Defence

Who can submit an idea?

Anyone, Service, civilian, industrial or non-industrial, part time, casual, locally employed - all can make a contribution under the GEMS Scheme. Ideas can be submitted by individuals or by teams.

What about contractor's staff?

They can submit ideas too, provided their ideas benefit the MOD and are not already covered by the contract.

Are Total Quality (TQ) organisations barred from GEMS?

No. Ideas are welcome from staff in organisations that practice TQ techniques. Account will be taken, when reaching an award decision, of the extent to which staff have been directed to develop their idea as part of their duties.

Can I suggest to my staff particular areas to look at for their ideas?

Yes. Managers are encouraged to invite ideas on any aspect of their organisation and to have the successful suggestion entered for a GEMS award.

What sort of ideas?

Anything that results in an improvement to the MOD or the Services. Ideas don't have to be complicated or 'technical', in fact the simple ideas are often the best. They may relate to your local area, or have wider use within the MOD.

How big are the awards?

That really depends on your idea. Awards can range from, say, £100 to tens of thousands of pounds!

What are the chances of me getting an award?

Again, that depends on your idea, but current statistics show that more than half of all ideas submitted receive an award.

How can I increase my chances of getting an award?

Think carefully about how your idea could be put into practice and what would improve as a result. A little time spent on researching and developing a practical solution is likely to be more successful than a "what if " approach.

What if it's my job?

Ideas that are wholly within your job terms of reference will not normally be awarded. However, many successful ideas come from people who spot opportunities in the course of their work and whose initiative in developing solutions goes beyond what could reasonably be expected of them.

What if my idea is already in use?

You are still able to enter it as a GEMS suggestion (provided this is not more than 3 years after the date of implementation). An important note of the GEMS Scheme is to provide recognition for good ideas that are put into practices.

What about IT suggestions?

While IT-related ideas are welcomed, the widespread availability of IT skills and software perhaps means that a suggestion must go beyond what would normally be expected to qualify for a GEMS award.

How can an Award Group understand my idea?

Award Groups do not have to be expert in the particular field of your idea – that is the job of the evaluator, to whom ideas are sent. The evaluator is chosen from the organisation which has particular responsibility for the topic covered by your idea; for example an idea concerning equipment will be sent to the appropriate equipment manager. The role of the awards group is to confirm the eligibility of your idea and reach an award decision based on the evaluator’s advice and the detailed GEMS instructions issued to them.

Why should people receive awards just for doing their job?

Only in very exceptional circumstances will someone be eligible for a GEMS award for something that is wholly within his/her normal duties. Their idea would have to be very exceptional, have very widespread use or have been adapted for a role significantly different from that for which it was originally intended. However many good ideas come from staff who spot opportunities in the course of their work, but which are not strictly part of their job responsibilities. It is right that their initiative should be recognised and rewarded.

Why are some awards taxed?

The GEMS Scheme operates under very favourable tax exemptions agreed with the Inland Revenue. This means that most GEMS awards are paid free of tax, except those which relate to normal duty, or for awards above £5,000 where the amount above £5,000 is taxed. The Inland Revenue rules also allow the tax-free payment of encouragement awards up to £50.

Who benefits from the savings generated by ideas?

GEMS is a Defence-wide scheme, which encourages all staff to submit ideas affecting any part of the Defence organisation. Savings resulting from ideas will benefit whichever budget is affected by the idea. Budget holders may use these savings for improvements within their organisation or to contribute to their efficiency targets. As all awards are paid from a central budget, it certainly pays budget holders to encourage GEMS in their areas.

How does GEMS compare with other ideas schemes?