New categories launched to reward outstanding achievement in skills development and social media

The Corporate IT Forum, the leading representative of large corporate IT users, is calling for entries to its 8th annual Real IT Awards. Designed and judged by large, enterprise-level IT leaders, the awards aim to recognise those IT projects that have contributed to real business success. Past winners include Marks and Spencer, Volkswagen, City of Westminster and Pizza Express, whichscooped last year’s IT Project of the Year.

Over the next month organisations are encouraged to submit details of IT projects that have delivered tangible business benefits in 13 categories, six of which are brand new for this year and have been introduced to reflect the latest industry developments and changing priorities of corporate IT users.

As part of its commitment to the training and skills challenge, a critical issue for its advisory board members, the Corporate IT Forum has launched two new categories aimed at organisations nurturing new industry talent and at individuals destined to become the IT stars of tomorrow.

The Developing Talent in Business award will recognise a ‘Best-in-Class’ approach to mentoring and skills within an organisation, while the Home Grown IT Talent award will go to an undergraduate nominated by an educational establishment for demonstrating excellence in Business IT.

Also new this year, the Social Media award will recognise social media approaches that have enhanced an organisation’s business, finances or reputation and supported the achievement of its business objectives. Twitter, Facebook, Apps and Mobile strategies will all be considered.

John Harris says, “Last year we were blown away by the range, quality and ingeniousness of the entries we received for the Real IT Awards, so we havevery high expectations for this year. We are eager to hear from organisations that can demonstrate the positive impact IT has had on their business and are especially keen to hear from any that are going the extra mile to develop talent within their business. Training tomorrow’s IT leaders is a major concern for our members so we are keen to showcase best practice examples from which others can learn.”

Submissions for the awards close on 23 December2011, with the award ceremony being held in March 2012.