The King's Award for Voluntary Service

GNUFThe  King's Award for Voluntary Service (previously Queen's Award for Voluntary Service) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, being equivalent to the MBE.

The prestigious award recognises exceptional work done by volunteer groups in their communities.

When are the awards announced?

The King's Awards for Voluntary Service awardees are announced annually on 14 November on the King Charles III's birthday, when a special supplement of The Gazette is published.

This national honour was first announced in April 2002 to mark the anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, with the first awardees announced in 2003 (Gazette issue 56950).

How are the winners nominated and chosen?

Anyone aware of the group, including people who benefit from the group's activities, may make a nomination. After consideration, local assessment panels send their chosen nominations to a national award committee. 

GNUFWho is eligible?    

To be eligible for the King's Awards for Voluntary Service, a group must:

  • be made up of three or more people
  • be based in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
  • have been in operation for at least three years
  • have over half its volunteers eligible to reside in the UK
  • be led by volunteers, not by paid staff (we would normally expect at least half the group’s members to be volunteers)
  • provide a specific and direct local benefit

How can I nominate a group?

In order to nominate a group for the King's Awards for Voluntary Service, you must not:

  • be a volunteer, employee or trustee of the group, or in any way involved with the running of the organisation

You must also:

  • be a member of the public with a good knowledge of the group’s work (such as a beneficiary or long-term supporter)
  • be able to supply two separate letters of support from two additional people who know the group well

Nominations are made online and you will need to complete the nomination form and submit the two letters of support.

Submissions for the 2024 awards have now closed.

Previous King's Awards for Voluntary Service supplements

Year Issue

2023

Gazette issue 64227

Previous Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service supplements

You can see all the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service supplements published under Queen Elizabeth II below.

Year

Issue

2022

Gazette issue 63720

2021

Gazette issue 63366

2020

Gazette issue 63013

2019

Gazette issue 62658

2018

Gazette issue 62303 

2017

Gazette issue 61945 

2016

Gazette issue 61599 

2015

Gazette issue 61244

2014

Gazette issue 60882

2013

Gazette issue 60522

2012

Gazette issue 60161

2011

Gazette issue 59799

2010

Gazette issue 59435

2009

Gazette issue 59086

2008

Gazette issue 58714

2007

Gazette issue 58343

2006

Gazette issue 57998

2005

Gazette issue 57656

2004

Gazette issue 57305

2003

Gazette issue 56950

Find out more at GOV.UK and The King's Award for Voluntary Service website 

Images (from top), 2017 awardees: 

  • The Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, an inclusive, inspiring weekend of arts and music in Huddersfield, 'events to connect, inspire and promote the very best in all of us', © James Millar
  • Loughborough Students' Action, '25,000 hours of volunteering annually; helping all ages; improving social support, education and the environment'.