Make a nomination
FAQs
About the Award
What is the King’s Award for Voluntary Service?
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
What makes a group worthy of a KAVS?
Any volunteer group that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award. Each group is assessed on the leadership and drive shown by the volunteers, the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community
Can I nominate an individual for a KAVS?
KAVS are for voluntary groups only made up of 3 or more individuals. If you wish to recognise an individual, then other Awards are available such as National Honours or Points of Light.
If a group already has a QAVS (Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service) can I still nominate them for a KAVS?
As KAVS is part of the honours system, Awards are for life. This means that a group which was previously awarded a QAVS will have this as long as they are running as a group, and so cannot be put forward for KAVS.
Making a nomination
What information will I need to complete my nomination?
To complete the nomination form you will need:
- the group’s name and address, contact details and when they were established. If they have social media accounts or a website it is worth making a note of the links.
- key information about the group, including their work, the role of the volunteers, and what makes the group exceptional in your opinion.
- two supporting letters to endorse your nomination are also required. These should be supplied by 2 additional people who know the group’s work well.
What are the steps to making a nomination?
Step 1: Use our eligibility criteria to make sure the group is eligible for an award and you are eligible to nominate.
Step 2: Consider information about your chosen group such as their contact information, the group’s impact in your local community, and what makes the volunteers so impressive.
Step 3: Set up a KAVS nominator account – it only takes a minute.
Step 4: Get in touch with 2 other people, who would be able to supply letters of support for the group. They must not be involved in the running of the group.
Step 5: Complete the online nomination form and upload the two letters of support.
How much detail do I need to provide in my nomination?
The nomination aims to provide a picture of the group’s work in your local community. The more detail you can include, the more we can understand about the group’s work and impact. If you don’t have lots of detail, don’t worry, more information can be gathered at the local and national assessment stages.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for the nomination window opening?
We suggest that you start thinking about the group’s work and why you want to recognise them via this Award. It may also be worth thinking about individuals who potentially could write a letter of support for the group.
When will I find out the outcome of my nomination?
Awards are officially announced on His Majesty The King’s Birthday, the 14th November. Awardees are announced in The Gazette, GOV.UK and on the KAVS website.
Letters of support
Who can write letters of support?
Letters of support can be written by anyone who is not involved in the running of the group. For example, letters from beneficiaries or members of the community would be eligible.
Letters of support from the nominator or anyone involved in the running of the group would not be eligible.
Who should the letters of support be addressed to?
Letters should be clear that they are in support of the King’s Award nomination. If needed, you can also address the letter to: The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee.
Troubleshooting
Where can I create an account to submit a nomination?
Click here to create a website account.
I can’t find where to log in to my nominator account?
Click here to log into your website account.
What should I do if I have forgotten my password?
Click here to reset your website password.
Contact
Who should I contact if I am having difficulty with my nomination?
kingsaward@dcms.gov.uk