The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life. A list of past winners in Berkshire can be found here.
It is awarded to groups of volunteers whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional. A successful group will normally have the following characteristics:
-Volunteer-led: The volunteers are in the driving seat, setting the direction for the group’s work and spotting opportunities to develop it still further each year.
-Exceptional compared with comparable groups: This group is likely to be one of the best of its kind in the country.
-Making a considerable difference locally: The initiative of this group and the efforts of its volunteers have changed the situation dramatically for its beneficiaries.
-Well-run: There are high standards of governance, financial management and safeguarding.
-Outstanding reputation locally: The group has a high standing in the community and has an excellent reputation with beneficiaries, service providers and others.
KAVS awards are only awarded to the very best of hundreds of nominations each year. This is a badge of excellence and a real achievement for a group. It provides a big boost to the volunteers as well as great publicity for their work. Successful groups are presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature. They gain the right to use the KAVS logo on their stationery and other material. They are also invited to nominate two volunteers to attend a Royal Garden Party.
How to nominate a group:
-Details of the nomination criteria and the submission form can be found on the Award’s website https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/
-Nominations for the 2024 Awards need to be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 15 September 2023.
-Nominations are particularly encouraged from beneficiaries of a group’s work, or from those who are not involved with the group but have observed and admired the results of their work.
Key eligibility requirements:
-The group must have 3 or more members.
-It must be based in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
-It must have been operating for a minimum of 3 years.
-It must provide a specific local benefit (KAVS is not intended for national organisations, although a local branch can be nominated).
-Groups whose sole purpose is to support other organisations (e.g. via fundraising or grant giving) are not eligible.
-We are looking for evidence that volunteers are initiating and driving the group’s work. It may have some paid staff, but we expect at least half of the people who work in the group to be volunteers.
-Groups operating solely for the benefit of animals are not eligible.
More guidance and examples of past awardees can be found on the KAVS website https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/