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The newly rebranded 'King's Award for Voluntary Service' is now open for nominations with Guernsey's Lieutenant Governor is hoping local organisations will be put forward for the accolade.
Formerly known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the new King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is considered to be the most prestigious award given to volunteer groups across the UK and Crown Dependencies.
The KAVS will celebrate outstanding work within communities.
Charities from across the Bailiwick were recognised in this way with the Queen's Award including Express' charity partner for 2023, the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation which was honoured by Her Late Majesty in 2014/15.
Channel Islands Air Search, Alderney Cancer Relief, the Ron Short Centre, and Les Bourgs Hospice are among other organisations to have been rewarded by the Monarch.
Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
The new King's Award will continue to shine a light on community groups such as those who were rewarded by the Queen.
Like the MBE - which is a personal award - the KAVS (and former QAVS) are awarded for life.
Any group of two or more people doing volunteering work are able to be nominated for the award but the majority of the group must be volunteers, with more than half of those volunteers holding the right to live in the UK or a Crown Dependency.
To be nominated, charities should be run locally and be providing a service that meets a need for people living in the community.
The charities should also be supported, recognised and respected by the local community, along with the people who benefit from their work.
There are certain criteria to meet for a nomination including that the volunteer group has been running for more than three years.
Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell and Mrs Cripwell.
As the Monarch's representative in the Bailiwick, the Lieutenant Govenor's office handles nominations for the KAVS.
Having been created for the Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, His Excellency said they are now recognised as a high honour.
"This award was originally launched in 2003 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s the highest award for volunteer-led organisations, which not only rewards excellence but also fosters the very best working practices throughout the third sector.
"It is universally recognised as being the gold standard of volunteering."
30 Bailiwick organisations have received a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service since the award was launched in 2003.
His Excellence expects there to be further rewarded by His Majesty the King.
"The local voluntary sector is fuelled by a strong volunteer spirit and is a vital part of our communities, so it’s no surprise that so many Bailiwick charities have received the award over the past 20 years.
"We would certainly encourage nominations from across the local community and charitable sector for this significant award."
Pictured: The then-Prince of Wales last visited the Bailiwick in 2012, a decade before he acceded to the throne (Tracey Bougourd).
Nominations are made online via the official UK Government website, which includes full details and guidance.
Nominations should be accompanied by letters from two other people who are independent from the group being nominated, explaining how that group helps the local community.
Nominations for the 2024 round of awards close at midnight on Friday 15 September 2023, with local assessment panels throughout Britain then reviewing all eligible nominations within their area. They will decide which ones to submit to the National Awards Committee.
The Committee makes recommendations to the UK Cabinet Office, which lays a final list before The King for approval.
The list of successful groups will be announced on Thursday 14 November 2024, which will be the 75th birthday of His Majesty The King.
Winners will receive a certificate signed by His Majesty The King, together with a domed glass crystal. Representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.
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