The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Celebrating the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK.
About the King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, the KAVS Chair, announces the recipients of the 2023 Award
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
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We want to celebrate:
Groups that are truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community.
Groups where volunteers, rather than paid staff, are in the driving seat.
Groups that have highest standards in everything they do.
Featured awardees
Here are just a few of the groups that have received the award this year.
You can view a list of all awardees. Also, we will be adding more inspiring stories over the next few months – you can read other stories in the website’s news section.
Celebrating work in every corner of the UK
Bringing people together
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2023
Know of a fantastic volunteer group?
If learning more about the award has made you think about a fantastic voluntary group you feel deserves recognition, consider nominating.
Award process
1 September – 1 December
Nomination period is open – new nominations for the award are being accepted. Find out more about how to nominate.
January to June
Eligible groups are assessed initially by the local lieutenancies and then by the national assessors.
November onwards
The awardees are announced on 14 November. The KAVS crystal and certificate will be presented shortly afterwards by the local Lord-Lieutenant.
Volunteering opportunities
If reading about some of the amazing work of these groups has inspired you to think about volunteering yourself, then check out some of these handy resources to help find the right volunteering opportunity for you.
Featured news
View all newsThe King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Read articleBringing people together
Read articleThe King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2023
Read articleThe KAVS is extremely grateful to The Garfield Weston Foundation, Sir Mark Pigott KBE and ShareGift for generously funding the creation of this website.
