A new awards initiative recognising volunteers across Aberdeen has officially launched as part of Volunteers’ Week 2026, providing a meaningful way to celebrate the individuals and volunteer teams making a positive difference across the city.
The Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate has been created through a partnership between Volunteer Aberdeen, managed by ACVO TSI, and the Lord Provost of Aberdeen. The awards recognise the time, dedication and community spirit of volunteers who help strengthen communities and improve lives throughout Aberdeen.
The awards include two categories: the Bon Accord Award, recognising individual volunteers, and the Team Aberdeen Award, celebrating volunteer teams supporting organisations, activities, events and communities across the city.
Third sector organisations, charities and community groups across Aberdeen are invited to nominate volunteers of all ages who are making a positive contribution through volunteering.
Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor Dr David Cameron, said, "Volunteering makes a remarkable contribution to communities across Aberdeen every day. The Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the individuals and teams whose commitment, generosity and community spirit continue to make our city a stronger and more connected place."
Mike Melvin, Volunteering Services Manager at ACVO TSI, added, "Volunteers play a vital role in communities across Aberdeen, and these awards are about recognising the people and teams who give their time to support others and make a positive difference. We hope organisations across the city will take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution their volunteers make every day."
The launch of the awards was marked by the presentation of the first ever Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate to Fiona Clark at Aberdeen Central Library.
L-R Mike Melvin, Maggie Hepburn, Meghan Collie, Fiona Clark, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Cllr Dr David Cameron, and the Lady Provost of Aberdeen, Cllr Hazel Cameron, at the inaugural Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate presentation.
Fiona received the inaugural Bon Accord Award in recognition of her continued commitment to volunteering following her retirement from Aberdeen City Council. Having previously served as Service Manager for Libraries & Community Learning, Fiona has continued supporting Aberdeen Central Library as a volunteer, helping organise archive collections and prepare valuable historical materials for digitisation and future public access.
Presenting the award, Councillor Dr David Cameron said, "Fiona’s contribution to Aberdeen’s libraries and communities has continued long beyond her professional career. It is a privilege to present the very first Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate to someone whose commitment, knowledge and generosity continue to make such a positive impact."
Speaking after receiving the award, Fiona said, "It was a real surprise and a great honour to receive the award. Libraries have always been an important part of my life and I’m very grateful to still be able to contribute through volunteering and support the work happening within Aberdeen Central Library."
The presentation was attended by Lady Provost Cllr. Hazel Cameron, ACVO TSI Chief Executive Maggie Hepburn, colleagues from Aberdeen City Libraries and representatives from ACVO TSI. The event also recognised the contribution of Meghan Collie, Volunteer Coordinator with Aberdeen City Libraries, whose conversations with the volunteers she supports helped inspire the development of the new awards programme.
Nominations for both the Bon Accord Award and Team Aberdeen Award are now open, offering organisations across Aberdeen the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who make a real difference in local communities.
Find out more at www.lordprovostcertificate.co.uk