The guide dog sector is notable for the number of people who dedicate their working lives to the service of others. Named after IGDF’s founding First Chair, Major-General John Groom, The John Groom Long Service Award has been developed to celebrate the commitment of these individuals and recognise their contribution.
Prior to each IGDF Conference, IGDF Member Organisations will be invited to nominate individuals for a Long Service Award if they have completed 20+ years of service within the guide dog sector.
These individuals will be presented with a certificate and pin at the IGDF Conference Gala Dinner. If not in attendance at the conference, the recognition pin and certificate will be sent to the individual. There will be a separate pin and certificate for those individuals who have served:
- 20 – 29 years
- 30 – 39 years
- 40 – 49 years
- 50+ years
Eligibility
- To be nominated for a Long Service Award, an individual shall have worked continuously in the guide dog sector for at least 20 years by the date of the Conference at which the Award is to be presented.
- This service does not have to have been completed at a single organisation, but must have been continuous.
- Any IGDF Member Organisation may nominate individuals for a Long Service Award.
- The individual(s) being nominated shall be a current employee, or have retired from employment at that organisation since the previous Conference at which Long Service Awards were presented.
- It is the responsibility of the member organisation making the nomination to satisfy themselves that these criteria have been met.
Nominations
- Nominations will be sought by the IGDF office in the months leading up to each IGDF Conference. The nominations window shall last for at least 1 month and shall be advertised in the E-Newsletter, Visionary, IGDF website and all-member emails.
- To nominate staff to receive a Long Service Award, the CEO or authorised representative of each member organisation must submit a single list of names, clearly indicating the number of years’ service completed by each individual, and whether they will be attending the Conference to receive their Award in person.
- IGDF shall accept a single list of nominees from each member organisation during each nomination window. It is the responsibility of each member organisation to ensure that the list of nominees is complete and accurate and that it is submitted before the nomination deadline.
- IGDF prepares a certificate and pin for each individual nominated. The certificate shall state the number of years completed (20, 30, 40, or 50).
- Awards will be presented at the IGDF Conference Gala Dinner. The names of all recipients are read out, and any individuals present shall be invited to come forward and receive their Award in person from the Chair of IGDF.
- Awards for individuals not attending the Conference are posted to their organisation’s main office address.
2025 Conference
The nomination window for recipients of the John Groom Award for long service is now open.
Nominations should be sent to the IGDF office enquiries@igdf.org.uk no later than Friday 25th April 2025. Nominations after this date will not be accepted.
