Youth workers make an enormous contribution to national development; engaging, developing and empowering young adults and older adolescents. They inspire and motivate these young people, building their skills and confidence to succeed. The Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards recognizes outstanding contributions of youth workers in fostering the positive development of young people across the Commonwealth. To enhance the visibility of youth work and acknowledge the diverse contributions of youth workers globally, we propose the establishment of regional awards for the Caribbean, Pacific, Europe and Canada, Asia, and Africa.

Organised and delivered by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, and Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association, the Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those at the cutting edge of youth work. 

This year, in partnership with the Henry Charles Foundation, the inaugural Commonwealth Dr Henry Charles Award will be offered for youth workers engaged in emancipatory work or youth development initiatives. 

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The main objectives of the Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards are to:

1. Recognise Excellence: Highlight and celebrate the exceptional work of youth workers in various regions of the Commonwealth.

2. Emphasize Emancipatory Work: Provide a platform to honour youth workers involved in transformative practices that promote young people's rights and well-being.

3. Foster Networking: Build a community of youth workers across the Commonwealth to share best practices, experiences, and solutions.

4. Encourage Participation: Motivate emerging and existing youth workers to engage in meaningful youth development initiatives.

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Nomination Requirements:

• The nominee must be a youth worker in a Commonwealth Country either in a professional or voluntary capacity;

• The nominee must have been engaged in development work for more than 5 years, either in a professional or voluntary capacity;

• The nominee must be a Commonwealth citizen and the youth development work must be taking place in a Commonwealth member country;

• Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone who can accurately describe their development work.

Including the above, the additional criteria for the Dr Henry Charles Award are: 

• Must provide evidence of the three impactful programmes of reach, impact & innovation in youth work.

• Candidates must provide samples of their relevant work and professional references.

• Candidates must evidence of Regional/International Youth Work Collaboration or Participation showcasing partnerships, joint programs, or global youth engagement. 

• Candidate must provide evidence of policy input, reforms, or advocacy outcomes.

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Awards will be decided on the basis of:

1. Level of professionalisation and impact;

2. Level of innovation to problem solving and system change;

3. Quality of achievement;

4. Quality of the evidence provided; and

5. Sustainability.

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Awards Process

There will be five finalists for each Commonwealth region with the top entries receiving the Regional Winner Award. The top Regional Winner will receive the Pan-Commonwealth Award and be named the Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year 2025 for their respective Regions.

The 20 Regional Finalists will each receive a certificate. The 5 Regional Winners will receive a trophy and a certificate. This year the Pan-Commonwealth Winner will be named as the Commonwealth Dr Henry Charles Award and will receive a special trophy and a certificate.

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Award timeline

• 18th September 23:59 GMT+1: Application deadline

• ⁠22nd September 23:59 GMT+1: 1st judging round

• ⁠25th September 23:59 GMT+1: 2nd Judging Round

• ⁠29th September 23:59 GMT+1: Final Adjudication Panel (20 Finalists confirmed)

• 6th October 23:59 GMT +1: Announcement of finalist

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Winners will be officially announced during 5th Global Youth Work Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 17-19 November 2025.

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