A prestigious line-up of judges has shortlisted 32 inspirational projects from across the UK for the Charity Awards 2012, the pre-eminent awards scheme for the charity sector.

"For 13 years the Charity Awards programme has celebrated the exceptional work that takes place within the voluntary sector and the dramatic effects that charities have on a wide spectrum of social needs," said Daniel Phelan, organiser of the Charity Awards.

"The rigorous judging process means that only the very best walk away with prizes, bestowing on them one of the highest accolades in the sector. I wish all shortlisted charities the best of luck on the night," he added.

The awards are judged by a panel of 12 charity sector heavyweights including the chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation Dr John Low, founding director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme Dame Mary Marsh, chief executive of RNIB Lesley-Anne Alexander, and Sir Christopher Kelly, chair of the King's Fund. 

Projects selected across ten categories, such as children and youth or environment and conservation, have demonstrated "outstanding best practice from which other organisations can learn", the judges advise.

Last year, Mencap was victorious in achieving the Overall Winner award for its Getting it Right campaign to assist hospitals and healthcare professionals in implementing changes in the way they administer care to people with learning difficulties. The campaign followed Mencap's Death by Indifference report of 2007 which highlighted "appalling examples of discrimination, abuse and neglect" in the health system. 

The winning projects will be announced at a black tie dinner hosted by the BBC's John Inverdale on 14 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel. A trail of celebrities from the worlds of theatre, television, music and sport will deliver the awards to the deserving recipients.

 

>>The full shortlist can be viewed by clicking here<<