The winners of this year’s Third Sector Awards, which recognise the achievements of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises, will be announced over a three-day virtual event in October.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing to disrupt live events across the UK, Third Sector has committed to celebrating the work of voluntary and not-for-profit organisations across a three-day digital event.
There are 26 categories this year, including Charity of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year and the Big Impact Award, which will go to a project that has had a substantial impact on national or international life.
New award categories will also celebrate a sector Rising Star, which honours emerging new talents, and Unsung Hero, which celebrates individuals who make a difference to the lives of others but are not always recognised.
The winners will be announced across three virtual award ceremonies, commencing at 5pm on Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October. Further details on the divisions of categories across the three days will be announced in the coming months.
The 2020 judging panel will be chaired by Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action. Arvinda Gohil, chief executive of Central YMCA, and Ravi Gurumurthy, chief executive of Nesta, will also be judging entrants.
A shortlist of finalists will be announced on 3 September.
Emily Burt, editor of Third Sector, said: “Every year, the Third Sector Awards celebrate the work of charities, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations of all shapes and sizes.”
“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the charity and not-for-profit sector has gone to incredible lengths to support its service users, all the while operating under immense financial strain. These organisations have never been more deserving of recognition.”
“A huge thank you to everyone who has entered the awards, and to our excellent panel of judges, who I am sure have a challenging but hugely rewarding task ahead of them.”