Society & Volunteering Awards
Celebrating Community. Inspiring Change. Honouring Dedication.
At JMSU, our Societies & Volunteering Awards celebrate the passion, creativity, and commitment of the students who bring our community to life. From leading vibrant societies to making a difference through volunteering, these awards recognise those who go above and beyond to create opportunities, foster belonging, and drive positive change.
This page is your guide to the event - explore the awards up for grabs, check the full timeline of important dates, and find answers to FAQs to help you stay in the know.
Where it is
Societies & Volunteering Awards are bigger than ever this year, taking over BOXPARK Liverpool for a full evening of celebrating our incredible societies and volunteers.
Societies & Volunteering Awards
Academic Society of the Year
Campaigning and Community Society of the Year
Creative and Performance Society of the Year
Faith and Culture Society of the Year
Fandom and General Interest Society of the Year
Best New Society
Event of the Year
Member's Choice Award
Most Inclusive Society
Rising Society of the Year
Social Media Star of the Year
Society Member of the Year
Society of the Year
Vice President Activities Award
Micro-Volunteer of the Year
Most Supportive Organisation
Organisations’ Choice
Organisation of the Year
Outstanding Contribution (Community)
Vice President Activities Award
Volunteer of the Year
Date not specified – Tickets Released to Committee Members
Committee members have been sent private links for committee tickets by email.
Friday 3rd April – General Ticket Release
General sale tickets will be available on the JMSU website for eligible society members and volunteers.
Wednesday 1st April – Voting Opens
Voting opens for committees on the shortlisted nominees for awards.
Monday 6th April, 5pm – Voting Deadline
Final chance for committees to submit votes for shortlisted nominees.
Friday 17th April, 6:30pm – Society & Volunteering Awards Event
The awards evening takes place at BOXPARK Liverpool, celebrating societies and volunteers.
Shortly After the Event – Photos & Winners Published
Photos will be shared on Facebook shortly after the event, with winners posted on social media and a full list published on the website within a couple of working days.
Event Overview
What is the purpose of the Society & Volunteering Awards?
The JMSU Society and Volunteering Awards are our chance to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful, vibrant societies and our dedicated volunteers. Societies give students the opportunity to find their community and try new things at university, while volunteers are the backbone of the third sector and consistently go above and beyond to give back. We want to recognise the hard work and dedication that goes into both running a society and choosing to volunteer, so this evening is how we do it!
Who can attend the event?
Any fully registered member of a society, or any fully registered volunteer.
Where are the awards?
This year we’re moving to BOXPARK Liverpool. We’re bringing you the biggest and best awards to date with winners, celebration and an epic after party. You don’t want to miss it!
Tickets
Do volunteers need a ticket, or are they automatically invited?
Volunteers will also need tickets to attend the Societies and Volunteering Awards.
Can society committee members bring plus-ones?
No, every attendee at the awards needs their own ticket.
Awards
Who can nominate volunteers or societies?
A number of awards on the night have been nominated for by committees. They will also be able to vote for the shortlisted nominees.
What are the award categories?
There are awards available for both Volunteering and Societies.
The award categories for Volunteering are:
- Micro-Volunteer of the Year
- Outstanding Contribution (Community)
- Most Supportive Organisation
- Organisation of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
The award categories for Societies are:
- Best New Society
- Creative and Performance
- Campaigning and Community
- Faith and Culture
- Fandom
- Academic Society of the Year
- Rising Society of the Year
- Social Media Star of the Year
- Event of the Year
- Inclusivity Award
- Society Member of the Year
- Member's Choice
- Vice President Activities Award
- Society of the Year
Accessibility
Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the event is fully accessible, but please let us know if you have access requirements so we can make sure you have the best possible night.
Will there be BSL interpreters or other support services?
Please let us know if you have specific accessibility requirements and we’ll be able to cater for them.
Food & Drink
Is the event catered?
Yes! Everyone will get three vouchers to use on food, 1x £10 and 2x £5, giving you a total of £20 worth of food. These vouchers can be used across the different vendors open on the night, meaning everyone can get something they like.
How do I request dietary accommodations?
Please let us know any dietary requirements when you buy your ticket.
Will alcohol be served?
Yes – BOXPARK Liverpool is fully licensed to serve alcohol. Everyone will get three drinks tokens which can be redeemed for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. While we hope everyone enjoys themselves, please also remember to drink responsibly.
Practicalities
What is the dress code?
Our dress code is generally smart casual, but if you want to go all out to celebrate your society or volunteering, feel free to put your best party outfit on!
Where is the venue and how do I get there?
Our venue this year is BOXPARK Liverpool. For those of you who attended last year, it’s very close to our previous venue. Please make your own way to the venue, as transport will not be provided.
Will there be seating plans?
Yes, we will seat people with their society and try to group societies on tables where possible. Please let us know if you are swapping or selling your ticket so we can manage seating plans appropriately. Volunteers will also be seated together so you can get to know other volunteers.
Will the event be photographed or filmed?
Yes, we will have a photographer taking photos and videos of the evening. If you don’t want to be in photos or videos, please let a member of staff know on the evening of the event.
Post-Event
How can I see the full list of winners?
All our winners will be posted on the night on social media, and a full list will be published on our website within a couple of working days.
Will certificates or recognition materials be issued?
All of our award winners will get a trophy. Bronze, silver and gold volunteers will get a corresponding pin badge and certificate.
Where can I access event photos?
All event photos will be shared on our Facebook page shortly after the event.
