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Nominations are now open for the 2026 Sutton Community Awards! This is the chance for Sutton residents to reognise the outstanding individuals, volunteers and community groups whose dedication helps make Sutton a stronger, better place to live.

The annual awards celebrate the people who go above and beyond to support others, improve their neighbourhoods and drive positive change across the borough. From committed volunteers and community champions to local organisations making a lasting impact, the awards shine a spotlight on those whose contributions often go unrecognised.

The 2026 Sutton Community Awards are delivered in partnership by Sutton Council, Community Action Sutton, Volunteer Centre Sutton and Sutton Housing Partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to recognising the people at the heart of Sutton's communities.

Nominations are open now and close at midnight on Friday, 18 September 2026.

Don't miss the opportunity to recognise the people who make Sutton shine. Submit a nomination and help celebrate the borough's local heroes.

Fill out the nomination form today!

Community Awards 2026 - submission guidance.

Award Categories

1. The Marian James Community Champion Award 

   This category has been renamed to honour the late former Councillor, Marian James. Marian was elected as a Councillor for Wallington North in 2014. She served as Chair of the People Committee from 2018 until her retirement in 2026 when she was sadly diagnosed with cancer and died shortly after being awarded Freedom of the Borough in July 2026. 
   
   Throughout Marian's time as a councillor she was committed to improving the lives and opportunities of Sutton’s residents, particularly those in social care services. This award honours an individual or organisation that, much like Marian, champions and is the driving force in creating positive change and fostering a more inclusive environment for Sutton's diverse communities through their dedicated projects and programmes.

2. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion    

   An individual or organisation that has worked tirelessly to help celebrate and cultivate projects and programmes focused on Sutton's diverse communities.

3. Outstanding Volunteer

   An individual who has gone above and beyond as a volunteer for a voluntary and community sector organisation, and has made an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of those the organisation supports.

4. Outstanding Volunteering Group

   A group of volunteers that have demonstrated a great team spirit and worked together to support a cause or organisation that would only be possible collectively - this could include a business or staff members who volunteer as a group in Sutton.

5. Outstanding Young Person

   This award celebrates young people under the age of 21 whose outstanding achievements in academic, sporting, artistic, or cultural fields have positively represented the borough and inspired others. 
   
   Examples include:
   
   Sporting Achievement: For significant accomplishments in sports at any level, demonstrating dedication, sportsmanship, or inspiring others through their participation.
   
   Artistic Achievement: For creating exceptional works or performing at a high level in visual arts, music, drama, dance, writing, or other artistic fields.
   Community Contribution & Leadership: For demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, volunteering significant time, initiating positive community projects, or acting as a role model for other young people.

6. Outstanding Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation of the Year 

   This award celebrates a local charity, community group, or social enterprise that has truly made a positive difference in the lives of the people they help. We're looking for organisations that have gone above and beyond to improve well-being, create opportunities, or provide vital support within our community.

7. Sue Robson Trustee of the Year

   Sue Robson was deputy director and CEO of Sutton CVS (now known as Community Action Sutton) for a number of years. Sue was passionate about governance and worked with both large and small organisations on developing good practices for their trustees to enable their organisations to flourish. 
   
   The Sue Robson Trustee of the Year award was established to acknowledge her contribution to the voluntary and community sector in Sutton.
   This award recognises an individual who is a Trustee (this is an unpaid role and Trustees may also be known as the board, the management committee, governors, directors) for a charity or organisation, who goes above and beyond to support and represent their organisation.

8. Marlene Heron Tenant of the Year

   The late Marlene Heron was a Sutton Councillor for a number of years before she stood down in 2022. 
   
   After standing down, Marlene joined the Board of Sutton Housing Partnership, where she used both her previous professional experience working in a local authority housing team and her experience as a councillor to make sure that all tenants were listened to. 
   
   Marlene was a real advocate for the rights of the tenants and the leaseholders. Anyone who knew her knew how she tirelessly fought for those who were the most vulnerable in the local community. The nomination should clearly demonstrate how the individual volunteer has: Made an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of social housing residents within the London Borough of Sutton. Dedicated their time and effort to activities and initiatives that directly benefit residents and communities.

9. Outstanding Community Health and Wellbeing Champion 

   This award shines a light on those supporting our community with their physical health, mental wellbeing, health management or any of the wider outcomes supported by physical activity and sport, emphasising the vital role that being physically active plays in supporting health outcomes. Nominations are encouraged from organisations, projects and individuals.
    

10. The Lifetime Achievement Award

    This special award will acknowledge and celebrate the incredible volunteers, dedicated champions, and valued colleagues who have consistently supported vulnerable people in the borough over a significant period of time.