Volunteer Leader of the Year

Our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of those who have made a real difference through their approach to volunteer engagement. Whether they are a Volunteer Manager, Coordinator or part-time Volunteer Supervisor, paid or unpaid, if you know someone who has made a real difference then we want to know about it.

Nominations are now open for our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award, proudly supported by Team Kinetic.  Simply complete this nomination form by Monday 7 September at 5pm or download a copy and send to heritagevolunteeringgroup@gmail.com.

The winner will be announced at Heritage Volunteering 2026, our annual online conference taking place on 24–25 November. Bringing together volunteer leaders from across the heritage sector, the conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, practical workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions exploring Volunteer Engagement in a Changing World. Early Bird tickets are available now for just £30.

For more information on completing your nomination, please see our helpful guide and learn more about previous winners below.

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2025

In 2025 Michele Armstrong won our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award for the way she has embedded volunteering into the heart of The Auckland Project’s mission.  Her approach shows how strong volunteer leadership can shape organisational culture, strengthen community connection and create meaningful opportunities for people to contribute their time, skills and passion.

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2024

In 2024, we were delighted to award Kate Powell, Volunteer Manager at Science & Industry Museum, with our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award.

Kate is responsible for 185 volunteers who provide 8,500 hours of support across 24 different roles at Manchester’s Science & Industry Museum. Her nomination celebrates the crucial role she plays in delivering SIM’s strategic vision and changing peoples lives for the better through volunteering.

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2023

In 2023, Sam Clift won our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award for his incredible leadership and for changing the culture of volunteering at the London Transport Museum. Sam was especially celebrated for developing a new, pioneering 5-year volunteering strategy at the Museum. 

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2022

In 2022, Catrin Podgorski won our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award for her role in enabling 60 volunteers to help create the Heritage Access 2022. The project demonstrated excellence in virtual volunteering and access and equality.

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2021

In 2021, Esther Lisk-Carew won our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award for her work at the Manchester International Festival, where she strove to ensure that all volunteers were given a voice in our cultural stories. 

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2019

In 2019, Fiona Carris won our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award for creating an innovative, accessible and diverse volunteer programme at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. Find out how in this case study.

Volunteer Leader of the Year 2018

In 2018, Nicola Levin won our Volunteer Leader of the Year award by showing that everyone is welcome in sustaining and sharing our heritage and everyone has something to give.