Highland voluntary groups could shine at Scottish Charity Awards

Voluntary groups of all sizes could be crowned the charity of the year at a national awards event taking place later this year.

Organisations and individual volunteers are being encouraged to enter the annual Scottish Charity Awards, which are now in their 19th year.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) says the awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 awards, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and people that reflect the diversity of Scotland’s essential voluntary sector.

All registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people who work and volunteer in these spaces are eligible to enter.

Last year the awards were made simpler and more accessible to as many people and organisations as possible. This year, the charity of the year category has been refreshed, with three awards up for grabs for small, medium and large organisations.

There are 11 award categories at the Scottish Charity Awards. Seven recognise the achievements of organisations, and three recognise individuals. The final People’s Choice award is chosen by a public vote from the finalists in the other categories.

The award categories are charity of the year (turnover under £100k), charity of the year (turnover £100-500k), charity of the year (turnover over £500k), trustee of the year, volunteer of the year, employee of the year, partnership of the year, campaign of the year, community impact, and climate impact; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges.

All finalists will also be entered into the running for the People’s Choice award, giving members of the public a chance to vote for their favourite finalist to win.

SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications and over 16,500 votes cast for the People’s Choice award.

This year, SCVO will be bringing its celebratory awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Glasgow’s Radisson Blu on June 19.

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of the SCVO, said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a highlight of my year. I never fail to be overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of what voluntary organisations achieve across the country – on all aspects of life in Scotland and beyond.

“Previous finalists and winners have told us how special it is for them to be recognised on the national stage. Every year we develop the awards slightly to keep them relevant. For 2025 there will be three opportunities to win charity of the year to recognise the huge variation in size of our members and the wider sector.

“So, whether you’re a wee grassroots organisation, run entirely by volunteers, a big multimillion-pound charity or somewhere in between, there will be a space for you. Please don’t be shy – nominate or enter for this year’s awards.”

Among last year’s winners was Amanda Fleet of the Highlands and Islands Students' Association, who was named the employee of the year.

Amanda sparked a profound shift in sports engagement as sports development coordinator, her nomination said. Her commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion has broken down barriers for marginalised groups and her can-do attitude has led to the development of innovative initiatives and community partnerships. Her tenacity has transformed sporting engagement levels, with membership and sport club numbers growing exponentially as a result of her hard work.

Applications are open until noon on March 7 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply

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