Residents invited to nominate Warwickshire’s extraordinary volunteers for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Warwickshire County Council and the Warwickshire Lieutenancy are encouraging residents to submit nominations for volunteering groups, charities, and social enterprises across the county, whose exceptional efforts deserve to be recognised by The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Originally set-up in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups across the UK for many years.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service acknowledges the outstanding work delivered by volunteers who benefit their communities.

It is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

All awardees receive a certificate signed by the King, a domed glass crystal, and may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.

Previous groups who have received the KAVS include: The Kenilworth Centre, Helping Hands Community Project, Rugby Autism Network, The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, Warwickshire Search and Rescue and Hope4 Rugby.

Cllr Mike Bannister, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for resources and internal affairs, said: “Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to communities across Warwickshire, giving their time, skills and energy to support others and strengthen local life.

“Their dedication deserves recognition, and The King’s Award for Voluntary Service provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work carried out by volunteer groups across the county.

“I would encourage anyone who knows a deserving organisation to consider putting forward a nomination."

Tim Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, added: “The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises the very best of charitable organisations and voluntary groups, and the positive difference they make to people’s lives.

“Across Warwickshire, there are countless groups whose volunteers work tirelessly to support their communities, often without seeking recognition. I encourage residents to help highlight these exceptional organisations by nominating them for this prestigious award."

How to nominate

Any group of two or more people doing volunteering work can be nominated for the award.

The majority of the group must be volunteers, and more than half the volunteers must have the right to live in the UK. Volunteer groups should have been running for three years or more to be nominated.

The volunteer group cannot nominate themselves; they must be nominated by someone else.

The nominator must be:

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

The nominee should do work that:

• provides a service and meets a need for people living in the local community
• is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it
• is run locally

To make a nomination go to: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/make-a-nomination/about-nominating/

Residents can submit nominations until December 1.

For support in completing a nomination, contact the Warwickshire Lieutenancy at [email protected], phone 01926 412328

There will also be a KAVS information event at The Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick on Tuesday September 22 at 5pm where people can learn for more information.

The Warwickshire Lieutenancy have also prepared a locally focused brochure about the KAVS. This can be accessed by goig to: https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-1980322935-3773