Community Award Winners 2025

Coproduced research, by definition, requires cross-sector working and the winner is of this year’s award absolutely embodies that as they have worked alongside No More Exclusions, an organisation that centres the voices and experiences of children and young people who have experienced oppressive education and exclusion. Through their dissertation this student is creating an educational resource for secondary school age children about pre-modern Eastern Africa’s international connections to support with the organisations mission of facilitating education of our diverse African, Asian, and colonial and pre-colonial histories.

This year’s winner is no stranger to our Awards, having won it previously and supported hundreds of our students to volunteer with their vital service. They’re a unique service run by students, for students.

This is a project that has made a profound impact on the lives of Afghan refugee women. Through tailored English lessons, it has empowered them with essential language skills and confidence, opening new opportunities. In partnership with Hopscotch, this initiative has flourished for nearly five years, creating lasting change.

This individual’s contributions have been absolutely vital when leadership within one of our Networks was needed. They have been responsive, passionate and used their experience to support students within their Network.

Our Activities Reps are a really important role in getting information and ideas between students on the ground, to me, to Activities Zone. I have loved working with the reps this past year and I am so pleased we have been able to introduce this new award to recognise their volunteering for the Students’ Union. The winning Activities Rep has consistently gone above and beyond in their role as a Rep. Whether that be taking proactive steps to ensure that facilities are a top priority, representing the Union at BUCS Regional meetings to creating partnership links in the local community, this student is a worthy winner.

Living in Halls can be an incredible part of the student experience at university. We have over 7000 students living across 27 halls, from Campbell House, just two streets away to One Pool Street at UCL East. It’s where friendships are made for life and it’s a real community within our community! Each Hall has its own personality, and the Halls Community Officers are a really important aspect of life in Halls. The winning Officer has been an ‘exceptional advocate for residents and a driving force behind a stronger, more connected community’ and an ‘strong, articulate voice for students’.

The winning event is a series of inclusive community moments where ‘everyone was invited, and everyone came across all courses and backgrounds. The winner of this award demonstrated incredible engagement to build a vibrant, united hall community.

A true pillar of the UCL community, this student leads UCL Marrow with passion—organising campus-wide recruitment drives to grow the stem cell register and championing the lifesaving work of Anthony Nolan. As a dedicated welfare officer across multiple societies, he consistently prioritises the wellbeing of others through weekly check-ins, support, and signposting. His compassion extends far beyond societies, making a lasting, positive impact on everyone around him.

The Oliver Hare Altruism Award is named after UCL Graduate Olly Hare, who was passionate about music, dancing, sports, and giving back. Olly's Future is a foundation set up in his name that is working to help deliver suicide prevention initiatives, particularly for young people.

The winning Network has organised evening and day time events and collaborated with the Student Success team to help their members thrive in their academic journeys. It’s the first year that this Network has existed and they are going from strength to strength in creating a sense of community for their students.

Carson was chosen based on their contributions, leadership, and impact they have had with their activities and work. This year, they have led the Student-Led Project, Zero Food Waste, and have had an incredible journey. They’ve reshaped food waste management, making it easier and more effective for everyone. From optimizing collections to launching advocacy campaigns, including an eye-opening exhibition, they’ve sparked real change. Thanks to their support, we’re building a more sustainable campus—together.

Our Student Officers have achieved some incredible things over the past academic year and it has been a pleasure working with them. However, one student stands out their consistent effort and determination to make effective policy changes and bring students together. They are an inspiring role model and have left an outstanding legacy for future students to follow.

This year’s winning club has demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteering over the past year, significantly impacting both the wider community and UCL students. Through various initiatives, they have raised funds, provided volunteering opportunities, and fostered a sense of community within the club and beyond. Some of their notable achievements include raising over £1000 for Save the Children and setting up a regular volunteering initiative with the the C4WS Homeless Charity.

This year’s winner is driven by a commitment to improving the lives of children through student-led volunteering and fundraising initiatives. Through their partnerships with organisations such as The Kids Network and Kindle Corner they directly support vulnerable children via mentoring and literacy sessions. They have delivered innovative fundraising initiatives and worked in partnership with other societies to raised over £1000 for charity.

Rachel has championed the student voice in Accommodation, Careers, Student Support and Wellbeing Services and led work on free contraception, student safety and improved transport links for UCL East students. From being a Student Trustee, a People of Colour Officer and now the Welfare & Community Officer, Rachel's achievements, kindness and care are unparalleled.

The second award winner is a Student Officer who has served two terms. They have consistently represented and championed their community passing policy to increase inclusivity and gender equity and supporting women in UCL against gender-based discrimination and violence. Not only this, but they led over 500 members and collaborated with other Networks and Societies to creative an inclusive and thriving environment. As they graduate this year, they have left an incredible legacy which they should be very proud of.