For six decades, VAL has led the way in excellence, innovation, and impact, shaping the VCSE in Leicester and Leicestershire. Let’s Celebrate the fantastic contribution volunteers, charities and community groups make. It’s time to honour the truly inspirational leaders, the unsung heroes, and those who have gone above and beyond.
Join us as we reflect on our journey, celebrate remarkable accomplishments, and look ahead to an even brighter future!Do you know someone who’s made a real difference in your community in the past 12 months?
Whether they’re a tireless volunteer, a passionate leader, or an unsung hero – now’s the time to shine a spotlight on them! Let’s celebrate the changemakers, the everyday heroes, and the heart of our communities.
Nominate someone today and help us share their inspiring story with the world.
The VAL Awards will be held on Friday 2 October at Winstanley House, Leicester. Tickets and more information will be available soon.
We would like to say a huge thank you to our Headline sponsor, Hastings Direct and a special thank you to all of our award sponsors and partners.
This year, there will be 12 Award Categories. Find out more about each award category.
Award Sponsored by: Springfields Advisory Ltd > This award is to recognise those groups based in and delivering services in Leicester city, and the fantastic work they do to improve our inner-city communities. Criteria > Must be based within and deliver services within the City of Leicester.
Award Sponsored by: Rowleys > This award is to recognise those groups based in and delivering services in Leicestershire, and the fantastic work they do to improve our rural and county communities. Criteria > Must be based within and deliver services within the Leicestershire area (Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston districts)
Award Sponsored by: University of Leicester School of Business > An organisation doesn’t have to be a ‘traditional’ charity in order to give something back. A social enterprise is a business which invests the majority of its profits into social good within the community, but it can also be the trading arm of a charity. This award is to recognise those social enterprises based in and delivering services in Leicestershire. Criteria > Organisation must meet the broad definition of a social enterprise Must be based in Leicester or Leicestershire (Leicester city, Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston districts)
Award Sponsored by:TBC > Not all community groups are able to secure or generate enough funding to pay staff. Many rely heavily, or sometimes entirely, on volunteers to deliver services. This award is for those charities whose selfless work in our local communities often goes completely unrecognised. Criteria > Must have a minimal number of paid staff, with the majority of staff being volunteers Must be based in, or deliver services in, the Leicester or Leicestershire areas (Leicester city, Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston districts)
Award Sponsored by: ER Recruitment > Trustees are volunteers who give up their own time to guide the administration and governance of charities. Even though they’re not paid, Trustees take on a lot of personal and legal responsibility. We want to recognise those individuals who help to keep our voluntary sector running smoothly and responsibly. Criteria > Must be a trustee of a charity based in Leicester or Leicestershire (Leicester city, Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston districts) Must have been a trustee Since 1 Jan 2020 Must be registered as a trustee on the Charity Commission database
Award Sponsored by: TBC > Businesses who work with their local communities are organisations who are dedicated to making the community, and the world, a better place; they deserve recognition for the continued work and support that they provide. They can also be a realistic force for good and social change. Criteria > Must be a Business Be based in Leicester or Leicestershire
Award Sponsored by: Business2Business > The Youth Charity of the Year award recognises a charity that has shown exceptional commitment to improving the lives of young people. This charity will have demonstrated meaningful impact, strong youth involvement, and innovative approaches to supporting and empowering young people in their community. Their work should inspire others and reflect a lasting dedication to positive change for future generations. Criteria > Must be a Youth Charity working with young people aged 16-25 years - They must be based in Leicester or Leicestershire.
Award Sponsored by: De Montfort University > Volunteers selflessly give up their own time to help others. Though most volunteers offer their time with no expectations of rewards, we want to recognise those extra-special individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their local communities. This award is in honour of the late Kathryn Burgess, CEO of CALS (Community Advice and Law Service), for her excellent service to the sector. Criteria > Must have volunteered in 2025/26 and aged over 25 years. They must have volunteered for an organisation based in Leicester or Leicestershire (Leicester city, Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston districts)
Award Sponsored by: Gambit Insurance Solutions > This award recognises the exceptional achievements of an inspiring leader who has overcome significant obstacles to make a real difference to their own lives and their community. Criteria > Must be an individual aged over 29 years. The individual needs to be based in Leicester or Leicestershire
Award Sponsored by: Champions UK> Do you know someone dedicated to supporting, raising funds and awareness of a charity or cause? This award recognises fundraisers “who have shown creativity, commitment and inspiration” while raising money for a charity or organisation. It celebrates the people who have gone above and beyond when it comes to raising money. Criteria > Must have raised money for a charity or organisation this year and be based in Leicester or Leicestershire
Award Sponsored by: Hastings Direct > The winner of this award will be chosen by our judges from the winners of the other Charity of the Year categories.
Award Sponsored by:VAL > VAL has been around for 60 years – this special award is chosen by us to recognise an organisation or individual that we feel has had a significant impact on our voluntary sector. It’s a way for us to say a personal thanks to someone we feel has made a particularly important contribution to our local communities. This award is in honour of our former VAL CEO, Kevan Liles MBE for his exceptional 33 years of service to the sector.
