Over the last few months we have been asking you, the public, to nominate the individuals, groups and organisations who you think are making amazing contributions to building community in Bristol and deserve some wider recognition. We were delighted to receive over 270 nominations!
Following a judging process, with nominations reviewed by a panel of representatives from the business, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE), and public sectors with expertise in each category, we are pleased to announce the following shortlisted candidates. Each one has been invited to our awards celebration evening on 29th February, where the winners will be announced.
The Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion
This award, in memory of Batook Pandya MBE, founder of SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality), is for a social purpose organisation that recognises, promotes, and celebrates inclusion.
The Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is for an individual who has made a notable difference through their volunteer work in the community, making an inspirational contribution to the VCSE sector.
The Equity and Diversity Award
This award is for an organisation in the VCSE sector that has embedded equitable approaches throughout its strategy and delivery to achieve better diversity.
The Inspirational Community Leader Award
This award is for an individual who has made a difference in the community and/or the whole city through volunteering, campaigning, or leading others to make a difference to our community life in Bristol. This award has been kindly supported by The Nisbet Trust.
The Partnership Award
This award recognises excellence in partnership working and celebrates collaborative leadership from social purpose organisations in the sector. This award has been kindly supported by the University of Bristol.
The Environmental Award
In response to the global climate emergency, this award is for a social purpose organisation that has either taken actions to contribute to the target of a carbon neutral Bristol by 2030 or supported collective climate action in their community or citywide.This award has been kindly supported by The Society of Merchant Venturers.
The Young Community Leader Award
This award is for a young person or group of young people (aged 16-25) that have made a difference in their community and/or the whole city through volunteering, campaigning or leading others to make an inspiring contribution to the VCSE sector. This award has been kindly supported by City of Bristol College.
The Team of the Year Award
This award celebrates a team in a VCSE sector organisation that works exceptionally well together, for the benefit of the people and communities they aim to help. This award has been kindly supported by KPMG.
The Bristol Innovation Award
This award recognises and celebrates social purpose organisations leading innovative new approaches to tackling poverty and inequality in our city. This award has been kindly supported by Burges Salmon.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis Response Award
This award recognises an organisation that has taken unprecedented action to build and strengthen their resilience, showing adaptability, and allowing them to respond to the challenges of the Cost-of- Living Crisis.
The Good Governance Award
This award recognises social purpose organisations going above and beyond to implement great governance and celebrates the impact this has on their sustainability.
The Lorraine Bush Award for Resilience
This award, in memory of Lorraine Bush, a key member of the team who set up Hawkspring, is for an organisation that has demonstrated inspiring resilience.
Look out for when we announce the winners at the start of March!