Recognising exceptional achievement or service
Types of Award
A Quick Guide to the Awards
Companion of Honour
Awarded for a pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine, or government.
Knight/Dame
Awarded for a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity, through:
- achievement or service to the community usually, but not exclusively, at national level; or
- in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally; and
- which demonstrates sustained commitment.
CBE
Awarded for:
- a prominent national role of a lesser degree; or
- a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs, through achievement or service to the community; or
- making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity.
OBE
Awarded for:
- a distinguished regional or country-wide role in any field;
- through achievement or service to the community;
- including notable practitioners known nationally.
MBE
Awarded for:
- achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field; or
- very local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is a UK wide Honour dedicated to recognising voluntary groups from all age groups, backgrounds and abilities who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community. Announced from Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty the Queen on 2 June each year, it is the most prestigious award in its field, the equivalent in status to the MBE and the highest UK Honour specifically rewarding the work of volunteer groups. To date nearly 600 groups have received the award. For more information on how to nominate a group in your community go to: www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk[External website]
The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion
The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting business enterprise skills and attitudes in other people – for example amongst young people or those in disadvantaged communities or in under-represented groups. These activities could be at a national, regional or local level. For further information go to www.queensawards.org.uk/individual[External website]
In all cases awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.
