Kirknewton Community Development Trust, as part of the Kirknewton Development Plan, aims to reward examples of outstanding volunteering or community activity in the Kirknewton community.  Entry is open to all Voluntary, Public, Private and Community organisations based or operating in Kirknewton.

This is the first year we have run the Kirknewton Volunteer awards and it is hoped that it will be an annual event.  Who are the people you feel went that extra mile for the benefit of Kirknewton this year?  You can nominate online here

You may enter a nomination in more than one category and you may nominate in as many categories as you like.  Entries must cover activity that has taken place during 2011- 2012. An independent Panel of Judges will choose Award Winners.  The closing date for entries is Friday 21st September 2012.

Nominate here

Up to 60 volunteers from the village will be invited to a free supper, with drinks, in the Kirknewton Stables on Thursday 22nd November to say ‘thank you’ for all your help this year.  Awards will be announced during the evening.

The 10 categories and criteria are:

Volunteer of the Year (25 years of age and over)

• Type of voluntary work and degree of commitment
• Impact on voluntary organisation and/or wider community
• Degree of difficulty to overcome whilst carrying out voluntary work
• Personality, attitude and sense of humour

 Young Volunteer of the Year (16 – 24 years of age)

• Type of voluntary work and degree of commitment
• Impact on voluntary organisation and/or wider community
• Degree of difficulty to overcome whilst carrying out voluntary work
• Personality, attitude and sense of humour

Active Citizenship Award (under 16)

• Young people carrying out volunteering to benefit local community
• Actively supported by school or organisation
• Impact on voluntary organisation, community or target group

Lifetime Achievement of the Year Award

As the name implies, someone who has dedicated much of their time and skills during their lifetime to support voluntary organisation(s) or their community.

Community Group of the Year (a list of groups can be seen here)

• Organisation’s impact on the community and service users
• Type of service(s) delivered
• Length of time the organisation has been in existence
• Organisation’s commitment to the volunteers

Trustee/Board/Committee member of the Year

• An individual who has served on a local committee for one term or more
• Fully conversant in their duties, legal requirements and adhering to Best Practice
• Someone always willing to lend a hand at fundraising or promotional events

Community Event of the Year

As the name suggests, the community event you have enjoyed attending this year

Business of the Year

• How many individuals or groups are assisted or supported by this business
• How do the staff and volunteers respond to requests for assistance
• Does the enterprise help to address our economic, social or environmental concerns

 Community Arts Volunteer(s) of the Year

• Outstanding contribution to the Arts throughout the year
• Individual/group making best contribution to art projects in Kirknewton

 Sports Volunteer(s) of the Year

• How many individuals or groups are encourage to get involved in sporting activity
• How does their involvement contribute to healthy living for residents of Kirknewton
• What part does the nominated volunteer play in this involvement

In addition to the above there will be a Special Category Award to be presented to the individual or group who, in the opinion of the Development Trust and/or the Judges, deserves a special mention.

Remember the close of nominations is Friday 21st September.

People put forward can also be put forward for the Voluntary Sector Gateway awards for West Lothian, if you wish them to be.