Buckinghamshire Women in Charity Awards

The Buckinghamshire Women in Charity Awards 2021 celebrates the amazing achievements of women across Buckinghamshire who work and volunteer in the charity sector.

Launched this year, the Awards will raise awareness of the work being carried out by women in the county, shining the light on their inspirational initiatives and stories as well as recognising their valuable contribution to our Buckinghamshire communities.  There are four award categories:

  • Outstanding Leadership in the Charity Sector
  • Trailblazer in the Charity Sector
  • Outstanding Volunteer
  • Young Charity Woman of the Year

Deadline for nominations is 28th February (midnight) and a winner and a highly-commended for each category will be announced at the award ceremony on Monday 8th March at 12pm. For Awards criteria and nomination forms, scroll down to the drop-down list below.

Who should apply

If you know someone that you believe deserves recognition for their outstanding work and efforts – whether employed or volunteering in the charity sector – you can nominate them in the most relevant award category (see criteria in concertina below). Please do ensure your nominee has agreed to you entering their name.  Alternatively, we strongly encourage you to be proud and self-nominate, and share your own story through this award opportunity.

The judges

The judging panel consist of women who all have extensive experience of working with charities and communities in the county, and bring years of experience and insight to the judging process. Judges include:

  • Cllr Mimi Harker OBE, Chair of Community Impact Bucks, Member of Buckinghamshire Council
  • Rachael Shimmin, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Council
  • Trudi Scrivener, Director and Founder of Ashridge Home Care, President Nominee Princes Risborough Rotary, and Trustee, Heart of Bucks
  • Mari Durward-Akhurst, International Para Dressage Rider and European Silver Medallist

Buckinghamshire Women in Charity Awards is held in association with Nova Fundraising, Heart of Bucks and Chiltern Institute of Fundraising.

Help us celebrate women working and volunteering in charity on International Women’s Day

Nominations need to be submitted by 28th February (midnight) – see below for criteria and nomination forms; why not join us at the online awards ceremony on Monday 8th March (12-1.00pm) to help us celebrate? Book your free place here.

We are also hosting an online seminar, Charities, Women and Leadership in Buckinghamshire, for charities, community groups and local organisations to hear and share ideas about women and leadership in our community on Monday 8th March (10-11.30am). To book your free place, click here.

Awards criteria and nomination forms

Outstanding Leadership in the Charity Sector Award

Awarded to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution at any level in her organisation, demonstrating inspiring leadership and the ability to motivate others to strive for excellence, paving the way to deliver exciting initiatives that make a real difference to lives and communities.

You will need to include the following information in your nomination:

  • INDIVIDUAL’S NAME, ROLE, and ORGANISATION, a SHORT BIO (40 words max) and HEAD & SHOULDER SHOT
  • In up to 300 words explain
    • What your nominee has done to achieve it and why
    • How they achieved their goals and the leadership behaviours they have displayed
    • The results they have achieved and the impact they have had on their organisation and community
  • Tip: include a story that brings to life why this individual deserves to win this award
  • In a 2 minute video, please explain in no more than 100 words what this individual has set out to achieve and why

Click HERE to nominate who you think is an outstanding leader in the charity sector in Buckinghamshire.

Trailblazer in the Charity Sector Award

Awarded to an individual who has stepped up and personally achieved or contributed to huge impact and results, through enterprising, innovative and ground-breaking initiatives.

You will need to include the following information in your nomination:

  • INDIVIDUAL’S NAME, ROLE, and ORGANISATION, a SHORT BIO (40 words max) and HEAD & SHOULDER SHOT
  • In 300 words explain:
    • What your nominee has done to achieve it and why
    • How they achieved their goal/s demonstrating a pioneering spirit and courage to think and do things differently and drive innovation
    • The results they have achieved and the impact they have had on their organisation and community
  • Tip: include a story that brings to life why this individual deserves to win this award
  • In a 2 minute video, please explain in no more than 100 words what this individual has set out to achieve and why

Click HERE to nominate who you think should be named the Trailblazer in the Charity Sector in Buckinghamshire.

Outstanding Volunteer Award

Awarded to an individual who has displayed great commitment and delivered exceptional results for a charity, community or voluntary sector organisation and whose volunteering efforts have made a significant difference to people’s lives over a sustained period of time.

You will need to include the following information in your nomination:

  • INDIVIDUAL’S NAME, ROLE, and ORGANISATION, a SHORT BIO (40 words max) and HEAD & SHOULDER SHOT
  • In up to 300 words please explain:
    • What your nominee has done to achieve it and why
    • How this individual has assisted the charity/voluntary sector organisation they support, with examples of their  volunteering activities
    • The results they have achieved and the impact they have had on their organisation and community
  • Tip: include a story that brings to life why this individual deserves to win this award
  • In a 2 minute video please explain in no more than 100 words what this individual has set out to achieve and why

Click HERE to nominate who you think is the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in Buckinghamshire.

Young Woman of the Year in the Charity Sector

Awarded to an individual (25 years or below), who demonstrates exceptional talent and potential, displaying the skills and capabilities required to deliver great work and make a significant impact on the charity/organisation/community they support. Can be an employee; a volunteer; a student; a community member.

You will need to include the following information in your nomination:

  • INDIVIDUAL’S NAME, ROLE, and ORGANISATION, a SHORT BIO (40 words max) and HEAD & SHOULDER SHOT
  • In up to 300 words please explain
    • What your nominee has done to achieve it and why
    • How this individual has gone about achieving their goal/s, and how they have overcome any challenges they have faced, including any examples of how they have approached their own learning and development needs to deliver their activities
    • The results they have achieved and the impact they have had on their chosen organisation or community.
  • Tip: include a story that brings to life why this individual deserves to win this award
  • Via a 2 minute video please explain in no more than 100 words what this individual has set out to achieve and why

Click HERE to nominate who you think should be named Young Woman of the Year in the Charity Sector.