APM Volunteer Achievement Awards

Important dates

Nominations close: 5 April 2026, midnight BST
Shortlist announced: Week commencing 20 April 2026
Winners announced: June 2026, APM Volunteers’ Development Forum

An award for the volunteer group that has delivered the best volunteer-led event.

Criteria:

• Event quality and relevance – How well the event format, content, and delivery meet the needs of its audience (based on event description, objectives, and feedback).
• Engagement and reach – Evidence of participation, interaction and key takeaway for attendees, e.g., number of attendees compared with the intended target (venue capacity), interactivity, or social media activity.
• Innovation and creativity – Use of new formats, approaches, or ideas to deliver a memorable event and experience.
• Alignment with APM values – Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent in how the event was designed and delivered, including consideration of accessibility and inclusion, e.g. format, timing and location.

An award for the Interest Network which has delivered the most successful programme of activities throughout the year.

Criteria:

• Innovation and activity diversity – Demonstrates diverse types of content and engagement, including but not limited to blogs, webinars, guides, podcasts, articles, speaker opportunities, research, and collaborations. Shows creativity in reaching audiences through different formats, recognising that people have a wide range of ways they like to learn and develop.
• Inclusivity and reach – Demonstrates volunteer-led efforts to engage a broad and diverse audience, including membership levels, non-members, across sectors and regions. Including proactive use of social media to extend reach and connect with different audiences.
• Alignment with APM values – Reflect APM’s values, Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent, in the way activities are planned and delivered.

An award for the individual who most consistently demonstrates the spirit, values and impact of volunteering within APM. This will recognise the individual’s activity and output, and the benefit and impact they offered to the profession.

Criteria:

• Range and diversity of activities – Demonstrates commitment across different volunteering opportunities.
• Impact on APM and the profession – Demonstrates the benefits delivered to APM members and the wider profession through the volunteer’s activities.
  • For self-nominations, evidence should include one written testimonial from a third party (e.g., a colleague, network member, volunteer leader, or event participant) describing the volunteer’s contribution and its impact.
  • The testimonial should clearly outline the volunteer’s role, actions, and the benefits delivered.
  • For nominations submitted by others, the nomination itself provides sufficient evidence, and no additional testimonial is required.
• Exemplifying APM values – Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent in approach and attitude.
• Inspiration to others – Encourages, mentors, or positively influences peers.

An award for the Regional Network which has delivered the most successful programme of activities throughout the year.

Criteria:

• Breadth and variety of activities – Demonstrates diverse types of events, initiatives, or support provided over the year, with a range of different target audiences.
• Inclusivity and reach – Demonstrates volunteer-led efforts to engage a broad and diverse audience, including membership levels, non-members and across sectors. Including proactive use of social media to extend reach and connect with different audiences.
• Exemplary collaboration and values – Reflect APM’s values, Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent, in the way activities are planned and delivered.

An award for the volunteer who has made the most significant contribution to APM’s education outreach programme throughout the year.

Criteria:

• Breadth and diversity of educational activity – Demonstrates a range of volunteer-led education activities aligned with APM’s strategy, with a particular focus on engaging schools, while also supporting higher education institutions (e.g., schools: careers fairs, mock interview days, in-classroom workshops; universities: careers talks, panel events, specialist guest lectures).
• Audience impact and planning – Demonstrates how the volunteer worked with the school or higher education institution to ensure the activity met the needs of the students (e.g., agreeing content with teachers or course coordinators, tailoring delivery to the audience, explaining objectives and expected outcomes).
• Inclusivity of reach – Engages diverse audiences across schools, universities, professional networks, and students from different backgrounds, including disadvantaged students. Demonstrates volunteer-led engagement through social media and other digital channels to extend reach and connect with the different audiences.
• Commitment to APM values – Reflects APM’s values, Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent, in the approach and the way activities are delivered for the younger audience.

An award for the individual who has made a significant contribution to APM and its goals through volunteering, over an extended period.

Criteria:

• Sustained contribution – Range and consistency of volunteering activity over an extended period; minimum of eight years.
• Demonstrable impact – Evidence of meaningful, lasting outcomes for APM or the profession.
• Commitment and spirit – Enthusiasm, dedication, and embodiment of APM values; Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent over time.
• Role modelling – Inspires others through example, mentorship, or leadership in volunteering.