Behind every great community are people who give their time without asking for recognition: the volunteers who keep vital services running, clubs growing, neighbours connected, and spirits lifted. The Mayor’s Awards for Voluntary Service honour those people and the quiet dedication that helps Chelmsford flourish.

In 2014, as part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations, Chelmsford CVS launched the Chelmsford Awards for Voluntary Service to recognise some of the many people who give their time so generously for the good of others, or who enable money to be raised for charity.

The Mayor of Chelmsford agreed to adopt the Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service as a formal Mayor’s Award to help raise awareness of the thousands of local people who give their time to help others, and in particular those who have made an exceptional contribution to voluntary action across the city, its villages, and South Woodham Ferrers.

During the pandemic, nominations were paused while the then Mayor, Cllr Deakin, worked with Chelmsford CVS to deliver hundreds of community awards through our #SpiritOfChelmsford campaign. Badges, letters and certificates were presented to countless individuals and groups who went above and beyond in a challenging time.

The Mayor’s Awards for Outstanding Voluntary Service were relaunched in 2023, and nominations are now invited in the following categories:

• Outstanding Contribution – Adult

• Outstanding Contribution – Young Person

• Outstanding Contribution – Team

Nominations for 2025 are now open!

Click here to read the Eligibility Criteria and to make a nomination