We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the ACO Annual Awards 2026, kindly supported by Family Fund Business Services, celebrating the outstanding achievements of charities within the ACO network that provide financial and wellbeing support to individuals.
This year’s nominations reflected the remarkable range of work happening across our membership and included entries for our brand new Rising Star of the Year category. Our judges had a genuinely difficult task. The shortlisted organisations and individuals below have each demonstrated exceptional impact, innovation or leadership in their field.
Small Charity of the Year
Recognising the outstanding impact of a smaller ACO member charity providing financial or wellbeing support to individuals.
- Chemists Community Fund
- Drinks Trust
- Pharmacist Support
Charity of the Year
Recognising the achievements of ACO member organisations demonstrating outstanding impact, innovation or leadership in how they serve their beneficiaries.
- caba
- Clergy Support Trust
- MND Association
Campaign of the Year
Celebrating a specific campaign or initiative that made a tangible difference: reaching more people, raising awareness or improving outcomes for those who needed support.
- BOSS Business Supplies Charity — Company Champions
- caba — People Like Me
- Pharmacist Support — A Dose of Wellbeing
Charity Collaboration of the Year
For ACO member organisations that have worked in partnership with one or more other charities to achieve something neither could have done alone.
- Chemists’ Community Fund and Council for at Risk Academics (Cara)
- National Benevolent Charity / Albert Hunt Trust / Fear Free / National Lottery — RISE
- RNBT / Naval Children’s Charity / Royal Navy Officers’ Charity
Commercial Collaboration of the Year
Recognising a successful partnership with a commercial organisation that delivered real, lasting value for beneficiaries.
- Clergy Support Trust and The OT Practice
- Hope and May and ACO
- Teaching Staff Trust and Lightning Reach
Impactful Grant of the Year
Recognising the power of a single grant to change a life.
- BOSS Business Supplies Charity
- Clergy Support Trust
- Turn2Us Edinburgh Trust
Charity Leader of the Year
Celebrating an outstanding leader within an ACO member organisation whose leadership has inspired others, driven positive change and made a real difference to the organisation and the people it serves.
- Kelly Hilleard — Chair, BOSS Business Supplies Charity
- Lewis Allett — Chief Executive, Cavell
Rising Star of the Year
Recognising an individual making an outstanding contribution to the sector in the early stages of their career, with five years or fewer of experience.
- Frankie O’Neill — Naval Children’s Charity
- Laura Taylor — Cavell
- Nathan Killbery — The Insurance Charity
Outstanding Achievement Award
Recognising the continued commitment of an individual who has demonstrated sustained dedication to the sector over an extended period.
- Alison Parsons — Cavell
- Mel Smith — caba
- Steven Jones — Merchant Navy Welfare Board
The winners will be announced on Thursday 17 September 2026 at the ACO Annual Conference, BMA House, London. Tickets are available here.
Congratulations to all those shortlisted and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.