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Do You Know a Local Community Group or Organisation in Medway Who Deserve a Queens Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and is the equivalent of an MBE. It is the highest award (that is awarded for life) that can be made to a voluntary group and celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK.

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 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). The award was created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, QAVS awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for many years.

Nominations for this year’s award are still open and close on the 15th of September so there is still time for you to make a nomination.

To be eligible to be nominated, the group or organisation must:

  • be made up of at least 3 people
  • be led by volunteers, not paid staff
  • have been running for at least 3 years
  • provide a specific and direct benefit to their local communities

The majority of the group must be volunteers, and more than half the volunteers must have the right to live in the UK.

After a successful nomination award nominees are then visited by local assessors who research the group / organisation before writing a report on their suitability. Local assessment panels then decide which ones to put forward to the National Assessment Committee. The committee considers the nominations and then agrees a shortlist for approval by the Queen. Successful awardees for 2022 will be announced in June 2023.

Groups and organisations that are granted an award will get a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal. Up to two representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.

Check out their website direct for more information about the award, eligibility criteria and on how you can make a nomination: https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk/