Knowsley Mayors Award for Volunteers

Find out about the Knowsley Mayors Award for Volunteers and how to submit nominations here

The Knowsley Mayor’s Award is given to individuals or organisations that live, work or are based in Knowsley.  The award recognises those who have made a significant difference to the borough and have gone above and beyond to support and improve the quality of life for residents.

We are interested in receiving nominations for the following categories:

Volunteer of the Year

An individual aged twenty five and above who has shown exceptional community spirit and made a significant, positive impact on their local community through voluntary efforts.

Young Volunteer of the Year

A young person, under the age of twenty-five, who has shown exceptional community spirit and made a significant, positive impact on their local community through voluntary efforts.

Community group of the Year

A group (consisting of at least two members) that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and made significant impact to their local community.

Environmental Champion

An individual who volunteers to actively promote and support environmental sustainability. This could include improving green spaces, reducing waste, raising awareness about climate change, or leading eco-friendly initiatives.

Good Neighbour of the Year

Individuals who make positive contributions to their communities through acts of kindness, support, and community engagement.  This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to help others and foster a stronger, more connected neighbourhood.

Up to four ‘Good Neighbour of the Year’ awards may be presented each year; i.e. one each in relation to the local neighbourhood areas of Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby, and Prescot/Whiston/Cronton and Knowsley Village.

Eligibility

The Knowsley Mayor’s Award for Volunteers is aimed at both groups that are exclusively led by volunteers, or an individual who volunteers, and provides a benefit for local communities specifically in Knowsley.

For Individuals:

  • Nominees must live and volunteer in Knowsley.
  • Nominees must not receive payment or financial reward for the activities they are being nominated for.
  • If the nominee is under 18, parental or guardian permission must be obtained by the person nominating, which should be included with the nomination submission. This will be reviewed and conformed before the nomination is accepted.

For Groups:

The group must:

  • Be made up of a minimum of two or more people.
  • Be based exclusively in Knowsley.
  • Have been in operation for a minimum of 12 months
  • Be led by volunteers, not by paid staff; with over half its members volunteers.
  • Provide a specific and direct benefit to the local community.

Key Aspects of the Nomination Process:

Focus on Community Impact:

Nominations should highlight the positive impact the nominee has had on the community.

Specific Examples:

It's important to provide specific examples of the nominee's contributions and their impact.

Supporting Documentation:

Providing strong supporting evidence through letters and detailed statements can strengthen a nomination.

How to Nominate

The nominator must:

  • be a member of the public with a good knowledge of the individual’s or group’s work (such as a beneficiary or long-term supporter).

The nominator must not:

  • For groups - be a volunteer, employee or trustee of the group, or in any way involved with the running of the organisation
  • be members of the group, or individuals, nominating themselves.

We have a number of ways in which you can nominate a person, group or organisation for a Knowsley Mayor’s Award from digital to print.  Please make sure that, however you choose to nominate, you have included all of the information we need to consider the nomination. This includes:

  • Name of person or group being nominated.
  • Organisation or group they are affiliated with (if appropriate).
  • Contact details of the person or group being nominated.
  • Contact email and/or phone number of the person making the nomination.
  • Category being nominated in.
  • Reasons why the person is being nominated (with examples).

The nomination window is open until midnight on 31st January 2026. You can nominate by completing one of the online forms below;

Volunteer of the Year

Young Volunteer of the Year

Community Group of the Year

Environmental Champion of the Year

Good Neighbour of the Year

Alternatively, if you required a hard copy, please email: stronger.communties@knowsley.gov.uk

What happens next

Assessment:

  • Review Panel and Decision:

A panel of officers will review the submissions based on their assessment in accordance with the criteria below.

  • Criteria:

The panel evaluates nominations based on criteria such as the nominee's impact on the community, the nature and frequency of their contributions, and the number of people who benefit from their work.

  • The Mayor, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive, will have the final say on the nominees to receive awards.

Award Ceremony:

  • Notification:

Successful nominees will be notified via the Mayor’s Office and invited to the ordinary full Council meeting in March 2026 to receive their recognition.

  • Presentation:

The Mayor of Knowsley will presents winners with a certificate during the full Council meeting.  The meeting will be livestreamed and subsequently available to view online for a period after the meeting.

 

 

Chat with us