We get asked lots of questions about our Volunteer Awards. Check out the most common ones. If yours isn’t below, contact us and we’ll happily try to help!
Why do we hold the Tenovus Cancer Care Volunteer Awards?
Ultimately, the main reason is to celebrate the impact volunteers make and to thank the people who help us. Our Awards give people the chance to see the difference their support makes. They tell some of the stories of the people making a difference on behalf of Tenovus Cancer Care.
It spreads awareness of the work we do. It introduces businesses, corporates and individuals, who may go on to support our work, give money and share skills in the future. It lets people know what services we provide, and they can share this with the people they know. This means we can reach even more people and hopefully help even more people affected by cancer.
It can also mean a lot to someone to even just be nominated, it shows that their support has been noticed. They can share with family and friends, put it on a job application, let their college or university know. And people become strong champions/ambassadors of the charity – further promoting and supporting our work.
Is it the only way we recognise volunteers?
No. The Awards are just one of the ways we recognise and say thank you. We have a Reward and Recognition programme detailing the different ways we do this including cards, letters, badges, training, other events and many more!
Do we spend money on the Awards?
Businesses and other corporate partners sponsor the cost of the Awards. This is money that wouldn’t be given if we didn’t hold this event. We want to make it clear that we wouldn’t want the Awards to take money away from our services and the work we do.
We make sure that the money given to us is spent appropriately and is considered.
Why are we holding the ceremony in Cardiff?
We are holding our Awards in Cardiff as geographically it’s central for lots of volunteers, supporters and staff as well as having very good transport links.
We have looked at moving the event to other areas, and although it hasn’t been something we can do yet, it’s something we may consider in the future.
Can we nominate staff, fundraisers, and choir members?
You can nominate anyone who gives up their time, however little, for free to help the charity. That can be choristers, fundraisers, corporate volunteers, shop volunteers, office volunteers, those helping within Research and Support.
Unfortunately these Awards aren’t open to Tenovus Cancer Care staff.
Who can nominate?
Absolutely anyone can nominate including friends, relatives, fellow volunteers, those who use our services, employers, employees, or customers in our shops! The only guidance we have is that volunteers cannot nominate themselves.
How do I nominate?
It’s really easy, just fill in one of our nomination forms and post it to us. Or visit tenovuscancercare.org.uk/volunteerawards where you can fill in a form online.
If you’re having trouble doing this or have any questions give the Volunteer Development Team a call on 029 2076 8850, you can even give your nomination in over the phone.
Can I nominate a group of volunteers?
Yes! You can nominate a team, a shift team, a duo or any collection of people who work together to help the charity.
Do I have to let someone know that I'm nominating them?
Yes. We ask that you please get permission before you nominate a volunteer for one of our awards if you’re able to.
However, we do get in touch with them to let them know before we share their story publicly.
Will other people hear about my nomination?
Yes, we use photos of all our shortlisted volunteers on our website, in local media and at the Awards ceremony itself. If you are going to nominate a volunteer, please make sure they are aware their photo may be taken at some point when you ask if you can nominate them.
Who will judge the Awards?
Our Awards nominations go through a strict judging process. All nominations are shortlisted by our Volunteer and Senior Management Team to three per category. The shortlist is then sent to our external independent judging panel, made up of local media, volunteers, supporters and colleagues from other organisations. It is unlikely the panel will know the shortlisted volunteers so make sure your nomination clearly shows the difference they make.
If someone doesn't win will they know they've been nominated?
Yes, we encourage people to nominate as many volunteers as they can because all nominated volunteers receive a letter from us recognising their nomination, and thanking them, even if they’re not shortlisted!
Can anyone go to the Awards?
Our Awards ceremony is open to all volunteers and staff to come along if they’d like to. All we ask is that you please register your interest with us before the event so we know that you’re coming along.
We also invite a number of our supporters and partners. If you would like to register your interest to attend drop us an email (volunteer@tenovuscancercare.org.uk) and we’ll pop your name down.
As the venue has a maximum capacity it will be on a first come first served basis.
Are travel expenses paid?
All shortlisted volunteers or groups will be invited to claim back their travel expenses for attending the Awards event in July. Overnight stays will be offered to those shortlisted guests living more than 40 miles away from the event.
In the group category, due to cost and space limitations, we may only be able to pay for a limited number of representatives from a group.
