KALC Community Award 2026
KALC COMMUNITY AWARDS SCHEME 2026
(SUPPORTED BY KENT COUNTY COUNCIL, THE HIGH SHERIFF OF KENT and MAYOR OF MEDWAY)
OUTLINE
Aim of the Scheme: To acknowledge and give recognition to individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to their local community.
Implementation: The closing date for final nomination from the Parish Council will be Friday 30th January 2026, so that the presentation of the awards can take place at the 2026 Parish, Town, Community Council or Parish Meeting (Local Council) Annual Meetings, which take place between March and June 2026.
Eligibility - Who can be nominated for an Award?
Eligible: One nomination may be made from each member Council. This can be any individual or group who lives or works within the Local Council boundary and is considered to have made a significant contribution to the local community.
Not Eligible – Campaign Groups.
What is the nomination process?
Nominations are sought from residents and councillors (nominations close 5th January 2026). The Parish Council will choose a nomination at its January meetimng.
Approaches may include selection by Council based on their own knowledge, or public nominations.
What is the criteria for making an Award?
No fixed definition of a “significant contribution”. Councils set criteria relevant to their local priorities. However, suggested criteria are outlined below.
What does the winner receive?
This will be a Certificate signed by the Kent County Chairman/Mayor of Medway, the High Sheriff of Kent and the KALC Chairman.
The Local Council will provide a short citation (max 30 words) for the certificate.
Presentation: The Award should be presented during the Annual Parish Meeting. Councils may also choose to invite the Chairman of Kent County Council/ Mayor of Medway, the High Sheriff of Kent, or the KALC Chairman to participate in the presentation, subject to their availability. However, there is the opportunity for the recipient to also attend an awards ceremony held by the High Sheriff on 8th April 2026 where you may choose to have your certificate presented.
Celebration Evening: For 2026, the High Sheriff of Kent has agreed to host an evening of celebration on Wednesday 8th April 2026. This will be held at the Shepherd Neame Brewery, in Faversham.
This will be a unique opportunity for nominees to be recognised among fellow nominees and to receive their award directly from the High Sheriff of Kent, KCC Chairman/Mayor of Medway.
Further details will be provided to members once the nominations are in.
Is there any funding available to support the Award?
Examples of possible criteria A significant contribution to the local community may include:
- Long and sustained service to the community or part of it.
- Inspiring achievements or actions benefitting he local community.
- Activities that have brought benefit, recognition, or credit to the area and its people.
In reaching its decision, the Council may consider:
- The level of commitment shown.
- Challenges or obstacles overcome.
- Scale of benefit to the community.
- Number of people positively affected.
- Duration of contribution.
- Any other factors promoting the purpose of the Award.
An example of wording: For excellent running of the local knit and knatter group which brings together many residents that would otherwise feel lonely.