Every day ‘ordinary’ people make an extraordinary difference through volunteering with groups across the UK. Chances are that most people know at least one group who immediately springs to mind. However, most of these groups will not have thought of being nominated for the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Any group of two or more people doing volunteering work can be nominated for this award:
- The majority of the group must be volunteers
- More than half the volunteers must have the right to live in the UK
- The group must have been running for three years or more to be nominated
To be nominated the group should do work that:
- Provides a service and meets a need for people living in the local community
- Is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it
- Is run locally
Winners get a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal. Representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.
The form to nominate a group for an award is straightforward, and is done online:
Nominate a group for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
So, if you know a group that deserves to be recognised, please start that nomination!
Every day ‘ordinary’ people make an extraordinary difference across the UK. Chances are that most people know at least one who immediately springs to mind. However, most will not have thought of nominating them for an Honour.
Reading the national media coverage of the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists, members of the public might come away with the mistaken impression that honours are only awarded to household names, or the retired who have dedicated their entire lives to community or charitable service.
Yet the reality is that each year The Queen recognises the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life, and all ages, within our communities. These are the people who really make a difference to the lives of those around them.
Over 70% of people who receive an honour are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities.
However, the remarkable people that each of us knows can only be recognised if somebody takes the time to nominate them. Somebody who knows the difference that they make. Could that ‘somebody’ be you?
The form to nominate a person for an honour is straight forward, and you can even do it online:
Nominate someone for an honour or award
So, if you know somebody who deserves to be recognised, please do the Honours!