Toby Gorniak MBE on stage at the Roma Spirit 2025 ceremony

Honours & awards

awards forone promise.

Most of them came from nominations by the communities he serves. The recognition matters only because the outcomes last.

The headline honours

The ones that made headlines.

Royal, national and international recognition, from Buckingham Palace to the European film circuit.

2018 New Year Honours · Buckingham Palace

MBE

Member of the Order of the British Empire, for his work with young people and the community. Invested at Buckingham Palace by Prince William, in trainers.

BBC · 2019

BBC Unsung Hero Award

BBC Sports Personality of the Year recognition for the South West, for getting young people off the streets through hip hop, fitness and mentoring.

World Roma Federation · 2026

Ambassador of Empowerment

A global role for Roma leadership, dignity, inclusion and systemic change.

Arts University Plymouth · 2013

Honorary Fellow

For his contribution to the city through hip hop and social justice.

National Lottery · 2019

Local Legend

Chosen for the National Lottery's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Commonwealth Games · 2022

Queen's Baton Bearer

Carried the Queen's Baton for Birmingham 2022 through his city.

Camelot · House of Lords

Outstanding Contribution

For his contribution to communities and mentorship.

Daily Mirror · 2020

Pride of Britain nominee

Nominated for his community work during the pandemic.

Equality · inclusion

Nelson Mandela Award

For work with ethnic minority communities and equality masterclasses.

Channel 5 · Health Lottery

Top Community Project

Street Factory chosen by Simon Cowell, presented at The Savoy.

Berlin · 2025

Audience Choice Award

That Boy, at the Ake Dikhea? Festival of Romani Film.

Global Recognition Awards

Global Recognition Award

International recognition for impact and leadership.

NatWest SE100 · 2021

Top 100 Social Enterprises

Street Factory named among the UK's top social enterprises.

SHE Awards · 2027

Finalist: He Champions Women

A new category, in the awards' tenth year, for men who stand with women.

Local Hero Awards · 2026

Lifetime Achievement finalist

After a public vote.

Czech Republic

Roma Spirit international jury

Live on Czech television with President Petr Pavel.

Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group

Walk In Their Shoes

One of 18 named, with Lewis Hamilton and Marcus Rashford.

TEDx · 2017–2026

Four TEDx stages

Exeter, Warsaw, Worthing and AURAK in the UAE.

Netflix · 2023

Cast in Infamy

His first acting role, as a hip hop therapist called Toby.

From that boyto Poland's cultural history

Permanent exhibition · 2026

A place in history.

In 2026 Toby's photograph and life story were selected for permanent exhibition at the Centre for Roma History and Culture in Oświęcim, Poland: the nation's first publicly established cultural institution dedicated to preserving Roma heritage.

Recognised for his positive contribution as a Roma activist, humanitarian and international changemaker, Toby's story will stand as part of Poland's cultural history for generations to come.

For a boy who once experienced discrimination in the country of his birth, it is a legacy his children, grandchildren and future generations can visit, learn from and be proud of.

Centre for Roma History and CultureOświęcim, PolandPermanent exhibition

Appointments

Trusted with responsibility.

Trophies recognise what someone has done. Appointments are a bet on what they will do next. Beyond the awards, Toby has been asked to help lead the institutions that shape young lives.

Governor

City College Plymouth

Governor

Special educational needs schools

Judge

BBC Make a Difference Awards