In 2025, Buxton-based charity Zink won a Centre for Social Justice Award, often known as a “Charity Oscar”.

Zink supports people affected by poverty and unemployment through employment coaching, a foodbank, an eco-café and wellbeing activities. The charity said it was selected from hundreds of organisations across the UK.

Akshata Murty presented the award at a ceremony in London on 17 November 2025. The award recognised Zink’s work, including its “microjobs” scheme, which offers small paid roles to help people develop skills and experience.

Paul Bohan receiving the award from Akshata Murty

In its 2025 announcement, Zink reported that around 75% of microjobs participants moved into mainstream work within six months.

The 2025 awards programme separately reported an 85% transition rate to full-time roles within six months for its employability and microjobs initiatives. The programme does not establish whether the two figures use the same group and definitions.

The Centre for Social Justice is an independent think tank based in Westminster, founded in 2004 by former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Its aim is to tackle the root causes of poverty and social problems in the UK — such as family breakdown, addiction, educational failure, debt and worklessness — by developing evidence-based policies that influence government and empower communities. Every year the CSJ scours the country for the very best grassroots charities fighting these issues on the front line. 

Zink’s win highlights the important work being done in Buxton and the High Peak to build stronger futures for local people – as well as inspiring others to set up similar projects.

Zink’s microjobs scheme was mentioned in a February 2026 parliamentary debate. Zink also offers housing and wellbeing support.

In November 2025, Zink said its work was supported by more than 130 volunteers.

“This award is a huge honour for our staff, volunteers and the community that supports us,” said Paul Bohan, Zink’s chief executive at the time. “It recognises not just our achievements, but the collective effort of everyone who gives time, funding or encouragement to make Zink’s work possible.”

Zink’s work is funded by a combination of charitable grants and generous donations from local supporters and businesses. The charity hopes this national recognition will inspire similar projects, raise awareness, and sustain its life-changing work across Buxton and the High Peak.

Visit zink.org.uk to find out more about their work and activities.