Terms and Conditions for the Making Better Happen Awards

By entering the “Making Better Happen” awards those who wish to participate/enter agree to the following terms and conditions:

 
1. Eligibility

•    Entry is open to any group involved in waste, biodiversity, recycling, circular economy and sustainability initiatives based in the Republic of Ireland.
•    Each participating group must consist of one or more.
•    Where Parental/guardian consent must be obtained for any child appearing in photos or video content submitted as part of the challenge.

2. How to Enter

•    Participating groups must register their initiative by the stated deadline via the official sign up process communicated by An Post.
•    Entry submissions (photos/videos) must be sent via the official An Post email address or WhatsApp number provided in the Participation email.
•    Entries received without the required signed parental consent forms will not be eligible to progress or be featured.

3. Competition Format

The Making Better Happen Awards recognises and celebrates groups across Ireland who are actively making a positive impact in areas such as sustainability, biodiversity, waste reduction, and the circular economy.

•    Participating groups will submit an entry outlining their initiative, including supporting materials such as photos, videos, or written descriptions that demonstrate their work and impact.
•    Submissions should clearly communicate the purpose of the initiative, how it was delivered, and the outcomes achieved to date.
•    Entries may be featured across An Post’s communications channels, including social media, to showcase the breadth of projects taking place nationwide.
•    A shortlist of entries will be selected by an internal judging panel based on the criteria outlined below.
•    Participating groups will then go to public vote. Votes will be counted on our website (anpost.com/makingbetterhappenawards and our on Instagram page via polls on @AnPostOfficial
•    Shortlisted groups may be invited to provide additional information or take part in further promotion or storytelling opportunities.
•    Four finalists from each province will progress to the final stage, where an overall winner will be selected.


4. Judging Criteria

Entries will be assessed by an An Post judging panel in tandem with public votes to ensure fairness and will be based on the following criteria:

•    Impact: The extent to which the initiative has delivered measurable or meaningful positive change within the community or environment.
•    Innovation: The originality and creativity of the idea or approach.
•    Sustainability: How the initiative promotes long-term environmental, social, or economic sustainability.
•    Engagement: The level of participation, collaboration, and community involvement.
•    Storytelling and Clarity: How clearly and compellingly the initiative is communicated through the submission materials.

Public votes via social and website will also be counted as part of the overall assessment.

The decision of the judging panel is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

5. Prizes

The winning class will receive:
•    €1250 will be awarded to the winning group in each Provence. 000 One4All voucher and book hamper for their class library as well as framed certificates for the students who took part. 
•    €4,000 Euro will be awarded to the overall winner (winning entry per Provence will go into the final and the winner of the final will be awarded an additional €4000.

6. Timeline

•    Key dates, submission deadlines, and voting periods will be clearly outlined on our website anpost.com/makingbetterhappenawards
•    An Post reserves the right to amend dates if required.

7. Media, Photography & Content Use

•    Groups retain ownership of their submitted content.
•    By entering, participants and parents/guardians grant An Post permission to:
•    Share submitted photos and videos on An Post social media channels and related promotional platforms
•    No full name will be published. Content may reference the group / initiative and location only.
•    Content may be viewed, shared, or downloaded by the public once published online.
•    Parental/guardian consent can be withdrawn for future use at any time; however, previously published content cannot be recalled.

8. Child Safety & Appropriate Content

•    All submitted content must be age appropriate, respectful, and safe.
•    Content must not include:
•    Offensive language
•    Inappropriate gestures or themes
•    Personal information about pupils
•    Any content deemed unsuitable may be excluded or removed at An Post’s discretion.

9. Data Protection

•    Personal data will be processed in line with Irish and EU data protection legislation.
•    Images or videos featuring children will be retained only for legitimate promotional purposes and for a limited period, as outlined in the Parental Consent Form.
•    Parents/guardians have the right to contact An Post or the Data Protection Commission regarding any concerns.

10. General

•    An Post reserves the right to amend, suspend, or cancel the competition if necessary.
•    Participation is voluntary, and no fee is required to enter.
•    These Terms and Conditions are governed by Irish law.

11. Contact

For queries or support, participants can contact:
📧 MakingBetterHappen@anpost.ie
WhatApp Number - 0879932656