley Mill. The ceremony will also recognise and celebrate those who have achieved long service milestones. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the ceremony and winners will be announced on the night.
Lounge Suit/Semi-Formal Dress Code.
CATEGORIES
This year, the Golden THREADS Awards are structured around five clear themes:
• Living Our Values
• Working Better Together
• Innovating for the Future
• Making a Difference
• Outstanding Achievement
The themed approach helps highlight not just what we achieve, but how we achieve it — recognising behaviours, collaboration and impact aligned to our THREADS values.
You’ll also notice an increased focus on team awards this year. This reflects the importance of teamwork, cross-service collaboration and shared success in delivering our goals. By recognising teams as well as individuals, we’re celebrating the collective effort that drives our organisation forward.
CATEGORIES
LIVING OUR VALUES
THREADS Values Champion (Individual)
Honours an individual who truly lives the THREADS values every day, setting the standard through their behaviours, relationships and positive influence on workplace culture.
Inspiring Leadership Award (Individual)
Celebrates a leader who inspires others through inclusive, values-led leadership, motivates teams to achieve their best, and creates a culture of trust, collaboration and accountability.
Wellbeing Advocate Award (Individual or Team)
Celebrates those who champion wellbeing, inclusion and kindness, helping to create a supportive, healthy and positive workplace for all.
WORKING BETTER TOGETHER
Team of the Year (Team)
Celebrates a team that consistently demonstrates the THREADS values, works brilliantly together and delivers outstanding results.
One Organisation Award (Cross-Team / Partnership)
Recognises exceptional collaboration across teams, services or partners, celebrating those who break down silos and deliver success together.
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
Trailblazer Award (Individual or Team)
Recognises bold thinking and innovation, celebrating those who have introduced fresh ideas or new ways of working that have made a real difference.
Continuous Improvement Award (Team)
Honours a team that never stands still – using insight, learning and collaboration to improve services, processes or outcomes for the better.
Green Innovator Award (Individual or Team)
Celebrates passion and leadership in sustainability, recognising those who champion greener practices and inspire others to think and act more sustainably.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Customer Hero Award (Individual or Team)
Celebrates exceptional service, recognising those who consistently go the extra mile to deliver outstanding experiences for customers and stakeholders.
Local Champion Award (Individual or Team)
Honours outstanding commitment to community, social responsibility or partnership working that makes a positive difference beyond our organisation.
Unsung Hero Award (Individual)
Shines a spotlight on those who quietly go above and beyond, celebrating dedication, reliability and behind-the-scenes impact that truly matters.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Rising Star Award (Individual)
Recognises emerging talent early in their career who are already making a big impact through enthusiasm, learning, innovation and growth.
Employee of the Year (Individual)
The highest individual honour – celebrating someone who consistently delivers excellence, embodies our values and inspires others through their dedication and positive attitude.
CATEGORY CRITERIA
Each award category includes clear criteria to help nominators identify the behaviours, impact and values being recognised. The criteria focus on what was achieved, how it was achieved, and how individuals or teams demonstrate the THREADS values in their work. Nominators are encouraged to provide specific examples that show real impact. Each nomination will be scored against the following criteria. To ensure fairness and consistency, weighted scoring is used to place greater emphasis on impact and values.
LIVING OUR VALUES
THREADS Values Champion (Individual)
• Consistently demonstrates the THREADS values in day-to-day work
• Acts as a positive role model for colleagues
• Contributes to a respectful, inclusive and engaged workplace culture
Inspiring Leadership Award (Individual)
• Leads with integrity, inclusion and clarity
• Motivates and supports others to perform at their best
• Encourages collaboration, trust and accountability
Wellbeing Advocate Award (Individual or Team
• Actively supports wellbeing, inclusion or psychological safety
• Promotes a positive and supportive working environment
• Encourages openness, care and respect for others
WORKING BETTER TOGETHER
Team of the Year (Team)
• Demonstrates strong teamwork and shared ownership
• Consistently lives the THREADS values
• Delivers positive outcomes through collaboration
One Organisation Award (Cross-Team / Partnership)
• Shows excellent collaboration across teams or services
• Breaks down silos to achieve shared goals
• Delivers clear benefits through partnership working
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
Trailblazer Award (Individual or Team)
• Introduces innovative ideas or new ways of working
• Demonstrates creativity and problem-solving
• Makes a positive and lasting impact
Continuous Improvement Award (Team)
• Uses learning, insight or feedback to improve services or processes
• Demonstrates commitment to improvement and learning
• Achieves measurable or visible improvements
Green Innovator Award (Individual or Team)
• Champions environmentally sustainable practices
• Promotes greener ways of working
• Encourages others to adopt sustainable behaviours
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Customer Hero Award (Individual or Team)
• Delivers exceptional service to customers or stakeholders
• Goes above and beyond expectations
• Demonstrates professionalism, care and empathy
Local Champion Award (Individual or Team)
• Makes a positive contribution to the local community
• Supports social responsibility or partnership initiatives
• Represents the organisation positively
Unsung Hero Award (Individual)
• Makes a positive contribution to the local community
• Supports social responsibility or partnership initiatives
• Represents the organisation positively
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Rising Star Award (Individual)
• Early in their career (typically under 5 years’ experience)
• Demonstrates strong performance, learning and growth
• Shows enthusiasm, initiative and potential
Local Champion Award (Individual or Team)
• Consistently delivers outstanding performance
• Acts as a role model for behaviours and values
• Demonstrates dedication, reliability and a positive attitude
ENTRY RULES FOR THE GOLDEN THREADS STAFF RECOGNITION EVENT
To ensure fairness and clarity, the following rules apply to all nominations submitted for the Golden THREADS Staff Recognition Event:
1. Eligibility
• All Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council employees are eligible to be nominated, regardless of their role or department.
• Nominations may be submitted for individuals or teams who have demonstrated alignment with our organisation’s values and the category.
2. Nomination Criteria
• Nominations must align with the award categories outlined in this pack.
• The nominee(s) should have achieved or contributed something exceptional, demonstrating the values, behaviours, and standards of excellence that reflect our Golden THREADS.
• Evidence should be provided to support the nomination, including examples of specific actions, outcomes, or impacts.
3. Who Can Nominate
• Nominations can be submitted by any current employee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
• Self-nominations are not permitted.
4. Submission Process
• Nominations must be submitted via the official nomination form included in this pack or through the designated tile on iConnect by the stated deadline.
• All sections of the nomination form must be completed in full for the submission to be valid.
5. Deadline for Nominations
• The closing date for nominations is Tuesday 31 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
6. Judging Process
• All nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges.
• Judges will assess nominations based on the provided criteria and supporting evidence.
• The decisions of the judging panel are final.
7. Award Categories
• Each nomination must clearly specify the award category for which the nominee(s) is being submitted. Refer to the award categories section for detailed descriptions.
8. Confidentiality
• All nominations will be treated confidentially. Information provided will only be shared with the judging panel and Organisation Development Team as necessary.
9. Notification of Shortlisted Nominees
• Shortlisted nominees will be notified in advance of the event and may be asked to provide additional information or consent to feature in event materials.
10. Recognition and Awards
• Winners will be announced at the Golden THREADS Staff Recognition Event on 28 May 2026.
By participating in the nomination process, you agree to abide by these rules. Thank you for helping us recognise the exceptional contributions of our employees and for celebrating the Golden THREADS that connect us all.
AWARD NOMINATION TEMPLATE
Instructions:
Please complete the form below to nominate an individual or team for an award. Provide specific examples and details to support your nomination. Ensure that all required fields (*) are completed before submission.
1. Award Category:*
(Select the category for which you are nominating the individual or team)
{ THREADS Values Champion (Individual)
{ Inspiring Leadership Award (Individual)
{ Wellbeing Advocate Award (Individual or Team)
{ Team of the Year (Team)
{ One Organisation Award (Cross-Team / Partnership)
{ Trailblazer Award (Individual or Team)
{ Continuous Improvement Award (Team)
{ Green Innovator Award (Individual or Team)
{ Customer Hero Award (Individual or Team)
{ Local Champion Award (Individual or Team)
{ Unsung Hero Award (Individual)
{ Rising Star Award (Individual)
{ Employee of the Year (Individual)
2. Nominee Information:
• * Name of the Nominee/Team Name:
• * Department/Team:
• * Role/Position:
3. Nominator Information:
• * Your Name:
• * Your Role/Position:
• * Contact Email:
AWARD NOMINATION TEMPLATE
4. Nomination Details:
a. * Why are you nominating this individual/team for the selected award? (Provide a brief overview of why you believe they deserve this recognition) (150 words)
b. * Describe specific examples or achievements that demonstrate how the nominee meets the award criteria. (Include measurable outcomes, actions taken, and any challenges overcome) (500 words)
c. * How has the nominee made a positive impact on the organisation, team, or community? (Highlight their contributions and the significance of their impact) (300 words)
d. For team awards only (if applicable), describe how the team collaborated effectively and aligned with organisational values. (500 words)
5. Additional Information (Optional):
If you have any additional comments, recognitions, or supporting documentation, please include them here or attached in an email. (200 words)
6. Confirmation:
I confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
{ Yes
Once completed, please submit this form via iConnect or email internalcomms@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
All nominations must be submitted by 5pm Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Thank you for taking the time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our employees.
