Do You Know A Voluntary Group.. That Really Stands Out?
Nominations are open for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
Louise Fleet, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan has been telling us about the prestigious accolade.
WATCH video here:
What is 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.
Who is it awarded to?
It is awarded to exceptional 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.
*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
How to nominate a group:
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 branch can be nominated).
- 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 is available on the QAVS website: www.qavs.culture.gov.uk