The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK
It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life. A list of past winners in Berkshire can be found here. The Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr James Puxley, said:
I am sure that there are many more organisations which deserve to be recognised…I do hope that nominations will come in from all parts of Berkshire.
Who is it awarded to?
It is awarded to groups of volunteers whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional. A successful group will normally have the following characteristics:
- Volunteer-led: The volunteers are in the driving seat, setting the direction for the group’s work and spotting opportunities to develop it still further each year.
- Exceptional compared with comparable groups: This group is likely to be one of the best of its kind in the country.
- Making a considerable difference locally: The initiative of this group and the efforts of its volunteers have changed the situation dramatically for its beneficiaries.
- Well-run: There are high standards of governance, financial management and safeguarding.
- Outstanding reputation locally: The group has a high standing in the community and has an excellent reputation with beneficiaries, service providers and others.
Benefits to the group
QAVS are only awarded to the very best of hundreds of nominations each year. This is a badge of excellence and a real achievement for a group. It provides a big boost to the volunteers as well as great publicity for their work. Successful groups are presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing Her Majesty’s signature. They gain the right to use the QAVS logo on their stationery and other material. They are also invited to nominate two volunteers to attend a Royal Garden Party. The names of awarded groups are announced on 2 June in The Gazette and promoted widely elsewhere.
How to nominate a group
- Anyone can nominate a group, as long as they are not one of its employees or volunteers.
- Nominations for the 2023 Awards need to be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 15 September 2022.
- Nominations can be submitted via the Award’s website https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk/.
- Nominations are particularly encouraged from beneficiaries of a group’s work, or from those who are not involved with the group but have observed and admired the results of their work.
Key eligibility requirements
- The group must have 3 or more members.
- It must be based in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
- It must have been operating for a minimum of 3 years.
- It must provide a specific local benefit (QAVS is not intended for national organisations, although a local branch can be nominated).
- Groups whose sole purpose is to support other organisations (e.g. via fundraising or grant giving) are not eligible.
- We are looking for evidence that volunteers are initiating and driving the group’s work. It may have some paid staff, but we expect at least half of the people who work in the group to be volunteers.
- Groups operating solely for the benefit of animals are not eligible.
More guidance and examples of past awardees can be found on the QAVS website www.qavs.dcms.gov.uk.