About the Community Awards

Use this page to learn about the Community Awards, award categories, and how to nominate a person or organisation for an award.  

The Community Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations across Bath and North East Somerset who make a real difference to the lives of others. 

From dedicated volunteers to inspiring leaders and local charities, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across the district.

The awards highlight those who go above and beyond to support their community.

Categories

Select any category below to find out about that award, and how the winner is chosen.

The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year

The Beryl Dixon Community Leader Award will recognise a paid employee or volunteer of a community organisation or charity who has shown outstanding leadership.

The Award is named in honour of Beryl Dixon MBE, who passed away in 2017, and aims to recognise outstanding leadership in the charitable sector. Beryl was a strong advocate for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Communities. She laid the foundation for BME organisations in Bath and throughout the South West, including the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizen’s Association (BEMSCA) and the Black Families Education Support Group. Beryl dedicated 29 years to the NHS and was also a passionate campaigner for equality and diversity across the various groups and services she supported, which included Health, The Elderly, Youth and Education, as well as other related organisations linked to BME people.

Examples: Has led or contributed to initiatives that have made a tangible difference, an employee who co-ordinates volunteers, a charity worker who has inspired young people, a volunteer campaigner, volunteer leader addressing equality and inclusion issues.

Qualities: visionary, hard-working, energetic, influential, good humoured, confident, friendly, caring, determined, inclusive, integrity, dedication skilled in bringing people together.

Winners of this category will be selected by the Judging Panel.

The Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year 

This award will recognise a volunteer who has shown the most outstanding contribution to the community and goes above and beyond.

The Award is named after Jenny Willson, a former employee of Bath & North East Somerset who passed away in 2023. Jenny was known for her leadership in promoting health and wellbeing within the community.

Examples: an individual who has given time to support an organisation either as a trustee or board member; running a club or group or helping run a community facility.

Qualities: passionate, selfless, inspiring, enthusiastic, generous, dedicated, positive, role model, patient.

Winners of this category will be selected by the Judging Panel.

The Sara Banks Young Volunteer of the Year Award (for individuals up to 25 years old)

This award is for a young person up to 25 years old who has made exceptional contributions to the community.

This Award is dedicated to the memory of Sara Banks who sadly passed away this year after a short and unexpected illness. Sara worked for the Council for over 32 years, supporting a variety of service areas and projects, including the Community Awards. In her personal life, she undertook a variety of volunteering roles, including as a Brown Owl for the Brownies and supporting young people was a particular passion. We are delighted to be able to honour her memory through the naming of this Award.

Examples: an individual who has given time to make a real difference to individuals, groups, or the wider community. May have helped reduce isolation, improved wellbeing, encourages and inspires others to get involved or supported a local cause.

Qualities: passionate, selfless, inspiring, enthusiastic, generous, dedicated, positive, role model, patient.

Winners of this category will be selected by the Judging Panel.

The Peter Duppa-Miller Parish Award

This Award recognises the contribution made by Parish Councils – whether this is by their Councillor, paid staff or a team. This is to highlight the valuable contribution that Parishes make in their local communities.

The Award has been named in honour of Peter Duppa-Miller who sadly passed away in 2015. Peter dedicated much of his life to serving his community and was an advocate for the rural communities and parishes across the area.

Examples: Starts or leads community projects (e.g. clean-up days, youth clubs, local events), inspires others to get involved or act, organises cultural events, enhances community pride and identity.

Qualities: devoted, unselfish, stalwart, dedicated, energetic, passionate, good humoured, inspiring, skilled, creative, inspirational.

Winners of this category will be selected by the Judging Panel.

Charity of the Year

This award recognises an organisation with charitable aims that has made a significant impact in the community through its services, outreach, and dedication to its cause.

Examples: A charity that has delivered exceptional support to individuals or groups, initiated innovative programmes, or demonstrated resilience and adaptability in challenging times.

Qualities: impactful, innovative, dedicated, inclusive, resilient, compassionate, collaborative.

Winners of this category will be selected by public vote. View the nominees and cast your vote.

The Chair’s Special Recognition Award will be selected by the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council from all the nominations received. This award is not open for direct nominations.

Read the Guidance notes and Terms and Conditions for the Community Awards 2025 to 2026.

How to nominate

Nominations are now closed. 

For any enquiries please contact the Community Engagement Team by emailing connecting_communities@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 39 69 75.

Our partners

We are delighted to welcome the following partners to this year’s awards:

• 3SG (Bath and North East Somerset Third Sector Group)
• ALCA (Avon Local Councils' Association)
• BEMSCA (Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizen Association)
• Everyone Health
• The Student Community Partnership (University of Bath, Bath Spa University & Bath College)

What happens next

Once all the nominations have been received and checked for their eligibility, the nominations will be considered by a Judging Panel in January 2026. The Judging Panel will make their decision, including making a shortlist of nominations for the Charity of the Year, which will be decided by public vote. The public vote will take place at the end of January 2026. If your nomination results in the nominee being successful, you and the nominee will be contacted with details about the event.

Award presentations

Only the winners and highly commended of each category are invited to an Award’s celebration event. The Peter Duppa-Miller Parish Award will be acknowledged at The Parish Liaison Meeting. These events will take place during March and April 2026.

Everyone nominated for an Award will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution. All winners will receive an Award and Certificate