About the Inspiring Communicator Awards
The Inspiring Communicator Awards (ICAs) celebrate those whose services to charity communications truly go above and beyond. Our awards highlight people who particularly demonstrate spirit, insight, skills, and, above all, are inspirational in their use of communications for a cause or charity.
The Inspiring Communicator Awards is a joyous and important part of our work, recognising truly extraordinary individuals and teams spanning roles, responsibilities and causes. What unites them is their ability to lead by example and bring people together for positive change through exceptional communications.
It is always a pleasure to read the nominations and an honour to award inspiring individuals who tell us how much they appreciate the acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication. Together, the work of our winners are prime examples of the value of communications for charities.
We are now launching 10 categories to mark a decade of the awards. Categories cover individuals, teams, themes and outputs to recognise the breadth of impressive and impactful work and individuals in the sector (like you and your colleagues).
Please browse the categories below and use our criteria page to guide your nominations.
The nominations portal for 2023 is now open and will close on 14 December at 17:30. We will make announcements and share reminders across our channels during the nomination period.
Please note that you can only nominate a person or team in a single category, so please make sure the nomination is in the most relevant category. While we appreciate that some impressive individuals or outputs might cut across our categories, we want to ensure that there is space for lots of winners. With that in mind, think about the award that you’d feel most proud to have on your email signature, or love to see a colleague or individual in the sector be recognised for in this year’s awards.
The awards
Rising Star
Recognising the sector’s emerging talent and future leaders.
Rising Star judges
Bevis Man
Head of marketing and communications at Hatch Enterprise
Jasmine Warren
Digital communications coach at Lightful
Saskia Konynenburg
Executive director of strategic communication and insight at NCVO
Strategic Leader of the Year
Celebrating leaders who are winning hearts and minds.
Strategic Leader of the Year judges
Noha Al Afifi
Interim Chief executive officer at Arthritis Action
Jessica Abelscroft
Interim Director of advice strategy at Citizens Advice
Frankie Garforth
Strategic programme lead at RNID
Team of the Year
For two or more individuals who are the dream team.
Team of the Year judges
Scot Bower
Chief executive officer at CSW
Aferdita Pacrami
Head of communications at Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales
Shree Rajani
Communications director at Impact on Urban Health
Best Collaboration (agency and charity)
Recognising the power of the agency and charity combination to achieve great things.
Best Collaboration (agency and charity) judges
Akriti Farmahan
Senior campaign manager at The British Red Cross
Liz Rawlins
Head of policy engagement and communications at Elrha
Jo Addison
Director of Add10
Best Collaboration (freelancer and charity)
Recognising the power of the freelance and charity combination
Best Collaboration (freelancer and charity) judges
Trina Wallace
Freelance charity copywriter and communications consultant
Murat Ismail
Previously Head of direct marketing at King's College London
Natasha Lokhun
Head of communications at Global Action Plan
Best In-house Campaign
Spotlighting strong campaigns designed in-house that are making waves at local, national or global levels.
Best In-house Campaign judges
Rebs Curtis-Moss
Charity comms and digital fundraising consultant
Brân Devey
Engagement and communications manager at Ramblers Cymru
Yasmin Glover
Founder and managing director at The Olive Training and Consultancy
Accessible Comms Award
A devoted award for communicators advocating and practising accessible communications.
Accessible Comms Award judges
Georgie Wishart
Freelance charity content creator at Plant Based Digital
Ettie Bailey-King
Freelance inclusive and accessible communication specialist
Gary Mazin
Stories library manager at RNIB
Inclusive Comms Award
A dedicated award to commend the champions of equality, diversity and inclusivity in the sector’s communications.
Inclusive Comms Award judges
Jake Furby
Communications manager at Friends Provident Foundation
Ipek Leni Candan
Trustee at CharityComms
Advita Patel
Founder of Comms Rebel
Comms Changemaker of the Year
Committed comms individuals who are addressing the biggest and most pressing issues to influence lasting environmental, sectoral or social change.
Comms Changemaker of the Year judges
Maria Castellina
Director of impact at Frameworks UK
Nicky Hawkins
Freelance strategic communications, framing and narrative change consultant
Gauri Sarjine
Senior communications manager at HelpAge International
Innovation Award
Celebrating those who are innovating and blazing a trail for other comms professionals in the sector to follow.
Innovation Award judges
Alex Blake
Director of KEDA Consulting and host of the Charity Impact Podcast
Julie Wilson-Dodd
Transformation consultant
Ben Holt
Global lead for strategic foresight at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC
For more information
If you need more information about our Awards, you can visit our FAQs page or you can contact us on admin@charitycomms.org.uk.