Nominations for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service open on 1st September 2024! This Royal Award celebrates outstanding volunteer groups who are a source of pride and inspiration within communities across the UK.
What is the King’s Award for Voluntary Service?
Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
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 recognising the outstanding work of volunteers for over 20 years. His Majesty The King pledged to continue the Award to ensure that volunteers from across the UK are recognised for the services they provide within their communities. Last year marked the first round of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, with 262 groups receiving a KAVS.
The Award shines a light on the incredible work of voluntary groups from every corner of the UK. Covering communities of all shapes and sizes, from coastal towns and thriving cities to rural villages, KAVS celebrates groups from all walks of life.
Group Leader of United Youth Alliance (KAVS Awardee 2023), Deborah Terras commented:
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a testament to the outstanding dedication, commitment, and impact that volunteers have had on the community.
How is the Award judged?
Nominations are received from all across the UK. Following eligibility checks, nominations are assessed locally and then nationally, before a shortlist is presented to His Majesty The King for approval.
What kind of group does the Award celebrate?
Any group making a difference in their community can be nominated for the Award. Whether they’re going above and beyond to preserve the environment in their local area for future generations, bringing a community together to support mental wellbeing or supporting families in need by distributing fresh, healthy food; KAVS is a meaningful way to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities.
There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to KAVS Awardees, but here are 3 key characteristics that the National Committee are looking for:
- 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 the highest standards in everything they do.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, why not have a look at Awardees on our website, where you’ll even be able to find previous recipients of the Award from your area.
What are the benefits of being awarded a KAVS?
This prestigious Award is a remarkable achievement for any voluntary organisation and a real source of pride for volunteers and the community.
KAVS Awardees are invited to attend a presentation event with the Lord Lieutenant from their county, where they receive a signed Certificate from His Majesty The King and a KAVS Crystal to display. Another highlight for awardees is the opportunity for volunteers from the group to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
How do you nominate a group for a KAVS?
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service runs in annual cycles; starting with nominations in September each year, local and national assessments between January and June, and the announcement of Awardees on the King’s Birthday, 14th November.
Nominations for the KAVS 2025 round will open on 1st September 2024, you have until the 1st December 2024 to complete your nomination. The process for nominating a group is simple:
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.
Step 5: Complete the online nomination form and upload the two letters of support.
What are letters of support?
Letters of support are an essential part of a nomination, as they help to clarify and explain the impact of the nominated group’s work in the local community. Two letters of support are necessary to accompany a nomination, these must be supplied by two additional people who know the organisation well, for example a beneficiary or a local resident.
Letters written by the nominator, a volunteer or anyone involved in the running of the organisation, including employees and trustees, will be ineligible and not considered.
What makes a great nomination?
The first step to writing a great nomination is ensuring that you are eligible to nominate the group and that the group you would like to nominate meets our eligibility criteria. The full eligibility criteria can be found on our website.
Equally important is providing two high quality letters of support from two additional people who are familiar with the group’s work. Letters written by the nominator, a volunteer or anyone involved in the running of the organisation, including employees and trustees, will be ineligible and not considered. The most powerful letters of support outline why the group is exceptional in the eyes of the letter writer and tell the story of the group’s impact on beneficiaries and their community.
Finally, the aim of the nomination is to give Local Assessors and the National Committee an initial impression of the group and the fantastic work they undertake, so there’s no such thing as a perfect nomination. Also, remember that you don’t have to complete the whole nomination in one sitting, take your time and reflect on why you believe the group deserves recognition.
Ready to nominate?
The nomination window opens on 1st September 2024, so start thinking about a group that you would like to nominate and what makes them outstanding.
For inspiration and more information on how to nominate a special group near you, visit our website.