This is a special moment – as we’re proud to launch our very first Volunteer Awards!
Behind every inspiring careers activity are individuals who give their time, share their stories, and open young people’s eyes to new possibilities. These are the often unseen role models making a real difference – and it’s time to celebrate them.
Our Volunteer Awards recognise those who are inspiring students’ futures, building confidence, and broadening aspirations. By shining a light on their impact, we also hope to encourage even more people to get involved.
Our thanks come from our staff and trustees – and the students, teachers, careers leaders who see both the immediate and long-lasting impact of these experiences.
To show our appreciation, these awards highlight some of our favourite moments and recognise the most inspiring volunteers from the 2025/26 academic year.
You’ve helped our pupils imagine what their futures could look like. You’ve sparked real excitement and it’s genuinely been inspiring for everyone involved!
Liam, Deputy Head at Hillborough Junior School
And this is where you come in. Your chance to nominate a star volunteer!
If you’ve taken part in an Inspiring the Future activity – whether as an educator or a volunteer – and someone really stood out to you, we’d love you to put them forward.
Who will you nominate?
You can put forward any Inspiring the Future volunteers who’ve really impressed you.
Whether they sparked a lightbulb moment, challenged stereotypes, stepped in at short notice or simply built a young person’s confidence, please nominate them.
There are six awards in total. Four are open for nominations, and two will be awarded automatically using our volunteering records.
🌟 Awards you can nominate for
- First Time Star – For a first-time volunteer who made a brilliant impression on young people, delivering a session that felt natural, confident, and impactful – you wouldn’t have known it was their first time.
- Incredible Impact – For a volunteer whose story, advice, or activity had a meaningful impact on a particular student or the wider group.
- Most Rewarding Moment – For a moment that stayed with you – it could be a student’s question, a shift in confidence, surprising engagement or a new ambition being sparked.
- Above and Beyond – For a volunteer who went the extra mile. Perhaps they stepped in at short notice, adapted quickly to the group’s needs, or created something especially tailored to make the session more engaging and meaningful.
🌟 Volunteer commitment awards
- Longest Serving – Automatically awarded to a volunteer who has demonstrated long-term commitment, based on the length of time they have been actively engaged with Inspiring the Future activities.
- Most Engaged – Automatically awarded to a volunteer who has shown exceptional involvement, based on our records of event attendance, frequency of volunteering and overall engagement.
Let’s celebrate the volunteers who are making a lasting impact. Nominations are open until midnight on Friday 12 June. It only takes a few minutes to do and will make a volunteer very happy!