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UK Honours
The National Honours system is designed to recognise those people who make a significant and positive difference to the life and wellbeing of their community, county, region or country. This may be for voluntary activity or in a particular field of work. This may be for a personal Honour, an award for an organisation in the voluntary sector (King's Award for Voluntary Service) or an award for business excellence (The King's Award for Enterprise).
Please view some of the stories behind our most recent winners.
Do you know an exceptional person who should be nominated for a National Award?
The Lord-Lieutenant wishes to encourage more nominations in Suffolk and invites everyone to help identify those individuals and organisations that should be considered for recognition. Anyone can nominate another person for National Honour.
Individual National Honours
Honours are given to people for making an outstanding contribution in their area of work or service and are awarded for work in many areas, including:
- Community and voluntary service
- The emergency services
- Arts and media
- Health
- Rural economy
- Faith groups
- Sport
- Education
- Science and technology
- Business and the economy
- Civil or political service
Honours may be awarded for achievements such as:
- Making a real impact to their community or field of work
- Exemplified the very best sustained and selfless voluntary service
- Earned the respect of people around them and changed things for the better
- Improved the lot of those less able to help themselves
- Displayed moral courage in making and delivering difficult choices
- Demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship
- Brought distinction to Suffolk life and enhanced its reputation
Anyone may nominate someone for an honour but, importantly, this must be done very confidentially and those being nominated must not be made aware.
Honours lists are published twice a year – at New Year and on The King’s official birthday in mid-June.
Types of Honour
Knight or Dame
Awarded for making a major contribution in any activity, especially at national level. Other people working in the nominee’s area will see their contribution as inspirational and significant, requiring commitment over a long period of time.
Commander of the British Empire (CBE)
Awarded for a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. A CBE may also be awarded for a distinguished or innovative contribution to any area.
Officer of the British Empire (OBE)
Awarded to those who have performed a distinguished regional or County-wide role in any field.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This could be a long-term
charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference.
Nomination Form
To pick up a nomination form please visit the UK Government website. It is important to include details of specific achievements and contributions and to provide evidence of the difference made by the individual. At least two letters of support should accompany your nomination, but more may be submitted, and these should be from people who know the nominee personally and who can endorse the case being made for personal recognition.
What Happens Next
It often takes up to 18 months for a nomination to be considered. If a nominee is awarded an honour, they will be advised in strict confidence a little before the Honours List is published.
The Lieutenancy can provide advice and guidance about the nomination process, including help in writing a citation. Please email the Lieutenancy Office.
Futher guidance is also available on the British Government website
How to complete the nomination form
Guidance on how to complete the nomination form can be found in our handy guide.