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Judging Panel

The Hunter Safety Awards is rebuilding on a simple promise: recognition has to be earned. At the centre of that promise is a Judging Panel of an independent, credible panel of people with diverse WHS, operational and industry experience from across the Hunter Region.

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The Judging Panel is separate from the HSA Advisory Panel. Sponsors have no role in judging, and no say in outcomes.

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Good WHS is demonstrated through how work is designed, led and carried out — not through tick-the-box compliance. You do not need a big title or a big organisation. You need real WHS experience, good judgement, and the courage to be fair.

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​What judges will do

  • Review and score nominations against published criteria.

  • Take part in finalist vetting, which may include reference checks, video or panel interviews and site visits.

  • Declare any conflict of interest for every nomination and step away where one exists.

  • Attend judging meetings and take part in robust, respectful discussion.

  • Keep all nominations and deliberations strictly confidential until outcomes are announced.

  • Represent the Awards with integrity, in public and online.

Who can apply

  • People who can demonstrate substantial professional experience and connection to the Hunter

  • WHS professionals, business owners, operational and frontline leaders, and people from allied health, wellbeing, training and regulatory backgrounds

  • People who can demonstrate independence from sponsors and nominees, or who can clearly disclose and manage any connection

  • Applications from SMEs, regional businesses, frontline leaders and early-career professionals are strongly encouraged

 

Submitting an EOI does not guarantee appointment. All applications are assessed against the same criteria, and final appointments are made in accordance with the Hunter Safety Awards Governance Framework.

What we are asking of you

Term: 6 months

Time: Approximately 15 hours across the nomination review, finalist vetting and judging meetings

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Recognition: Publicly named on the Hunter Safety Awards website following the announcement of finalists and in the Awards program, with a short bio​.

How judging works

  • Entries are assessed against published criteria and the evidence provided, not organisation size, profile, sponsorship, presentation quality or existing relationships with the Awards.

  • Judges score entries independently before coming together to discuss finalists and outcomes. Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed throughout the process. Finalists may be subject to additional verification, including reference checks, interviews or site visits.​

About You
Experience and Judgement

Judges need real, hands-on WHS credibility. You do not need a big title or a big organisation.

Independence and Conflicts of Interest

The credibility of the Awards depends on judges who are, and are seen to be, independent. Disclosing a connection does not automatically exclude you. Failing to disclose one will.

Are you, or is any organisation you work for, own or are contracted to, a current or past sponsor or partner of the Hunter Safety Awards, or have you entered or been nominated in the past three years, or plan to enter, nominate or sponsor in 2027?
Yes
No
Unsure
If assigned a nomination where you have a connection, would you declare it and step away?
Yes
No
Unsure
Motivation, Availability and Sign-off
Can you commit to the time outlined in this EOI, including reviewing nominations, judging meetings and any finalist interviews or site visits? Are you comfortable being named publicly with a short bio?
Yes
No
After you apply

  • Your application will be acknowledged upon submission.

  • All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email with the next steps.

  • Unsuccessful applicants will be thanked and invited to stay involved through the community, meetups and nominations.

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