Types of honours and award

Find out about different types of award, plus information about Orders of Chivalry and the order in which awards are worn.

Types of award

Companion of Honour

Awarded for a pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine, or government.

Knight or 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 or
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 county-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
very local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others

The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion

The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting business enterprise skills and attitudes in other people – for example amongst young people or those in disadvantaged communities or in under-represented groups. These activities could be at a national, regional or local level.

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