Meet your 2023 BMC Volunteer Award winners

These awards recognise the invaluable contributions and dedication of individuals who have contributed their time and efforts to the thriving mountaineering community.

From competitions to committees and festivals, their work has helped support participation, and connect local areas while building safe and inclusive spaces for all, supporting and celebrating climbing, hill walking, and mountaineering across the UK.

What are the BMC Volunteer awards?

The BMC Awards acknowledge the hard work and commitment that goes into making our community great. Whether it’s a dedicated volunteer, an innovative club lead, an exceptional athlete, or a ground-breaking initiative, we aim to shine a spotlight on those who elevate hill walking, climbing and mountaineering in the UK. This year we have selected three individuals for two categories:

THE REHAN SIDDIQUI AWARD(S)

For Exceptional Voluntary Contribution towards promoting Equality and Diversity in the BMC, recognising those who have made a significant voluntary contribution to the BMC’s commitment to increasing opportunities for under-represented groups to participate in climbing, hill walking or mountaineering and the work of the BMC.

GEORGE BAND AWARD

The George Band Award for Exceptional Voluntary Contribution to Mountaineering recognises people who have played a significant role in the BMC’s work over an extended period of time.

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Young Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 2018 and recognises those young people (under 27 years of age) who have made a significant voluntary contribution and commitment to the BMC, thereby acting as role models to other young people, to encourage volunteering in the BMC.

David has showcased exceptional long-term commitment to volunteering for the BMC. For over 20 years, he has served as a Youth Climbing Series Coordinator, playing a pivotal role in the effective and efficient running of the series. David’s ongoing commitment is evident in the significant time and effort he invests each year, devoting countless hours to planning each event, coordinating with climbing walls, organising volunteers, and providing valuable feedback for future planning and improvement. David has been instrumental in the success of the series, and we are glad to have him on board!

For many years, Robert has been an exceptional advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoor community and at the BMC. He is a founder of NotSoTrad, the first LGBTQ+ climbing club affiliated with the BMC, and has served on the Equity and Diversity Committee (formerly the Equity Steering Group) for over a decade. Robert initially joined to chair the LGBTQ+ sub-group and more recently served as interim chair for the wider committee during a recruitment phase. Robert has had a brilliant impact and volunteered many hours to support these causes at the BMC. We are incredibly grateful for his ongoing commitment to this work.

Agus has made important contributions to the BMC both as Chair of the North West and, more recently, as one of the founders and organisers of Climb Out, the UK’s first queer climbing festival. The impact of AJ's activities and initiatives on the BMC's work has been significant, taking a collaborative approach to their role as Chair, developing a strong sense of community, and empowering people by creating safe and inclusive spaces. We hope AJ will stick around, and we can't wait to see what they will achieve in the years to come.

The British Mountaineering Council extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the Volunteer Awards for 2023. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure the continued success and safety of the mountaineering community.

Our dedicated and passionate network of hundreds of volunteers are the lifeblood of the BMC.

We have a vast range of volunteers:

• Local levels
  • Focussed on local activities and action, areas meetings etc
• BMC committees
  • With relevant skills, experience or expertise, supporting the work of the BMC by contributing to strategic direction and offering their advice and knowledge on certain matters – access groups, club committees, technical committees etc
• Members council
  • Those who act as a representative body of the members, consulting with and constructively challenging the board of directors.
• Board members