Transforming West Cumbria, a partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, has been recognized as the Social Value Initiative of the Year at the 2025 Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards.
The ceremony, which took place at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on November 25, followed the iED Annual Conference with the theme “Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities.” The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams, and organizations in both the public and private sector.
This year, there was a record number of entries across seven categories, and the shortlisted nominees were evaluated by a panel of experts in September.
The Social Value Initiative of the Year award, sponsored by The Growth Company, recognizes projects, teams, or individuals who have championed and made a significant contribution to social value creation. This includes developing best practices in their field and making positive impacts in their communities.
The submission from the partners highlighted the success of Transforming West Cumbria, a £6.5 million place-based social investment program that was co-created by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation. The program has addressed the root causes of disadvantage in West Cumbria and has generated exceptional social value. Its success is not only measured in numbers but in the lives changed, futures secured, and communities strengthened.
Bev Hurley CBE, iED Director and former Chair, who hosted the awards, praised Transforming West Cumbria as a benchmark for place-based social investment. She commended the program for its strategic vision, deep collaboration, and measurable impact. With £19.9 million in social value generated, the program addresses disadvantage through innovative and thematic delivery. It also empowers communities across generations and serves as a replicable model of inclusive growth. Hurley added that the program demonstrates how strategic design, inclusive delivery, and measurable outcomes can transform lives and communities.
Tracey West, Head of Social Impact at Sellafield Ltd, expressed their honor for Transforming West Cumbria’s national recognition by the Institute of Economic Development in the ‘Social Value Initiative of the Year’ award category. She added that the program has had a wide-ranging, lasting impact on local communities since its launch in 2020, as confirmed by the independent mid-program evaluation. The program has directly supported hundreds of local organizations and thousands of individuals and families, achieving significant outcomes in mental health support, financial wellbeing, early years development, and many more areas. She also thanked all the delivery partners who have contributed to the program’s success.
Dr. Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said they were delighted to have won the iED’s Social Value Initiative of the Year award for the Transforming West Cumbria program. She added that Sellafield Ltd’s significant investment allowed them to co-create and deliver the program with a range of voluntary, community, and social enterprise partners. Their collaborative approach ensured that the program remained responsive to the community’s needs while bringing about real and lasting change. Benson also shared that the prestigious award recognized the work and passion of everyone involved, from those delivering key services to skilled volunteers, expert mentors, match funders, and steering group members.
Nigel Wilcock, iED Executive Director, commented that when they first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, their goal was to recognize excellence. He added that every year since, the quality, innovation, and commitment displayed by the nominees have been extraordinary, and this year is no exception. Wilcock congratulated all the finalists and winners and thanked everyone who submitted entries. He noted that their work showcases the diversity, creativity, and impact of economic development in action – exactly what these awards were created to celebrate. Wilcock also expressed his delight in welcoming familiar and new faces to share in the special evening.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.