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Most awards are made in the Order of the British Empire, which has a number of levels ranging from Knight or Dame Grand Cross to the British Empire Medal, which was reintroduced for use in honour of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Birthday Honours in 2012.

Companion of Honour

This is awarded for a pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine or government.

Knight or Dame

This rewards a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at a national level), or in a capacity which is recognised by peer groups as inspirational and nationally significant, and demonstrating sustained commitment.

Awarded for:

• a pre-eminent and sustained contribution
• being recognised by peer groups as inspirational
• the impact of the contribution being felt at a national level

CBE

This rewards 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.

Awarded for:

• an achievement or service in a leading role at a regional level
• making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution with a wide impact

OBE

This rewards a distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally.

Awarded for:

• a regional or county-wide role
• a contribution where the impact is felt by a significant number of people or across a broad geographical area

MBE

This rewards an achievement or service in or to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered a sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.

Awarded for:

• an outstanding achievement or service
• a sustained contribution
• a real impact
• a local role model

BEM

This rewards an 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.

Awarded for:

• a sustained, local contribution
• innovative, high-impact work of a relatively short duration

At all levels, awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.

The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion

The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting business enterprise skills and attitudes in other people – for example amongst young people or those in disadvantaged communities or in under-represented groups. These activities could be at a national, regional or local level.

In all cases awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.

• The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion Opens new window

Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award made to recognise and reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.

The award was announced in 2002 as part of celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and was first known as The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award. It is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.

• A guide to The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Bravery Awards, Orders of Chivalry, Order of Wear

Use the links below for detailed information on awards for bravery, Orders of Chivalry, and the order awards must be worn.

• Download Bravery Awards (PDF, 16K)

• Download Orders of Chivalry (PDF, 34K)

• Download Order of Wear (PDF, 56K)