The DPA were represented by our CEO, Tom Usher, as a judge in the 2025 Third Sector Awards. Encompassing Excellence Awards, Partnership Awards and Talent Awards, there were 35 categories in which charities large or small could be recognised for outstanding achievements. These categories included: Best Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Charity Partnership of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Unsung Hero, Frontline Team of the Year and Big Impact Award.
Tom Usher says, ‘I was pleased to represent the DPA as a panel judge on the 2025 Third Sector Awards. For over 20 years, the Third Sector Awards has celebrated and recognised individuals and organisations in the not-for-profit sector who make a difference, transform lives, and empower communities.’
On Friday 12 September, the awards celebrated our finalists, highly commended entrants and winners at the awards ceremony at the Hilton on Park Lane. It was an inspirational afternoon, showcasing the incredible work from the past year and honouring the very best of the not-for-profit sector.’
There was a truly impressive array of finalists, perhaps the most inspiring were those small charities running things on a shoe-string and having a massive impact locally. Without charities and in particular the unpaid volunteers who underpin them, the UK would grind to a halt. Warmest congratulations to all shortlisted charities, finalists and winners.’
The ‘March for Clean Water’ by River Action UK was shortlisted in the Big Impact Award category. This was a landmark campaign launched in November 2025 to force clean water to the top of the UK’s political agenda. In response to growing outrage over polluted rivers, lakes, and seas, the march unified over 141 organisations representing 10 million people. Its aims were clear: to demand urgent action against polluters, overhaul failing regulators, and enforce environmental laws. With 15,000 participants, it became the UK’s largest clean water demonstration, triggering immediate political responses.
Amoung those shortlisted for the Unsung Hero Award, was Holly Dwyer of the National Trust. The Dinefwr National Trust team said, ‘Holly has been a dedicated and compassionate member of the Dinefwr team since 2015, profoundly impacting the community with her exceptional kindness and interpersonal skills. We regularly receive emails wanting to recognise the significant and lasting impression she has left with a visitor. The whole team at the National Trust would love the opportunity to thank her on a national scale and show how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference to someone’s life.’
Read the full list of nominated charities, and winners, on the Third Sector Awards website.