Nominations open for Community Awards 2026

This is the third year of the Awards which recognise the incredible achievements of inspirational individuals, sports clubs, community organisations and businesses in our borough.   

Nominating someone is simple - simply fill out the online nomination form at: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/community-awards.

On your nomination, please share why you believe your nominee deserves to be celebrated.  This is a chance to shine a spotlight on those who make a difference in our community. 

The deadline is Friday 19 December.

You can nominate someone in one of the following categories:

• The Mayor’s Civic Award – Recognising someone with long-standing service to their community over many years.

• Welwyn Hatfield for All Award – Recognising outstanding cross-community work by an organisation or group.

• Community Sports Club of the Year – Recognising a Welwyn Hatfield community sports club that brings people together.

• Young Sports Person of the Year – Recognising a young person who has demonstrated excellent sporting skills and ability.

• Health and Wellbeing Champion of the Year – Recognising an individual that has gone above and beyond to improve health and wellbeing of residents.

• Local Business of the Year – Recognising a business which demonstrates the most significant impact made in their market sector and local community.

• Community Culture Award – Celebrating those who have enriched our cultural landscape through arts, music and other cultural activities.

• Public Service Hero – Honouring public service workers who have made a remarkable difference in the lives of residents.

• Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year – Applauding the invaluable contributions of volunteers who selflessly give their time to help others.

• Inspirational Young Person of the Year – Celebrating young individuals who have shown exceptional courage, leadership or community spirit.

• Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation of the Year – Highlighting organisations that have made a significant impact through their work in the community.

• Environment and Climate Champion Award – Recognising those who have made significant efforts to promote sustainability and improve and protect our natural surroundings.

• Positive Change Award – This award recognises an individual that has overcome their own challenges to achieve something personally life changing.

The winners will be announced at an unforgettable evening on Thursday 26 February 2026 when we will come together to celebrate with our nominees and winners.

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member, Leisure and Community, said:

“The number of nominations we received for the past two years of the awards is testament not only to how many members of our wonderful community help others and strive to be the best that they can be, but how much this is appreciated by others in Welwyn Hatfield. In February we will all have the chance to recognise these selfless, inspiring people at the awards ceremony. I’d encourage everyone to think about all those people they know who make a real difference to our community and to put their names forward so their contribution can be recognised.”

Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, said:

“These awards celebrate the breadth of talent, generosity and commitment our residents and businesses have shown in what they have achieved personally and for the wider community and I’m so proud to be part of these awards. I’m looking forward to celebrating the nominees and winners next February.”