A programme of rehabilitation for women escaping domestic violence in Iran, a network of volunteer motorcyclists ferrying blood between hospitals, and a campaign that dramatically reduced instances of dog fouling, are among 30 inspiring projects shortlisted for the Charity Awards 2016.

The Charity Awards, which announces its shortlist today (9 May), is the charity world’s most highly-regarded excellence recognition scheme. All 30 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated outstanding best practice from which other organisations can learn.

Click here to see which charities have made the shortlist.

The ten category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a ceremony and black-tie dinner on 9 June at the Mermaid Theatre, London.

The evening will be hosted by former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull, who will be joined by representatives of the shortlisted charities, alongside a ‘who’s who’ of charity leaders and celebrities.

Tania Mason, editorial director at Civil Society Media, congratulated all the shortlisted charities on making the highly-coveted shortlist. She said: “We had more entries this year than ever before, and the standard was extremely high.

“For 16 years the Charity Awards have been identifying and celebrating the fantastic work that UK charities do, and the rigorous judging process ensures that only the very best-run charities make it through.

“We wish all the charities the very best of luck on the night.”

John Low, chief executive of Charities Aid Foundation, overall partner of the Charity Awards, said: “CAF exists to support the amazing work of charities. Anyone looking to see some of the impressive ways in which charities make a difference would only need to take a look at the shortlisted nominees for this year’s Charity Awards.

“These are shining examples of charities at their very best, showing determined leadership and constantly innovating to support people in communities across the UK and beyond. It has been a difficult year for the charity sector and there are important lessons to take away from this. But it is no less vital that we continue to celebrate the success of charities which make such a difference to people’s lives in so many different ways.

“Recognising the achievements of charities, like those in this year’s shortlist, is a crucial part of how we continue to maintain and build a proud culture of caring for others and selfless generosity in Britain.”

To book a table at the Charity Awards, email [email protected] or phone 020 7819 1202.