Voluntary and Community Sector Awards

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of volunteers and community organisations across the borough.

Residents and VCS groups now have the opportunity to recognise those who have made a significant impact by submitting a nomination form. Nominations will then be assessed by an independent panel.

Nominate now

Individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service can be nominated in categories like

• Volunteer of the Year
• Young Volunteer of the Year
• Voluntary Group of the Year

To nominate someone please complete the nomination form including details of the nominee's work and achievements.

The awards will be presented at the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Summit on Thursday, 30 January 2025 - a gathering of local organisations and leaders. This is a chance to honour the tireless efforts of volunteers and groups around the borough. They work to strengthen the community and create positive change in Tower Hamlets.

Tips on submitting your nomination

1. You can nominate an individual/organisation for more than one category. You must use separate nomination forms and ensure that your nomination matches the category criteria.  
2. Ensure the person you wish to nominate agrees to be nominated. 
3. You may be asked to support or verify the evidence you supply as part of your nominations.  
4. Three nominees will be shortlisted for each category and invited to the awards.
5. All nominees must live, volunteer or work in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. 

Awards categories

Volunteer of the year ⭐

This award recognises an individual (18+ years old) who volunteer their time to support voluntary and community work in Tower Hamlets.

Young volunteer of the year ⭐

This award recognises young people (up to 18 years old and 25 years old with additional needs) who volunteer their time to support voluntary and community work in Tower Hamlets.

Voluntary group of the year ⭐

This award recognises any voluntary or community group who have collectively made a difference to the community in Tower Hamlets. There will be three awards under this category: 

Small / Medium/ Large voluntary group of the year 

• Small: This award recognises any small voluntary or community group with an annual income of less than £150k, who have collectively made a difference to the community in Tower Hamlets. 

• Medium: This award recognises any small voluntary or community group with an annual income of between £150k and £1m, who have collectively made a difference to the community in Tower Hamlets.

• Large: This award recognises any small voluntary or community group with an annual income over £1m, who have collectively made a difference to the community in Tower Hamlets. 

Lifetime achievement award ⭐

This award recognises the length of service from an individual dedicated volunteer who has volunteered for at least 10 years. 

Submission deadline

The deadline to submit your nomination form is at 5pm on Sunday 15 December 2024.

VCS Awards Ceremony

Thank you for your nomination! Award winners will be announced at the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Summit. 

Join us at the Tower Hamlets Voluntary and Community Sector Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of VCS organisations and share information. 

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Tower Hamlets plays a crucial role in supporting residents with important services and activities.  

This annual event will bring together VCS organisations and partners to celebrate the VCS’s achievements.

Book your place 

The event will be taking place on Thursday 30 January from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the Grocers Wing, Tower Hamlets Council, Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ. Lunch is included. 

This event will focus on:

• presentations from inspiring speakers about the VCS
• award ceremony for VCS organisations
• networking with other VCS organisations.

This event has limited space so please book to attend.

Book now

We offer organisations a chance to showcase their work with stalls at the event. Stalls space is limited so if you are interested please email vcs@towerhamlets.gov.uk.