We’re excited to unveil the YMCA Leicestershire STAR Awards – our brand-new annual event created to shine a light on the dedication, creativity, and achievements of our incredible people.

So, what makes the STAR Awards special? Well… It’s all about YOU. This event is led by staff, for staff:

Part 1

How to Get Involved

Join the Awards Judging Panel – We’re looking for volunteers! Email the HR Inbox by 20 December 2024 to express your interest. You know your colleagues best. That’s why nominations and votes will come from you – recognising the amazing contributions you see every day.

Hannah Williamson will be heading up the panel, and looking to convene a decision meeting w/c 13/1/2025

So, Let’s Get a Staff Led Judging Panel Together

For 2025 we want the awards panel to include 8–10 representatives from across our organisation, giving every department a say in celebrating our stars.

Departments represented will include:

• Housing East Street
• Housing Aylestone
• Move-on Housing
• Children’s Home
• Theatre
• Property & Maintenance
• Fundraising & Communications
• YASC

Part 2

The Nominations Begin

The nominations begin on Thursday 2nd January 2025 (at 12noon). They will run until midnight on Monday 13th January 2025, where they will be compiled and taken to the judging panel.

Peer Recognition

Remember, YOU know your colleagues best. That’s why nominations will come from you – recognising the amazing contributions you see every day from everyone around you.

Quality Over Quantity

And it’s not about how many votes someone gets but the genuine quality of the nominations. The panel will focus on meaningful and well-deserved recognition, making these awards truly special.

This is your chance to celebrate the colleagues who inspire, innovate, and live out YMCA values every day.

The STAR Award Categories

For the 2025 STAR Awards we’re kicking things off for nominations in these categories:

• The Hidden Gem Award: For the behind-the-scenes hero who keeps everything running smoothly.
• Your Best Team Award: Celebrating standout teamwork and collaboration.
• Your Best Customer Service Experience Award: For those who go above and beyond for others.
• The Innovation Award: Honouring creative ideas that make a real difference.
• The Community Spirit Award: Celebrating someone who embodies YMCA’s values of inclusivity, responsibility, and service.
• Your Most Inspirational Leader Award: For the person who inspires and uplifts those around them.
• The Rising Star Award: Spotlighting new or junior staff making waves in their role.
• The Residents Award: Nominated and Awarded by our Residents.
• The SMILE Award: The person who always makes your day and makes you smile

To make Your Nomination for the 2025 STAR Awards CLICK HERE (Goes LIVE 2/1/25)

Part 3

The nominees will be contacted by the 17/1/2025

Save the Date and Enjoy…

The STAR Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday 30th January 2025, in The Y Theatre.

There will be food.(TBC)

There will be entertainment.(TBC)

The awards night will be compered by our very own Hayley Rogers and Marc Ford.

As the date gets nearer, we’ll continue to update you as to what is happening, when and why!!