Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
The honours system recognises people of outstanding merit, and those who have committed themselves to service to the nation. It's been around for centuries, but it was a closed system for many years. Only since 1993 has everybody been free to nominate.
Anyone can be nominated, but only exceptional people are honoured. If you want to see your candidate on the honours list, make sure your nomination has what it takes to make it all the way to Buckingham Palace. Achievement comes in many forms but honours committees are looking for someone who has made a difference in their field of work or community.
Honours can be awarded for all sorts of work - paid or unpaid - but your nominee must still be involved in the activity for which they are nominated.
Before you make your nomination, ask yourself the following questions. Has your nominee:
To get started, you'll need a copy of the nominations form and the guidance notes, these are linked below. Alternatively, you can write or telephone the Cabinet Office and ask for a paper version to be sent to you.
You can return the form by post, fax or email. If you need a copy of the guidance notes in Braille, you can ask for one using the contact information below.
Honours and Appointments Secretariat
Cabinet Office
Ground Floor
Room G39
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Fax: +44 (0)20 7276 2766
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7276 2777
If you are writing a letter of support, you may find the booklet linked below useful.
Nominations are collated and then segregated according to the nominee's area of expertise. Expert committees can then compare like with like - for instance, teacher with teacher - and the best candidates are put forward to the Prime Minister, who then presents the list to The Queen.
The committee considers the appropriate order and level. There is no need to specify this in any nomination. Note that:
Once the Order has been identified the criteria below are used by committees for deciding the level of award. The assessment committees also use precedent to aid their consideration.
A pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine or government.
A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment. Key factors are:
A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity. Key factors are:
Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally. Key factors are:
Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others. Key factors are:
Achievement or contribution of a very 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity; or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration. Key factors are:
At all levels, awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.
In terms of service the difference is determined by the extent of the person's influence. In terms of achievement the difference is determined by the significance of the person's impact in their chosen profession.
As you can imagine, verifying a large number of nominations takes time. The nominee should not expect to hear anything for at least 12-18 months. You can contact the Honours and Appointments Secretariat if you would like to check on progress.
If selected, candidates are sent a letter asking them whether they would be willing to accept an Honour. Almost everyone does and their names will appear in The London Gazette at the New Year or on The Queen's official birthday in June.