The glittering awards ceremony – taking place on Friday 3 October 2025 at the Grand Hotel, Leicester – will be an extra-special event as VAL marks its 60th anniversary of supporting communities across Leicester and Leicestershire. Proudly sponsored by Hastings Direct, this milestone year promises a night of stories, thanks, and celebration.
Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO at VAL, said:
“The calibre of nominations this year has been outstanding. In our 60th year, it’s an honour to showcase the commitment, compassion, and creativity of those making a difference in Leicester and Leicestershire. Every finalist represents the very best of our community.”
Winners will be announced live at the ceremony.
2025 VAL Awards Shortlist
City Charity of the Year – sponsored by Springfields Advisory Ltd
- Wesley Hall Community Centre
- Bamboozle Theatre
- Charity Link
- The Peepul Centre
County Charity of the Year – sponsored by Rowleys
- Loughborough Wellbeing Centre
- Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre
- The Bridge East Midlands
- Together Against Cancer
Social Enterprise of the Year – sponsored by University of Leicester School of Business
- Allexton Community Nursery CIC
- Cosmopolitan Arts
- Harmless CIC
- The Vayyu Foundation
Volunteer-Led Organisation of the Year – sponsored by Meesh Consulting
- Saffron Acres Project
- Darts for All
- Coalville Public Radio
- Toys on the Table
Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – sponsored by PPL PRS
- Falcon Support Services & BOAL
- Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) & Market Harborough Building Society
- Bodie Hodges Foundation & Juice Creative & ER Recruitment
Youth Charity of the Year – sponsored by Mindera UK Foundation
- Young Leicestershire
- AAA Foundation
- Soft Touch Arts
- FOCUS
- Inspire Young People & Families CIC
Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Knights Plc
- Dr. Sonal Bhavsar
- Jane Theobald
- Dawn Williams
- Dorothy Tomlinson
- Denis Walsh
Inspiring Leader of the Year – sponsored by Voids Limited
- Dr. Abeer Kholghi
- Donna Elliott
- Donna Hodges
- Meena Kumari
- Rebecca Middleton
Fundraiser of the Year – sponsored by Champions UK Plc
- Dhiru Shah
- Liam Hopkins
- Phil Johnson
- Mark Carr’s Leicester Legacy
Trustee of the Year – sponsored by ER Recruitment
- Penny March – One Roof Leicester
- Mike Candler – The Spark Arts
- David Pollard – Park Lodge Project
- Jay Webb – The Bridge East Midlands
- Janette Shepherd – Bright Hope NWL
Overall Charity of the Year – sponsored by Hastings Direct (Winner to be announced on the night)
The Kevan Liles Recognition Award – sponsored by Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (Winner to be announced on the night)
The VAL Awards, established in 2019, have grown to become one of the region’s most anticipated celebrations of community spirit. This year’s event will not only recognise outstanding contributions but also reflect on six decades of VAL’s dedication to supporting the voluntary sector.
VAL would like to say a huge thank you to headline sponsor, Hastings Direct, and to all of the award sponsors and partners: Lumbers, Springfields Advisory Ltd, Rowleys, University of Leicester School of Business, Meesh Consulting, PL PRS, Mindera UK Foundation, Knights Plc, Voids Limited, Champions UK Plc, ER Recruitment, Business 2 Business, Barclays Eagle Labs, Paragon Sales Solutions, FU Media, Gambit Insurance Solutions, Platinum Production and Abacus Flooring Solutions.
For more information about the VAL Awards, visit https://valonline.org.uk/val-awards or email valawards@valonline.org.uk