Nominating someone for an honour

The Honours system recognises people of outstanding merit and those who have committed themselves to service to the nation. It's been around for centuries, but it was a closed system for many years. Only since 1993 has everybody been free to nominate.

The nomination process

There are two ways for people to get nominated:

  • by an individual or a public/private sector organisation
  • by a government department

Anyone can be nominated, but only exceptional people are honoured. If you want to see your candidate on the honours list, make sure your nomination has what it takes to make it all the way. Achievement comes in many forms but honours committees are looking for someone who has made a difference in their field of work or community.

Honours can be awarded for all sorts of work - paid or unpaid - but your nominee must still be involved in the activity for which they are nominated.

Before you make your nomination, ask yourself the following questions. Has your nominee:

  • made a difference to their community or field of work?
  • exemplified the best sustained and selfless voluntary service?
  • demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship?
  • carried the respect of their peers?
  • changed things, with an emphasis on achievement?
  • improved the lot of those less able to help themselves?
  • displayed moral courage and vision in making and delivering tough choices?

If you think your candidate measures up against these sorts of criteria then download a nomination form and guidance notes.  

Nomination forms

To get started you'll need a copy of the nominations form and read the guidance notes. You can download a nomination pack by using the link below. Alternatively, you can write or telephone the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) (for nominees resident in Northern Ireland) or Cabinet Office (for nominees resident in Great Britain) requesting paper copies to be sent to you.

Read the guidance notes carefully and complete the form as fully as possible and ensure that you have the required letters of support. Return the form either to OFMDFM (for nominees resident in Northern Ireland), or to the Cabinet Secretariat (for nominees resident in Great Britain).

You can send it by post or you can fax it. - emails are not acceptable as a signed copy is required.

Honours Secretariat OFMDFM telephone: 028 9052 8162 or 028 9052 2617

Honours and Appointments Secretariat, Cabinet Office telephone: 020 7276 2774

Writing a letter of support for a nomination

If you are writing a letter of support, you may find the booklet linked below useful.

What happens to a nomination

Nominations are collated and then segregated according to the nominee's area of expertise. Expert committees can then compare like with like - for instance, teacher with teacher. The best candidates are put forward to the Prime Minister, who then presents the list to the Queen.

How decisions are made

Which order?

The committee consideres the appropriate order and level. There is no need to specify this in any nomination. Note that:

  • senior Civil Servants and military officers may be considered for the Order of the Bath
  • diplomats and others serving the UK abroad may be considered for the Order of St Michael and St George
  • anyone may be considered for awards in the Order of the British Empire
  • anyone may be considered for the award of Companion of Honour

Which level?

Once the Order has been identified the criteria below are used for deciding the level of award.  The assessment committees also use precedent to aid their consideration.

Companion of Honour

A pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine, or government.

Knight/Dame

Awarded for a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity, through:

  • achievement or service to the community usually, but not exclusively, at national level
  • in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and
  • which demonstrates sustained commitment.

CBE

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 his or her area of activity.  

OBE

Awarded for:

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

MBE

Awarded for:

  • achievement or service - in and to the community - of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field; or
  • local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others.

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

In terms of service, the difference is determined by the extent of the person's influence. In terms of achievement, the difference is determined by the significance of the person's impact in their chosen profession.

Checking progress

As you can imagine, verifying a large number of nominations takes time. That's why candidates shouldn't expect to hear anything for up to 18 months. You can contact the Honours Secretariat in OFMDFM if you would like to check on progress.

The decision

If selected, candidates are sent a letter asking them whether they would be willing to accept an Honour. Almost everyone does and their names will appear in The London Gazette at the New Year or on the Queen's official birthday in June.  

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