On 16 April, we held our first ever Thanking Volunteers awards ceremony. It was an emotional celebration where we were able to say thank you to our volunteers, who do so much for OU students.
You can watch a video of the ceremony below.
Ten awards were handed out during the evening, including our Volunteer of the Year Award, which was presented to Scarlet James. Our winners were as follows:
Volunteer of the Year award
Winner:
Scarlet James
Heart of Inclusion award
For promoting equality, diversity, and inclusive practices – awarded to volunteers who actively create safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for all students.
Winners:
Charon Gates
Scarlet James
Aimee Prior
Heart of Innovation award
For showing creativity, trying new ideas, and embracing change – recognises volunteers who test new approaches, solve problems creatively, or introduce improvements.
Winners:
Harry Jenkins
Leila Laco
Heart of Collaboration award
For teamwork, initiative, and adaptability in challenges – celebrates volunteers who work effectively with others, step up when needed, and respond positively to change.
Winners:
Nina Taylor
Jack Flaherty
Heart of Ownership award
For taking responsibility, being reliable, and delivering on commitments – recognises volunteers who demonstrate trustworthiness, follow-through, and leadership through action.
Winners:
Isabelle Hoyet
Scarlet James
Heart of Impact award
For embedding sustainable thinking and practices in their volunteering – awarded to volunteers who consider environmental, social, and long-term impact in their work.
Winners:
Jethro Tieman
Leila Laco
Positive Impact award
For creating meaningful outcomes for students or the wider Open SU community.
Winner:
Aimee Prior
Personal Growth award
For demonstrating significant development, confidence-building, or skills growth through volunteering.
Winner:
Toran Shaw
Making a Difference award
For contributions that have had a noticeable and lasting effect.
Winner:
Nina Taylor
All our volunteers deserve a heartfelt thanks for all the work they do – and we obviously extend a huge congratulations to all our award winners.
It was a wonderful evening, and one we hope to do for many years to come.
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