The honour recognises Alison’s outstanding leadership and impact over a sustained period, both through her work with Citizens Advice Gateshead and more widely in shaping innovative, compassionate responses to some of the region’s most pressing social challenges.
Under Alison’s leadership, the organisation has led a remarkable transformation and has grown into the Society Matters Group, bringing together Citizens Advice Gateshead, Society Matters CIC, the Society Matters Foundation and Suitability under a single, shared vision to empower people to make informed decisions and improve lives.
Her leadership has been recognised both regionally and nationally. Alison has been named Charity Leader of the Year at the North East Charity Awards, Business Leader of the Year at the Inspiring Female Awards, and Levelling Up Leader at the Northern Power Women Awards, reflecting her influence as a leading voice for social justice and inclusive growth in the region.
Alison has also spearheaded a number of high-profile initiatives that have delivered meaningful change locally and nationally. These include the Warm Spaces initiative, launched in response to the cost-of-living crisis and now replicated across the UK, alongside wider work to tackle fuel poverty and support vulnerable communities.
She has also championed progressive approaches to employment and organisational culture, including the introduction of a permanent four-day working week and the organisation’s move to become a Real Living Wage employer, improving staff wellbeing and organisational performance.
Alongside this work, Alison is widely recognised for her values-led leadership, bringing together partners across sectors to address inequality, improve access to support, and strengthen services across the North East. She is also the host of This Is The North, a podcast supported by the Society Matters Foundation that explores the issues shaping communities across the region and amplifies voices driving change.
Alison Dunn, Chief Executive of Society Matters Group, said:
I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition, but this award does not belong to me alone. It reflects the dedication, compassion and hard work of the people I have the privilege to work alongside every day.
Everything we have achieved has been a collective effort, driven by colleagues, partners and communities across the region who are committed to making things better for others.
The North East is a place of resilience, kindness and strength, and it is that collective spirit which inspires everything we do. I am proud to be part of it.
Barry Taylor, Chair of Trustees at Citizens Advice Gateshead said:
We are immensely proud of Alison and this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership has shaped not only our organisation, but the wider conversation around how we support people, communities and systems to work better for everyone.
Her ability to combine values, innovation and impact has set a standard for what leadership in our sector can and should be. This honour reflects the scale of that contribution and the difference it has made to thousands of people across the North East and beyond.
Society Matters Group continues to build on this work, strengthening its role as a regional and national voice on social welfare, inequality and lived experience, and working in partnership with organisations across sectors to drive meaningful, lasting change.
