Rodney Powell Awards 2026: Nominations open!
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Rodney Powell Awards. This is your chance to recognise the incredible work of Sight Loss Council (SLC) and Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) volunteers who make a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people across the UK.
Nominations are open until midnight on 28 February, with winners announced at the Rodney Powell Awards ceremony during the SLC Conference on 6 June 2026.
These prestigious awards are named in honour of Rodney Powell, Thomas Pocklington’s great nephew, who received an MBE for his services to blind and partially sighted people. Rodney served as a trustee of Thomas Pocklington Trust for 37 years (1983–2020), and his legacy continues to inspire volunteers today.
Rodney Powell Awards categories
The award categories for 2026 are:
- National Campaign of the Year: For a team that has contributed strongly to a national campaign in Transport, Health, or the Built Environment.
- Local Campaign of the Year: For a team or group that has delivered an impactful local campaign, project, or activity in their community.
- Volunteer of the Year: For that standout volunteer who has made a huge impact through their achievements in 2025.
- Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering – Sight Loss Councils: For a Sight Loss Council member whose long-term commitment and leadership has made a lasting impact and significantly impacted our work.
- Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering – Student Voice: For a Student Voice volunteer whose exceptional contribution, leadership, or sustained involvement has made a difference.
Paul, Birmingham and Black Country SLC member with his ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award at the 2025 Rodney Powell Awards
Take action – nominate or share
If you’ve worked with a volunteer, team, or with an SLC on a campaign that deserves recognition, please:
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Submit a nomination before 28 February 2026.
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Share this with your networks – encourage colleagues, partners, or anyone who has worked with our volunteers to nominate outstanding individuals, teams, or campaigns.
Passionate about making a difference for blind and partially sighted people?
Want to influence positive change in your community? Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members across the UK.
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.
See where we’re currently recruiting and how you can get involved.
Publication date: 21 January 2026