Awards
The King's Award for Voluntary Service
The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. It was created as the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation and was renamed for King Charles III in 2023. It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life.
It is awarded to outstanding groups of volunteers whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional. Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community. Volunteers are expected to be leading its work and to have taken the initiative to create, lead and drive forward the work of their organisation and are doing this in a way that is truly distinctive and excellent.
Evidence must be provided of the need for the group's activity and the impact it has had in addressing this need. Evidence should also demonstrate that the volunteer activity is exceptional and that volunteers are initiating and determining the group's work. It is important to note that the award is specifically aimed at the volunteers, even if there are paid staff in the group.
A nominated group should be operating at a high level, with an excellent reputation in their community. It should have high standards of governance, relevant insurance and satisfy any requirements to safeguard children and adults at risk.
Nominations can be made online through the award's website at www.kavs.dcms.gov.uk
The King's Award for Enterprise
The King's Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses (business or non profit organisations) in the categories of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development or Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.
The awards are made annually by the Sovereign and are only given for the highest levels of excellence. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.
Previous corporate winners have come from a diverse selection of business sectors and have included large and small businesses. Recipients of the individual award have been from varied social and professional backgrounds.
Nominations can be made online through the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
