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Nominating someone for an honour

The UK 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.

Who can be nominated

Anyone can be nominated but only exceptional people are honoured. Honours committees are looking for someone who has made a difference in their field or 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?

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 to the website of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). Or, you can write or telephone 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 return the form by post or you can fax it to:

Honours Secretariat OFMDFM
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Honours Secretariat
FD34 Stormont Castle,
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3TT
  • phone: 028 9037 8132

Honours and Appointments Secretariat, Cabinet Office

  • phone: 020 7276 2774

Writing a letter of support for a nomination

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

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. If you would like to check on progress, you can contact the Honours Secretariat in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on the following number .

  • phone: 028 9037 8132

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