Honours are normally awarded twice a year. A list is published on the Queen's Birthday in June and another list is published at the New Year. The type of honour depends on the contribution a person has made and the field they work in.
Awarded for a preeminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine or government.
Awarded for a preeminent contribution in any field of activity, through achievement or service to the community. This is usually - but not exclusively - at national level, or in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally, and which demonstrates sustained commitment.
Awarded for a prominent national role of a lesser degree, or a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs, through achievement or service to the community, or making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in the area of activity.
Awarded for a distinguished regional or country-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community, including notable practitioners known nationally.
Awarded for achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field; or a very local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others. In both cases, awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.
There are ten orders and one appointment available to those performing meritorious service. Some of the countries of which the Queen is head of state also use some of these awards. The following awards are made personally by The Sovereign:
Other awards are made by The Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, and the Secretary of State for Defence and include:
Bravery awards are made in recognition of specific acts by individuals who risk their own lives in a selfless way in order to save, or attempt to save, the life of one of the Queen's subjects. They are also used to recognise similarly selfless brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or in the arrest or attempted arrest of dangerous criminals.
Anyone may nominate a person for a bravery award, though the majority of cases are made through official channels (police, fire service etc). All cases are assessed on their own merits and against criteria established by precedent.
For civilian awards, the Ceremonial Secretariat coordinates the assessment of nominations and the Prime Minister submits them to The Sovereign for approval. The Ministry of Defence considers awards recognising acts of bravery in military operations. There are a number of bravery awards, organised into different levels to recognise the degree of bravery involved, including:
The order of wear shows the sequence in which orders, decorations and medals should be worn. Specific instructions on how to wear each award are included inside its case.
A new emblem, designed to be worn on the everyday clothing of those who have been appointed to the Order of the British Empire, gives recipients the opportunity to show in their day to day lives they have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for their contribution to society
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