Powered by people: why community champions matter more than ever

Across education and research, there are people who quietly make a difference every day. They share ideas, connect colleagues, create opportunities for others and build communities that help people learn, solve problems and grow together. Our community champions programme celebrates these individuals whose hard work has far reaching benefits for their communities and the sector. More than a recognition programme, it also brings champions together as part of a connected peer network where they can share experiences, learn from one another and continue building communities across education and research.

Celebrating the people behind community

Since launching in 2020, the programme has recognised more than 70 individuals who go above and beyond their day jobs to support peers across further education, higher education and research. Champions are helping to shape practice across a range of disciplines, from accessibility and artificial intelligence (AI) to digital wellbeing, immersive technologies and digital leadership.

The programme celebrates people who share knowledge generously, bring others together and create communities that become lifelines for colleagues navigating new challenges and opportunities.

"Our community champions programme is our opportunity to recognise people who are creating connections, sharing knowledge and supporting others, often on top of their day jobs. These are people whose impact reaches far beyond their own institution."

–Carolina Barnes, community specialist, Jisc

Building connections across the sector

One of the programme's greatest strengths is the diversity of its network. It brings together people from further education, higher education and research, creating opportunities for conversations that might not otherwise happen. Members can exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives and build relationships that continue long after their initial introduction.

In 2026, the programme recognised 15 champions from more than 40 nominations, representing institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Champions were celebrated for improving inclusive digital practice via the INCLUDE+ and Future Teacher communities. For sharing knowledge on immersive learning via the UK and Wales XR Communities and leading AI adoption and policy with the Scottish AI in Tertiary Education Network (SCAITEN).

More than a moment of recognition

While coming together provides an important opportunity to celebrate achievements, community champions stay connected throughout the year through regular catch-ups, online conversations and a quarterly community champions newsletter. These spaces enable members to ask questions, share resources and support one another with real-world challenges. The result is an active network where peer support happens every day. Whether discussing accessibility, sharing approaches to policy, exploring assessment practice or comparing experiences of leading digital change, champions continue learning from one another and helping others do the same.

Creating impact beyond institutions

The influence of community champions often extends far beyond the communities for which they were initially recognised.

Former champions have gone on to receive national awards and recognition, including National Teaching Fellowships, Inspire! Tutor Awards, Association for Learning Technology (ALT) awards and Open Education Awards. Others have led sector-wide initiatives, developed institutional AI policies, strengthened accessibility practice and shared expertise through publications, events and community projects.

One example is TechTober, a community-led initiative co-founded by community champions Constance Henry and Kirsty Ingleson. Created to give educators a platform to share ideas and experiences, TechTober has grown into a thriving annual event that demonstrates the power of collaboration and peer support.

Constance reflects on the value of the programme:

"Meeting a range of wonderful people who are like-minded in sharing, collaborating and supporting others has been the highlight. Working with communities gives us the opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other and know that we are not working in isolation."

Community-led projects such as the "Powered by people" event and the accompanying work on community-led digital skills development have brought together educators and digital leaders to explore how communities can strengthen confidence, capability and culture. These initiatives demonstrate how ideas shared within the community champions network can grow into resources, events and opportunities that benefit the wider sector.

At their heart, these successes all share a common theme: meaningful change happens when people feel connected, supported and recognised.

Looking ahead

The challenges facing education and research continue to evolve. AI is transforming ways of working, digital skills requirements are changing and institutions are navigating increasingly complex environments.

Communities play a vital role in helping people respond to those challenges together.

The community champions programme remains committed to recognising the individuals who make those communities possible and connecting them with a wider network of peers who share a commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing and community building.

As Dan Owens, digital wellbeing officer at Coleg y Cymoedd and a 2026 community champion, puts it:

"If you know someone who brings people together, generously shares their knowledge, supports others or helps a community move forward, recognising that contribution is really worthwhile. Often, the people making the biggest difference within communities aren't doing it for recognition, which makes taking the time to nominate them even more meaningful."

The community champions programme is ultimately about people. Their ideas, their generosity and their willingness to help others succeed. And that is something worth celebrating.

Help us celebrate the people powering our communities

Behind every thriving community are people who bring others together, share knowledge and create opportunities for connection and collaboration.

If someone comes to mind, consider nominating them for the 2027 community champions programme.

We're looking for individuals across further education, higher education and research who are making a difference through community-led approaches, whether that's sharing expertise, supporting peers or creating spaces where others can learn and grow.

Nominations for community champions 2027 are now open.

Submit your community champions nomination today.