| The King's Award for Voluntary Service | |
| Year: | 2003 |
| Awarded For: | For outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers |
| Presenter: | The King |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
The King's Award for Voluntary Service,[1] previously known as The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, is an annual award given to groups in the voluntary sector of the United Kingdom. Until 2022, awardees were announced in the London Gazette on 2 June each year, the anniversary of the coronation of Elizabeth II. Starting in 2023, the awards have been announced on 14 November, Charles III's birthday.
The award is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award that can be made to a voluntary group. The award is managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The award was announced by Elizabeth II on 30 April 2002, in celebration of her Golden Jubilee, as part of her Golden Jubilee speech to the House of Lords and House of Commons.[2] [3] The first awards were made in 2003.[4]
In February 2023, it was announced by Charles III that he wished to continue his mother's legacy by giving his name to the awards.[5] The awards will be announced annually from 2023 on his birthday, 14 November.[5]
Groups of three or more people can be nominated. The group must have been in operation for at least three years and their work must provide a specific and direct benefit to the local community.[6] [7]
Nominations are made online and around one in three nominations are successful.[8] Winners receive a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal. The volunteer group's representatives also may be invited to attend a royal garden party by the King.[7]
Each nomination is first appraised in the county where the group works. This appraisal is led by the Lord Lieutenant, His Majesty's representative in the county, helped by a County Assessment Panel of leading representatives from diverse sectors of the community. The Lord Lieutenant or their representatives, or both, may meet with the nominated group.
A Specialist Assessment Panel of independent volunteering experts from across the UK judge nominated groups against the Award criteria, taking into account the first appraisal. The panel passes its recommendations to the Main Award Committee.
The Main Award Committee advise the Cabinet Office and the Minister for Civil Society.
The award is decided after the King has given his formal approval.[9]
The recipients of the inaugural King's Award for Voluntary Service were gazetted on Tuesday 14th November, 2023.[10] [11]
, over 1,500 groups had received the award,[12] including: