Introducing the Change Agents UK Sustainability Awards 2026

We're excited to announce the launch of the Change Agents UK Sustainability Awards - a brand-new initiative created to recognise and celebrate the incredible sustainability work being done by our alumni and past participants.

Since our earliest programmes, workshops and recruitment activities, thousands of people have passed through Change Agents UK and gone on to do extraordinary things - in their communities, in their careers, and within the organisations they work for. This year, we want to shine a light on them.

Why we're launching these Awards

The Sustainability Awards exist for three simple reasons:

• To recognise excellence - celebrating the people making a genuine difference across community, professional, and organisational contexts.

• To inspire others - showing current participants, prospective students, and partner organisations what's possible.

• To promote Change Agents UK - showcasing the real-world outcomes our programmes create, and reinforcing our role as a leading sustainability education provider.

  
  

If you've taken part in a Change Agents UK programme or workshop, or been recruited through us, this is your moment to be recognised, and to inspire the next generation of change agents.

Who can apply?

Eligibility is simple. You can apply (or be nominated) if you've:

• Participated in a Change Agents UK programme or workshop lasting more than 3 hours, or

• Been recruited by Change Agents UK

  
  

There's no time limit on when that participation happened - whether you were with us last year or a decade ago, you're eligible. You'll just need to be able to evidence sustainability-related activity from within the last year.

The three award categories

Community Impact Award

For alumni driving sustainability change within their local communities, volunteer groups, civic organisations, or grassroots initiatives - think community gardens, repair cafés, local campaigns, or partnerships that bring people together to tackle sustainability challenges.

Sustainability at Work Award

For alumni demonstrating exceptional sustainability leadership within their professional careers - shaping strategy and policy, leading new workplace initiatives, influencing supply chains, or mentoring the next wave of sustainability professionals.

Sustainability Newcomer Award

For people in their first three years working in sustainability (including career changers) who have used what they learned with Change Agents UK to go above and beyond - trialling new ideas, influencing colleagues, and delivering real change early in their careers.

Each category will crown one Winner, with up to two Highly Commended recognitions where the judging panel considers further submissions truly outstanding.

How applications are judged

Every submission will be assessed by an independent panel - including a Change Agents UK board representative, sector experts, and an alumni representative - against three core criteria:

• Impact (50%) - measurable, verifiable sustainability outcomes

• Innovation and Initiative (25%) - creative, novel, or replicable approaches

• Inspiring Others (25%) - driving change by engaging and influencing people

  
  

How to apply

You can put yourself forward through self-nomination, or nominate a colleague, peer, or someone you admire through third-party nomination.

The application form will ask for a short written statement (up to 800 words) about your sustainability activity and its impact, plus a shorter reflection on how your time with Change Agents UK contributed to your journey.

What winners receive

Winners and Highly Commended recipients will be celebrated with:

• A bespoke Change Agents UK Sustainability Award certificate

• Recognition at our December Awards Ceremony

• A winner's profile featured on our website, alumni newsletter, and social channels

• Opportunities to contribute to case studies, digital marketing, and alumni events - including the chance to speak at a networking or lunch-and-learn session

  
  

Key dates

• June 2026 — Awards officially launch

• July 2026 — Nominations open

• October 2026 — Application deadline

• November 2026 — Judging panel convenes

• December 2026 — Winners notified and celebrated at our Awards Ceremony

(All dates are indicative and subject to confirmation.)

Get involved

Whether you've led a community energy project, transformed sustainability practice at your organisation, or made your mark as a rising star in the field, we want to hear your story.

Applications open in July 2026. In the meantime, start thinking about your journey and who among your network deserves to be nominated.

Questions about the Awards? Get in touch with our Awards Team at contact@changeagents.org.uk or visit www.changeagents.org.uk.

Change Agents UK Sustainability Awards 2026 — celebrating the people turning learning into lasting change.