The search is on to find unsung heroes in B&NES, with the launch of awards celebrating volunteers, community leaders, staff and businesses that make a positive contribution to the local community.
The Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Community Awards 2018/19 was officially launched last week at the Guildhall in Bath, by the Chair Councillor Karen Walker.
Nominations are now open for inspirational people who put others first and contribute to the council’s vision to make Bath and North East Somerset an even better place to live, work and visit.
The awards are organised in partnership with B&NES Clinical Commissioning Group, CURO, Sirona Care and Health, B&NES Virgin Care and the Student Community Partnership and Bath College.
There are three main categories in the Community Awards: Volunteering, Business and Service to the Community.
Service to the Community is a new category and recognises the exceptional service made by individuals and teams working across the Chair’s Award partner organisations.
Bath & North East Somerset Council Chair, Councillor Karen Walker, said: “On a daily basis I meet people who do so much for our community and their work often goes unsung.
“The Community Awards are an annual celebration to recognising those people, and organisations , who are dedicated and committed to helping others and make our area a better place.
“This year we have introduced a new category called Service to the Community which recognises partnership working and staff who share their good work.
“I would encourage people to nominate those around them who they think deserve recognition for their hard work and contribution to their communities.”
In addition to the awards, the Chair may also identify one or more individuals or groups from the nominations received to present a ‘Special Award’.
Barbara Owen, director of HR & OD at Bath College, said: “We are delighted to be a partner of the awards this year. Here at Bath College we pride ourselves on our sense of community and actively encourage our students to contribute, both on our college campuses and across Bath and North East Somerset.
“We are very much looking forward to recognising those who share these values at the Community Awards.”
“The Student Community Partnership is proud to support the Chair’s Community Awards which recognise outstanding contributions to the local community.
“The winners are an inspiring example to us all,” added Chair of the SCP, Pro-Vice Chancellor Peter Lambert at the University of Bath.
The awards categories are:
Category 1 – Volunteering in the Community Awards
- Volunteer of the Year / Young Volunteer of the Year (25 and Under)
- Volunteer Leader of the Year / Young Volunteer Leader of the Year (25 and Under)
- Volunteer Team or Young Volunteer Team (25 and Under)
- Carer of the Year / Young Carer of the Year
- The Peter Duppa-Miller Lifetime Achievement
Category 2 – Business in the Community Award
- Business of the Year
Category 3 – Service to the Community
- Employee of the Year
- Employee Team of the Year
- Above and Beyond (Employee)
Residents, staff, councillors, businesses, organisations and groups, teachers, and volunteers from Bath and North East Somerset can nominate people, with forms returned no later than Friday 21st December.
You can nominate online or send a nomination form email or post clearly marked The Community Awards 2018/19.
Everyone nominated for an award will be presented with a certificate in recognition of their contribution.
The winners of each category will receive a certificate and an award presented by the Chair of the Council at a ceremony on Wednesday 27th February 2019 in the Banqueting Room, at the Guildhall in Bath.
For more information and how to nominate, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/CommunityAwards or email: community_awards@bathnes.gov.uk.
