Contrary to public perception most Honours go not to celebrities or captains of industry but ordinary people doing great things for the community. These awards are highly-valued and only the most worthy candidates succeed: that is why the Cabinet Office want your help in making sure often unsung local heroes are identified.
In this year’s New Year’s Honours List 82% of all OBEs and MBEs were for people who have undertaken charitable or voluntary service, either as part of their job or independently.
Top tips for nominating your local hero for a national honour
- Sometimes thank you just isn’t enough. An honour helps to recognise dedicated people who have made a real impact for the good in everyday life.
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Can I nominate? Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. Download the form and guidance notes from www.honours.gov.uk or write to Ceremonial Secretariat, Cabinet Office, 35 Great Smith St, London SW1P 3BQ.
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What do I need? You will need two or more letters endorsing your nominee’s contribution from those who know about what the person has done or those who have been helped by their actions. Think about the people you need to approach for letters of support.
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Anything else? You may also like to think about evidence. For example, if your local hero organises events, you may have press cuttings or programmes from those events that includes your local hero’s name.
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What do I tell my nominee? Do not tell your local hero that you have nominated them. Honours are rare, and this avoids disappointment if they are not successful.
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What next? The selection process is rigorous and can take 12-18 months. You can check progress with Ceremonial Secretariat.
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What’s in it for me? As well as gaining nationally celebrated recognition for your local hero, the community or organisation where they volunteer or work can also take pride and pleasure in their national honour.