I’m so excited to launch this year’s awards, which you may have seen on The Guardian Voluntary Sector Network this morning. In my piece I’ve argued that the recent wave of negative stories about the sector mean that our leaders need to be more visible on social media than ever before. Matt Collins and I set up the awards to help charities engage with digital and this seems even more timely this year.
Who can enter?
This is the third year that we’ve run the awards, and we hope this year is going to be even bigger and better than before. We’ve had some amazing winners over the last two years, including Peter Wanless from the NSPCC, Ruth Hunt from Stonewall and Javed Khan from Barnardo’s. The awards are open to leaders from registered charities of any cause or size, based anywhere in the world.
Alongside the top 30 CEOS, we are launching 3 new awards to recognise individuals’ social media presences in the following 3 categories:
- Best trustee
- Best senior leader (director or equivalent i.e. head of)
- Best rising star (senior manager/manager level)
How do I make a nomination?
Nominations can be made here. It is free to enter. Please send us your nominations by 5pm on 25th September.
Who’s supporting this years’ awards?
We’re delighted that the 2015 awards are in association with JustGiving, the world’s largest social giving platform, helping charities grow their online fundraising, increase donations and raise brand awareness. Discover how JustGiving can help your charity grow online.
We’re grateful to TPP for sponsoring our 3 new awards and for the support of Grant Thornton.
The Guardian Voluntary Sector Network is our media partner for the awards. It’s a space dedicated to those working in or with the voluntary sector. Join for free to benefit from exclusive insight and thought leadership, news and connections that will enhance your career. Register now.
Who’s on the judging panel?
Simon Blake, CEO of the NUS has returned for the third year as Chair of judges. He joins our panel, who are:
- Julie Bentley, CEO of Girlguiding UK
- Lucy Caldicott, Interim CEO of Diversity Role Models
- Meg Garlinghouse, Head of LinkedIn4Good
- Mandy Johnson, UK Director of Partnerships at Change.org
- Joel Lunenfeld, VP, Global Brand Strategy, Twitter
- Polly Neate, CEO of Women’s Aid
What happens next?
This year’s awards will take place at JustGiving on the evening of Thursday 12 November, and the results will be announced officially in the press the next morning.
How do I get my CEO/ board/ executive team to use social media?
Once again we’ll be sharing content to help you do just that. This will be published when we announce the winners on 13 November.
We look forward to seeing your nominations. Don’t forget that the deadline is 5pm on Friday 25th September, so get nominating!