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Meet our judges

Winners are chosen by a passionate panel of judges, all of whom are former winners and leaders in their field. Like Nigel, here.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the judges for the 2025 Leaders’ List Award!

Every year, our Learning Disability and Autism Leaders Awards honours the people making remarkable contributions to the arts, sports, entertainment, work, advocacy and their community.

1000

More than 1000 stories judged

50

50 wonderful judges

180

Over 180 winners selected

With two judges per category, their collective scores determine the champions of the 2025 Leaders Awards, ensuring every story is celebrated and every voice heard.

Abdul Hameed, 2024 Sports, arts and entertainment winner

“I want to be a judge this year is because I want to give something to my communities and also to help the new winners feel valued. I also really love helping to choose new winners for this year’s ward. I would love to be a part of helping them transform their lives.”

Richard Redmond, 2024 Work and education winner

“My work with Conwy Connect and All Wales People First makes me really happy and I’ve met a lot of good friends through it. I like helping other people with learning disabilities.”

Chloe Creevey, 2024 Work and education winner

“I agreed to be a judge, I know what its all about and I read everyone story last year. I think it will be a good experience.”

Crystal Higgins, 2024 Local Communities winner

“I’m glad I have the opportunity to be a judge, I look forward to reading about the entries!”

Ben Fai Lankshear, 2024 Sports arts and entertainment winner

“I am very interested in seeing and hearing other people’s stories and achievements. I also really enjoy Judging and would love to be included in the decision-making process.”

Denise Bowels, 2024 Advocacy, policy and the media winner

Denbo’s book, I Wanna Tell You My Story, is about her family, her school experience and the times when she was at a low point in her life. It’s also about joy – the joy of singing on stage, joining Pride marches, doing meaningful work.

Lorraine Stanley, 2024 Advocacy, policy and the media winner

“I feel I have a responsibility to talk about this, to use my voice and platform, and to make it easier for other people. I feel it is my duty to do so.”

Ian: MacIntyre Dancers, 2024 Sports, arts and entertainment winner

“The MacIntyre Dancers work together to create a welcoming dance environment and they strive to establish an inclusive setting where everyone can dance, freely engage, communicate and simply enjoy being together.”

“Be proud, of who you are”

Entries and nominations for 2025 have closed. It’s free for all, with each participant receiving a personalised digital certificate. Finalists are then invited to our exclusive, free award ceremony and winners’ stories and voices are shared for all to see.