Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)

[Image: Eyres Monsell Club for Young People receive their Award]

Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. It is open to any volunteer led local group – so it will be open to you! See some of the local groups recently recognised by the Award.

Why should we try and get our work recognised?

The KAVS Award wants to recognise:

  • Groups that are truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community.
  • Groups where volunteers are in the driving seat.
  • Groups that have highest standards in everything they do.
  • Local Groups that have achieved recognition

What are the next steps?

Nominations for the 2023 awards are now closed.  However, they will start accepting nominations for the 2024 awards from 1st June 2023.

Groups have to be nominated by a person independent of the group – and if you are struggling with this please contact VAL.

The nominee has to complete a simple form to make the nomination and there needs to be at least 2 additional letters of support.

The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire is keen to increase the number of nominations from the City and County and has established a support group of Deputy Lieutenants, Local Authorities, the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Community Foundation and VAL.

Nominations must be submitted using the online form at here.
The nomination form and letters of support must not be written or submitted by a volunteer, employee, trustee or anyone involved with the running of the group.

So to start on your journey you can:

Contact VAL’s helpline on; 0116 257 5050 or email us on: helpline@valonline.org.uk

Contact the Lieutenancy Office on: Leicestershire Lieutenancy Office | lieutenacyoffice@leics.gov.uk | 0116 305 6060 

Find out more here on the KAVS website.

Groups recognised in Leicester and Leicestershire

Here are the local QAVS awards – groups just like you.