New NELC Mayor launches Civic Awards 2026 to recognise unsung heroes

The new Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Janet Goodwin, is determined that her first ever term in office will be reflective of her 10 years as a ward councillor in continuing to help as many people in the Borough as possible.

Speaking at Grimsby Town Hall as she launched the North East Lincolnshire Civic Awards 2026 – which reward those people who go unrecognised in our communities for doing great work for others – she added:

“I represent South Ward but I do not consider myself to be particularly political. I have been a councillor for 10 years and I see my role as a voice for local residents who do not feel they are being heard.”

The Mayor became a councillor after working for many years for the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union, and realising that there are many people out there who need a little extra help. Diagnosed dyslexic in her 50s, Cllr Goodwin is particularly empathetic to people with skills and learning difficulties.

“I am hoping to help those communities that are hard to reach and just to be here for residents who need assistance,” she said.

The Civic Awards are all about championing unsung heroes and, as they enter their fifth year, the seven categories have been refined to reflect the many ways that local people give back selflessly to their communities.

Cllr Goodwin urged the people of North East Lincolnshire to think about those they know who deserve recognition for their work. From volunteers who make a significant impact on their communities without expecting anything in return, to veterans who have worked hard in their communities post military service, or young people who have achieved extraordinary things and shown great resilience doing so.

“These are just some of the people that the Civic Awards were created to honour, but they only work if local people remember to nominate those they think deserve to be recognised,” she said.

“I look forward to meeting many of these people during my Mayoral year and saying thank you to each of them for their hard work and commitment in helping others.”

The Civic Awards are open now until January 31 2026. Find out how to nominate below. This year’s categories are:

 Volunteer of the Year Award

Criteria:

• Demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to volunteer work.
• Made a significant impact on the community through their volunteer efforts.
• Exhibited leadership and inspired others to engage in volunteer activities.

Charity of the Year Award

Criteria:

• Achieved outstanding results in fundraising and community support.
• Demonstrated innovative approaches to addressing community needs.
• Maintained transparency and accountability in operations.
• Must be a registered charity with the Charity Commission.

Environment Award

Criteria:

• Implemented effective initiatives to protect and enhance the local environment.
• Promoted sustainable practices and raised environmental awareness.
• Achieved measurable improvements in environmental conservation.

Business in the Community Award

Criteria:

• Contributed significantly to the local community through business practices.
• Supported local initiatives and demonstrated corporate social responsibility.
• Fostered community engagement and economic development.

Sporting and Wellness Award

Criteria:

• Promoted physical activity and wellness within the community.
• Achieved excellence in sports or wellness programs.
• Encouraged participation and inclusivity in sports and wellness activities.

Inspirational Young Person Award

Criteria:

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative in community activities.
• Made a positive impact on peers and the wider community.
• Exhibited outstanding personal achievements and resilience.

Veteran Award

Criteria:

• Made significant contributions to the community post-military service.
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
• Engaged in activities that honour and uphold the values of military service.

You can nominate for each category online via North East Lincolnshire Council’s website. https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/mayor-and-civic-information/

If you need a paper form, please contact the Civic Office by calling 01472) 324101 or sending an e-mail to civic.office@nelincs.gov.uk

Nominations can be made until 5pm on Friday January 31st 2026.  If you submit electronically, they will be received automatically.  Alternatively, you can send via e-mail to civic.office@nelincs.gov.uk.

Full terms and conditions can be found here https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/mayor-and-civic-information/