Rodney Powell Awards – 2026 Shortlist

We are delighted to announce the 2026 shortlist for this year’s Rodney Powell Awards. Over the past year, our volunteers have helped drive meaningful change by shaping services, influencing decision-makers, and improving everyday experiences for blind and partially sighted people.

Winners will be announced on Saturday 6 June during the Sight Loss Councils Conference.

What are the Rodney Powell Awards?

Thomas Pocklington Trust launched the Rodney Powell Awards to recognise and celebrate the work of volunteers at the charity, and the immense contribution made by Sight Loss Councils (SLC), Young Voices, and Student Voices volunteers to the lives of blind and partially sighted people every day.

Named in honour of Rodney Powell, who served as a trustee for 37 years and received an MBE for his services to blind and partially sighted people, the awards continue his legacy of championing inclusion and opportunity.

 

RPA Shortlisted Categories and Finalists

Local Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Russell Cooke

Celebrating teams delivering impactful work in their communities, improving accessibility and inclusion for blind and partially sighted people.

London Sight Loss Councils – Built Environment

London SLC is recognised for its leadership in improving street safety for blind and partially sighted people through its E-bike Charter. Over the past year, the team has worked with micromobility operators, including Lime, Forest and Voi. As a result, they have secured new signatories and used sim-specs walks, which simulate sight loss conditions, to highlight real-world accessibility barriers.

This work is already driving change. Operators have introduced improved AI detection to prevent parking on tactile paving, trialled designated parking bays, and delivered in-app messaging to thousands of riders. Working with Transport for London and local authorities, London SLC is ensuring lived experience is shaping transport policy and delivering practical, scalable solutions.

A group shot of Forest staff and London SLC members following our sim-spec walk. Everyone is lined up, on the pavement, smiling at the camera. There are Forest bikes scattered around the group and staff are wearing simulation glasses.

Group photo of London SLC with Forest, during a sim-spec walk

South Yorkshire Sight Loss Council – Sport and Leisure

South Yorkshire SLC is recognised for delivering its first ‘Let’s Get Active’ event, bringing together blind and partially sighted people to explore sport, wellbeing and local support.

The event, attended by 48 people, featured activities led largely by blind and partially sighted coaches, alongside local organisations offering advice and support. It helped raise awareness of opportunities in the area and received strong positive feedback.

Beyond the event itself, the project reflects the group’s rapid growth – building confidence, developing new skills, and strengthening connections across the community.

Four females listening to a coach at a tennis net in a sports hall, during South Yorkshire SLC's Let's Get Active Event

Attendees listening to the coach at the Let’s Get Active event

North Yorkshire Sight Loss Council – Arts and Culture

North Yorkshire SLC is recognised for its proactive work to improve accessibility across arts and cultural venues in the region. The group has mapped venues, carried out assessments using their own accessibility tool, and worked directly with theatres, galleries and museums to share recommendations.

This work has led to tangible changes, including improved audio description, better signage, accessible guides and investment in new equipment. In addition, they have supported awareness sessions, creative workshops and exhibitions led by blind and partially sighted people.

North Yorkshire SLC has also built strong relationships across the sector, helping to ensure cultural spaces are more accessible and inclusive.

The image is split into two halves. On the left, Verity from North Yorkshire SLC sitting next to a VI person attending the Sweet Legacies workshop. To the right, Senior Engagement Manager Iain Mitchell, sits alongside another attendee, and leans forward, laughing.

A photo taken from North Yorkshire SLC’s ‘Sweet Legacies’ project

Birmingham and Black Country – Built Environment

Birmingham and Black Country SLC is recognised for its partnership with West Midlands Police to improve pavement safety and accessibility. The group played a key role in highlighting the risks posed by illegally used e-bikes and e-scooters, contributing lived experience and evidence to support Operation Frislen.

The campaign has delivered clear results, reducing the number of illegal e-bikes in Birmingham city centre and increased enforcement. As a result, it has also led other police forces to adopt similar approaches.

By working collaboratively with law enforcement, the SLC has helped position accessibility as a public safety priority, creating lasting change in the built environment.

Members of Birmingham and Black Country SLC stood with staff fro West Midlands Police in plain clothes, as well as a policeman in a yellow high-visibility jacket. They are all facing the camera, smiling, in Birmingham City Centre.

Birmingham and Black Country SLC members with a West Midlands Policeman

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire SLC – Sports and Leisure

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire SLC is recognised for its work with the Forest of Marston Vale to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted visitors. The team delivered a vision impairment awareness session for staff and volunteers. They also reviewed the site’s sensory garden, drawing on lived experience to shape their recommendations.

Their work helped shape practical improvements, including tactile path edging, accessible seating and sensory features designed with guide dog users in mind. This work has increased staff confidence and is already shaping plans for accessibility upgrades across the site.

Through ongoing partnership, the project is helping to create a more inclusive space, improving access to nature, wellbeing and community participation.

Bedfordshire SLC members are walking together along a gravel garden path bordered by raised stone-filled wire planters. One member is at the front is using a long white mobility cane to feel the ground ahead, while another nearby, holds a guide dog on a harness. The garden is lush with a variety of green plants, tall flowers, and purple blooms in the background. One person reaches out to touch a plant growing from the raised planter.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire SLC members during a walk at Marson Vale

National Campaign of the Year, sponsored by First Bus

This award recognises teams who have driven meaningful change at scale through national campaigns across transport, health or the built environment.

 

Birmingham and Black Country SLC – Built Environment

Birmingham and Black Country SLC is recognised for its work with West Midlands Police to tackle the impact of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters on blind and partially sighted pedestrians. The team raised awareness directly with riders, contributed lived experience to enforcement activity, and supported operations targeting illegally modified vehicles.

The campaign has delivered clear results, reducing the number of illegal e-bikes in Birmingham city centre and increased enforcement. As a result, other police forces have adopted similar approaches.

Through this work, the SLC has strengthened partnerships with law enforcement and delivered meaningful improvements to street safety and accessibility.

Steve, a BABC SLC member, with guide dog Rowley, stands with a West Midlands Police officer in uniform, a West Midlands police staff member, and Louise Connop, Senior Engagement Manager for TPT.

Steve, SLC member, and Louise Connop, Senior Engagement Manager for TPT, with West Midlands Police

West of England SLC – Health

West of England SLC is recognised for its work driving improvements in healthcare accessibility through a partnership with local NHS services and the Integrated Care Board. The team has delivered training on the Accessible Information Standard and used lived experience to challenge assumptions and build staff understanding.

A co-produced research project has captured the experiences of blind and partially sighted patients, creating a strong evidence base for future policy and practice. Alongside this, awareness sessions within healthcare settings have improved confidence among frontline staff.

Together, this work has strengthened understanding, accountability and service delivery – supporting long-term, systemic change in how healthcare is experienced by blind and partially sighted people.

Rosie, NBT staff member, pictured with Heather Armstrong, West of England SLC member during an AIS roadshow. They are pictured with Heather's guide dog at their information stall.

Heather, WOE SLC member, during a North Bristol NHS Trust roadshow

National SLC App Testers – Southeastern Railway

The National SLC App Testers are recognised for improving the accessibility of the Southeastern Railway app through a two-phase testing programme involving ten volunteers from five Sight Loss Councils. Using lived experience and structured test scenarios, volunteers identified key barriers and provided detailed, user-led feedback.

This work led to significant improvements for screen reader users, including clearer navigation, improved contrast and more accessible booking features. As a pilot for a national testing approach, the project demonstrated the value of combining diverse lived experience to deliver meaningful, scalable change, with the model now set to be applied across multiple rail apps used by over 900,000 people.

Leslie, North Yorkshire SLC member, is pictured at her table, holding a smartphone. The smartphone displays a rail ticket booking app with a prominent “Find times & tickets” button. In front of the person is an open laptop showing a document titled “On Track Retail – South Eastern App Accessibility Phase Two.”

Leslie, North Yorkshire SLC member, using the Southeastern Railway app

Essex SLC – Transport

Essex Sight Loss Council is recognised for delivering the Greater Anglia Vision Awareness Programme, a regional initiative improving rail staff confidence and skills in supporting blind and partially sighted passengers. Over the past 15 months, SLC volunteers have delivered lived experience-led training to conductors and station staff. In total, they have reached around 180 participants, including over 60% of conductors.

The programme has had a clear impact, with staff reporting increased confidence, empathy and practical skills. It has also strengthened understanding beyond sight loss alone, influencing wider accessibility practice. With the programme now extended through 2026, this work demonstrates how partnerships rooted in lived experience can deliver lasting change across the rail network.

A female staff member guides Harry, Essex SLC member, up the stairs during the sighted guiding element of the VI Awareness Session. Harry is holding onto the lady's arm with one hand, and his long cane in the other.

Essex SLC member, Harry, being guided by a member of Greater Anglia staff

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire SLC – Transport

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire SLCs are recognised for their collaborative work with East Midlands Railway to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted passengers. Using lived experience, they they have built a strong partnership that is already supporting meaningful change. The team developed practical tools, including prompt cards for staff, and contributed to audio guide content. They also led engagement activities with railway teams.

While the project is ongoing, their work is already shaping practice. Trials of NaviLens technology and plans to expand audio guides across major stations demonstrate a proactive approach to accessibility. By establishing themselves as trusted partners, the SLCs are ensuring the needs of blind and partially sighted passengers are embedded in future improvements across the network.

Dale and Dannie, with support worker John, stand on a platform at a railway station. Dale and Dannie each hold a long cane and are smiling at the camera. John is looking down, making notes on an A4 pad.

Dale, John (support worker) and Dannie from Derbyshire SLC standing on a train platform

Merseyside SLC – Transport

Merseyside Sight Loss Council is recognised for its partnership with Arriva North West to improve bus accessibility for blind and partially sighted passengers. Over the past year, volunteers have engaged directly with more than 300 drivers and frontline staff across multiple depots. They have used lived experience to build understanding, challenge assumptions and share practical approaches to accessible travel.

Staff reported increased confidence and stronger communication, with accessibility increasingly recognised as part of good customer service. By embedding Sight Loss Councils bus driver awareness resources into Arriva’s training programme, the impact is long lasting – helping to create more consistent, supportive journeys and improved independence for passengers.

Kelly, Engagement Manager for North West England, is standing next to the bus cab with a male driver. He is wearing simulation glasses, holding a long cane, and trying to find the card reader as part of the bus driver awareness training session. Both are in orange hi-visibility jackets.

Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West, with a bus driver in sim-specs

 

Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Arriva North West

This category recognises individuals whose dedication, initiative and contribution have made an outstanding difference over the past year.

 

Lee Mercer – Essex SLC

Lee helps drive improvements in accessibility across transport, arts and community settings. Through his work with Essex SLC, he has supported vision awareness training for rail staff and helped strengthen understanding of sight loss. His lived experience and willingness to get involved have helped influence services and promote more inclusive practices. His commitment continues to make a positive difference for blind and partially sighted people in Essex.

Lee Mercer, Essex SLC member, is stood on a train platform, holding his long cane. He is wearing his white Sight Loss Council hoodie, wearing a beige coat, and smiling at the camera. A train is in the background at another platform.

Lee, Essex SLC member, stands on a train platform

Abu-bakr Ishtiaq – Greater Manchester SLC

Abu-bakr supports Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council with enthusiasm and consistency. He is always willing to get involved and supports a wide range of projects, particularly in transport and culture. Through this work, he has used his lived experience to help shape improvements to services such as the Bee Network. His reliability and ongoing commitment make him a valued member of the SLC.

Abu-bakr, Greater Manchester SLC member, stands in front of a dark wall. He is wearing a black baseball cap, dark framed glasses, and padded gilet. His head is slightly turned to the side.

Abu-Bakr, Greater Manchester SLC member

Dawn Hewitson – Lancashire SLC

Dawn brings a proactive approach to her work with Lancashire Sight Loss Council. She plays a key role in building partnerships and driving forward a wide range of projects. From supporting inclusive events to delivering vision awareness training, her work has expanded the SLC’s reach and impact. Her energy, initiative and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference for blind and partially sighted people in Lancashire.

Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West England, stands with Dawn from Lancashire SLC in front of a large pond. Both wear sunglasses, hold their long canes, and are smiling at the camera.

Dawn, Lancashire SLC member, stands with Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West

Paul Hsu – North London SLC

Paul brings enthusiasm and a strong willingness to support a wide range of Sight Loss Council work. He regularly steps forward to contribute, bringing a positive approach and strong commitment to making a difference. His lived experience and growing confidence have helped support projects such as transport awareness work, making him a valued and dependable member of the SLC.

Paul, North London SLC member, poised to bat. A coach is behind him, ready to catch the ball.

Paul, a North London SLC member, is holding a cricket bat and facing the camera.

Josie Clark – North Yorkshire SLC

Josie shows longstanding commitment and contributes actively across North Yorkshire Sight Loss Council. She has supported a wide range of projects, from transport and arts to health and local engagement. Through this work, Josie consistently shares her lived experience to influence positive change. Her leadership, confidence and supportive approach make her a highly respected and valued member of the SLC.

York Sight Loss Council members Verity (with her guide dog Ted) and Josie Clarke on a bus at the First Bus - York bus depot training school 19 October 2022. Josie is sat on a seat and holding a white cane. Verity is walking down the centre of the bus with her guide dog.

Josie, North Yorkshire SLC member, on-board a bus during project work with First Bus

Tanja Price – Staffordshire SLC

Tanja brings determination and impact to raising the voice of blind and partially sighted people with decision-makers. Through her engagement with local and national representatives, she has helped bring key accessibility issues into wider conversations. Her initiative and persistence have strengthened relationships and created new opportunities for influence and long-term change.

Photo of Tanja, Staffordshire Sight Loss Council member. Tanja has shoulder-length, fair hair and is wearing dark rimmed glasses. She is wearing a cream knitted top beneath a dark cardigan, and is smiling at the camera.

Tanja, Staffordshire SLC member, smiles at the camera indoors

Khadija Hassan – Student Voices

Khadija brings enthusiasm and makes a strong contribution across Student Voices projects. Since joining, she has supported a range of activities, including digital content, events and partnerships. She shares her experiences to support others in education. Her openness and collaborative approach help strengthen engagement and ensure more young people feel represented and supported.

Selfie photo of Khadija and Faith, Student Voices members. A third female is pictured in the background. All are looking at the camera, smiling.

Khadija, Student Voices member alongside fellow members

Tom Ashforth – Young Voices

Tom contributes across Young Voices and wider advocacy work, showing strong leadership in his approach. He has supported national campaigns, engaged with decision-makers and represented young people with sight loss on a variety of platforms. His commitment, energy and willingness to lead by example have helped amplify young people’s voices and drive meaningful change.

Tom, Young Voices member wearing glasses and a denim shirt stands indoors with a rainbow lanyard, with large colourful hanging decorations and an open atrium in the background.

Tom, Young Voices member

Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering – Student Voices, sponsored by Guide Dogs

Recognising Student Voice volunteers whose leadership, commitment and lived experience have helped shape change and support others.

Faith McBride-Harrow – Student Voices

Faith plays a leading role in Student Voices projects, including the ‘Through Our Eyes’ podcast. She shows confidence in sharing ideas and advocating for blind and partially sighted students. She also acts as a positive role model, helping others develop their own voice.

Faith, Student Voices member, sits at a wooden desk with a microphone on a stand.

Faith, Student Voices member, at a microphone

Khansa Maria – Student Voices

Khansa plays a key role in student-led campaigning and engagement work. Through webinars and case studies, she has shared her experiences with education professionals, helping to raise awareness and support blind and partially sighted students, particularly those studying internationally.

Khansa, Student Voices member, looks to her side. She wears a light hijab and beige coat and sits outdoors. Green foliage softly blurs in the background.

Khansa, Student Voices member, sits outdoors

Maymunah Bashir – Student Voices

Maymunah plays an active role across Student Voices projects, including webinars, written content and awareness work. By sharing her lived experience, she has supported professionals and students to better understand accessibility in education and helped shape practical resources for future learners.

Zehra Yunel – Student Voices

Zehra consistently contributes to Student Voices and shows strong commitment to its work. She has shared her experiences across events, campaigns and national discussions, helping to represent the voices of blind and partially sighted students. Her openness and advocacy have supported others and strengthened wider influencing work.

Image shows Zehra, Student Voices member, smiling at the camera. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, she is wearing a white jumper, and sunglasses.

Zehra in sunglasses, smiling at the camera

 

Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering, sponsored by Brighton and Hove Buses

Celebrating long-term commitment and leadership from SLC members who have made a lasting impact on our work and the communities we support.

Heather Armstrong – West of England SLC

Heather has led work over more than five years to make health services more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Through her work with hospitals and the Integrated Care Board, she has championed accessible communication, delivered training, and co-produced impactful research that will shape future NHS policy. This has created lasting improvements in care and experience.

Headshot of Heather Armstrong, West of England SLC member. She is wearing a red jumper and glasses, standing against a white wall.

Headshot of Heather, smiling at the camera

Julie Stephens – Gloucestershire SLC

Julie plays a key role in expanding accessible cultural opportunities for blind and partially sighted people. She has supported two major projects this year. This includes work with the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, where she advised on accessibility, trained staff and helped deliver tailored events. She also supported the introduction of audio description at the Guildhall. As a result, she helped train staff and shape an inclusive approach that led to a launch event attended by nearly 70 people. Her collaborative approach and ongoing contributions continue to strengthen the Sight Loss Council’s impact and reach.

Sight Loss Council member Julie is sat on a black chair facing the camera. She is wearing a red chequered dress and has bobbed brown hair. There is a Sight Loss Council banner to her right. The banner says: ‘Led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, we tackle local and national issues, and improve the accessibility of services.’ It also shows the website address: www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk

Julie being interviewed at a previous SLC Conference

Phil Rutter – Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire SLC

Phil has shown long-standing commitment to improving accessibility across transport and community spaces through his contributions to station audits, accessibility trials and local initiatives. Through this work, he has used his lived experience to shape practical improvements for blind and partially sighted people.

Headshot of Phil Rutter, Bedfordshire SLC member. His head is slightly tipped back and he is smiling.

Close-up of Phil, laughing

Paul Day – Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire SLC

Paul makes a sustained contribution to improving accessibility across transport and public spaces. He has worked closely with transport providers, including carrying out station audits and developing accessible resources. As a result, this work has helped influence meaningful change and strengthen partnerships, improving experiences for blind and partially sighted passengers.

Paul, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire SLC member, is standing on a platform at Stevenage train station during the AIRA app testing. He is holding his long cane in one hand, and his phone up in the other.

Paul during the AIRA testing at Stevenage train station

Iris Keppler – Sussex SLC

Iris contributes consistently to Sussex Sight Loss Council and shows strong dedication to its work. She has supported a wide range of projects, from accessibility campaigns to transport and retail improvements. Much of this work takes place behind the scenes to ensure strong delivery. Her reliability and commitment have made her a vital part of the SLC’s success.

Iris Keppler headshot. Iris is wearing a white t-shirt and beige coat and is smiling at the camera.

Close-up of Iris outdoors, smiling at the camera

Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted. Thank you to every volunteer who continues to make a difference through Sight Loss Councils and Student Voices.

Passionate about making a difference for blind and partially sighted people?

Want to influence positive change in your community? Across the UK, Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members.   

Our volunteers use their lived experience to create positive change for others. Together, we tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services. 

Find out where we’re currently recruiting and how you can get involved.

Join us

Publication date: 19 May 2026

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