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The PRCA is delighted to announce the sixth annual Douglas Smith Prize for young public affairs professional of the year. The award is accompanied by a £500 prize, in memory of PRCA founding fellow Douglas Smith.

Applicants should submit an article on the following subject: “Who is winning the post-referendum communications battle over Brexit?”

The entry can be up to 1,000 words in length. This should be supported by a 300 word endorsing statement by someone you work with on a day-to-day basis.

Applicants must be 27 or younger on the date of closing.

The entry, endorsement, and interview will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovative approach to public affairs;
  • Enthusiasm and dedication;
  • Contribution to team morale and ethos;
  • Willingness to pass on knowledge and/or mentoring;
  • Contribution to politics and community outside of work.

Applications must be sent to douglassmith.award@prca.org.uk by 17:00  on Thursday, 18th October, 2018 and the shortlist will be announced on Thursday, 25th October, 2018. This will be followed by an interview with the shortlisted candidates.

The winner will be announced at The PRCA Public Affairs Awards 2018 on Thursday 29th November. All shortlisted candidates will receive a complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony.

The Douglas Smith Prize was launched in 2013 in memory of PRCA Founding Fellow Douglas Smith. Previous winners of the award include: Rhiannon Hughes from Whizz Kids (2013), Lincoln Hill from Weber Shandwick (2014), Simon Richards from FleishmanHillard Fishburn (2015), Liz Laurence from Weber Shandwick (2016), and Natasha Silkin from PB Consulting (2017).