Types of national honours

Awarded for having a major contribution in any activity, usually at national level. Other people working in the nominee’s area will see their contribution as inspirational and significant, requiring commitment over a long period of time.

Awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. You can also get one for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

Awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (three to four years) that has made a significant difference.

Nominations for the British Empire Medal should be considered locally for members of the Scouts where the individual has made a contribution to their local community by way of or in addition to their contribution to the Scouts.

Members of the National Honours Subgroup can also assist with supporting such nominations as they are being constructed.

Within the Scouts, our programme encourages ‘Community Impact’ via our Skills for Life Strategy. Some of this work may also be considered for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest national award given to volunteer groups across the UK and is awarded for life.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service uses the term ‘group’ for who can be nominated which, for the Scouts, means a Group, District or County including Explorer Units and Scout Networks.

Any group must be made up of 3 or more people, be UK-based, be in operation for 3 years, have over half their volunteers eligible to reside in the UK, and be led by volunteers. Groups must also provide a specific and direct benefit to the local community.

It is important that all nominations distinguish how they are different to similar organisations in their approach and outcomes in their area of delivery. How have these groups been different or innovative to that which is normally provided by local Scouting?

Please see some recent examples of groups in The Scouts that have received a KAVS

St George’s Mill Hill Scout Group – awarded 2024. Recognised for their work providing opportunities for over 80 young people, but also specifically mentions their community impact with their Canalside Activity and Environment Centre. They provide activities to their whole community, including kayaking, archery and backwoods cooking. Estimated to have been used by 6000 people across their local community in 2024. They mention they have fundraised for children in Romania over the last 15 years, including organising supplies to be sent over in lorries.

4th Crosby and District (St William of York) Scout Group – awarded 2024. Recognised for working with their local community to provide a range of opportunities for young people to develop skills for life. They are a church connected Scout Group and volunteer with and help to provide support to individuals within their parish.

More information on the above awards can be found here.

Like all Scout awards, the first step is the nomination. You can read all about it on the Government's King’s Award for Voluntary Service website. Just follow the guidance.

If you're thinking about nominating a group for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service and want to discuss the process, someone from the National Honours Subgroup would be happy to chat to you.

Nominations can supported by the local Lieutenancies, with contacting Lord/Deputy Lieutenants a great place to start.