NEWC is delighted to announce that nominations are open for its Annual Member Awards 2025 – a celebration of the individuals and teams across its membership who go above and beyond in their dedication to improving equine welfare.

These annual awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight and honour the often-unsung heroes working across the sector. Whether it’s a long-standing volunteer, an outstanding staff member, or an innovative and collaborative team, we want to hear about those making a real difference.

🌟 Award Categories

Awards are open to all member organisations and recognise contributions in the following areas:

• Team of the Year
• Individual of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year

There’s no limit to the number of nominations an organisation can submit – the more, the better!

✅ Award Criteria

All nominations will be carefully reviewed by the NEWC Board of Directors and assessed based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with NEWC’s Mission – Does the nominee’s work reflect our mission ‘to raise awareness of equine welfare issues and to help improve equine welfare standards nationwide’?
• Above and Beyond – Have they exceeded expectations in their role or contributions?
• Impact – What positive changes have they brought about?
• Going the Extra Mile – Are they consistently going beyond their day-to-day responsibilities?
• Collaboration – How well do they work with others?
• Innovation – Are they bringing fresh ideas or creative approaches to their work?

🏆 2024 Award Winners

Before you submit your nominations, we’d love to remind you of last year’s outstanding winners:

Team of the Year 2024: Jo Franklin and Julie Harding, Redwings

Between them, Redwings Senior Field Officers Jo and Julie have been at the frontline of equine welfare for over 50 years. They’ve helped thousands of horses and donkeys out of neglect and into safety, often being the first on the scene to investigate concerns and provide owner support. Their collaborative work with fellow NEWC organisations, educational outreach, and ongoing management of key Redwings sites makes them a truly exceptional team.

Individual of the Year 2024: Sarah Hollister, HorseWorld Trust

Sarah has been a pillar of HorseWorld since 2000, rising through the ranks to become Head of Equine Welfare. Her leadership, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to staff development and horse welfare has shaped the charity’s progressive, evidence-based approach. Sarah is known for her wisdom, compassion, and constant drive to improve standards for both people and horses.

Volunteer of the Year & Overall Winners 2024: Jennifer and Harriet Handy, Blue Cross

Jennifer and Harriet have fostered an incredible 154 horses over the past five years as the largest Blue Cross foster yard. Their quiet, dedicated work has changed countless equine lives. Known for their calm yard, dedication to high welfare standards, and willingness to take on horses with any need, their partnership has been transformational. Their care, professionalism, and kindness make them truly deserving of this recognition.

📝 How to Submit a Nomination

To request a nomination form and details of how to submit your entry, please contact the NEWC office at info@newc.co.uk. Nominations must be submitted by existing NEWC members only.

⏰ Deadline

Nominations close at midnight on Tuesday, 1st July 2025.

🏆 Announcement of Winners

The award winners will be officially announced at our upcoming AGM (exact date to be confirmed).

We look forward to celebrating the inspiring work being carried out by our members – thank you for helping us recognise the people and teams who truly go the extra mile for equine welfare.