Say hello to our Class of 2026!

Lady Phyll, founder of UK Black Pride

Charity Hall of Fame is proud to announce its Class of 2026 Inductees, celebrating a remarkable group of individuals whose work has strengthened communities, challenged injustice and improved lives across the UK and beyond.

This year’s Class brings together a diverse group of changemakers, from grassroots community leaders and campaigners to global philanthropists and historic figures whose ideas continue to shape society today.

The Class of 2026 (denotes category):

• Phyllis Opoku-Gyimah (Lady Phyll), founder of UK Black Pride and a leading voice for intersectional equality; Justice & Equality

• Elham Fardad, founder of Migrant Leaders, supporting young people from migrant backgrounds to access careers and opportunity; Community Impact

• Jennie Williams, founder of Enhance the UK, whose work challenges stigma and expands inclusion for disabled people; Social Pioneers

• Garreth Wood MBE, co-founder of Kids Operating Room, expanding access to life saving surgery for children worldwide; Philanthropy

• Natalie Reeves Billing, author and founder of Split Perspectivz CIC which uses storytelling and creativity to support children’s literacy and wellbeing; Social Pioneers

The Class of 2026 also honours the following posthumous Inductees whose legacy continues to shape society today on issues such as housing justice, public health and community action:

Revd Bruce Kenrick

• Revd Bruce Kenrick, founder of Notting Hill Housing Trust and Shelter; Justice & Equality

• Martyn Butler OBE, co-founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust; Community Impact

• Mark Ashton, founder of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners; Community Impact

• Pearl Alcock, a Brixton community figure and artist who created one of London’s earliest safe spaces for Black LGBTQ+ communities. Community Impact

• Dame Sheila McKechnie DBE, a pioneering campaigner for housing and consumer rights; Social Pioneers

Alongside contemporary inductees, Charity Hall continues its tradition of recognising Legends of Change – individuals whose legacy has had a lasting impact across generations:

Mary Wollstonecraft

• Mary Wollstonecraft, a founding voice for women’s equality; Justice & Equality

• Benjamin Lay, an early abolitionist who challenged slavery long before it was widely opposed. Justice & Equality

  
  

Together, the Class of 2026 represent a powerful cross-section of community leadership: individuals who have created safe spaces, challenged inequality, advanced public health, expanded opportunity and reshaped how society responds to some of its most pressing challenges.

Malcolm John, Chair of the Induction Panel, said:

“This year’s Class reflects both the diversity and breadth of community action and social reform, often founded on lived experience. The Panel was hugely impressed by the commitment and achievements of each of the Inductees, whether working at grassroots level or influencing change nationally and internationally. Individually and collectively, they highlight the considerable impact of inspirational community leaders on social change".

Jamie Ward-Smith, Founder of Charity Hall of Fame, said:

“We created Charity Hall to celebrate people who have made an incredible difference to others and to preserve their legacy to inspire future generations. This year’s Inductees reflect the many ways that change happens, through community action, campaigning, creativity, philanthropy and courage. Each of them has helped to build a fairer and more compassionate society, often in ways that go unrecognised. It is a privilege to honour their contribution and ensure their impact is remembered.”

Founded in 2024 to celebrate community changemakers, Charity Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose have had a lasting social impact and provides a living archive of their achievements to help inform and inspire future generations.

Nominations are open all year - just click on the Nominate tab to get started!