16/05/2024 - Permalink

Voluntary groups invited to apply for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Related topics: Community / Partner organisations

Anna Turner, the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, is encouraging voluntary groups in the county to apply for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest honour for local volunteer groups in the UK.

The award is the equivalent of an MBE and recognises the outstanding work of volunteer-led organisations that benefit their communities.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service logo

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Anna said:-

“I am delighted to see so many voluntary groups in Shropshire doing amazing work for the benefit of others. The KAVS is a wonderful way to celebrate their achievements and give them Royal recognition. It also helps them raise their profile and secure funding for their future activities. I would like to see more groups from Shropshire win this prestigious award, and I urge them to apply or nominate themselves.”

The KAVS is open to any volunteer-led organisation with three or more volunteers that has been operating for at least three years. The groups do not have to be registered charities and can work in any field of activity. The main criteria for the award are that the group’s work is of an exceptionally high standard, meets a local need, and makes a significant difference to the community.

The Shropshire Lieutenancy will be holding three briefing sessions in June 2024 to explain the award and the nomination process:-

  • Tuesday 11 June 2024 – 2.30pm-3.30 pm at The Town Hall, 28-32 High Street, Wem, SY4 5DG
  • Monday 17 June 2024 – 11am-midday at The Council Chamber, Telford & Wrekin Council, Southwater One, Southwater Way, Telford, TF3 4JG
  • Tuesday 25 June 2024 – 7pm-8pm via Zoom

The sessions will give the opportunity for members of the Shropshire KAVS panel to look in more detail at the individual group’s eligibility and answer any questions. The panel recommends the groups to the Lord-Lieutenant who then, after further assessment submits them to the Cabinet Office for consideration. The final decision is made by the King, and the winners are announced on his birthday, 14 November, each year.

For further information and/or to book a place at one of the sessions, please email Shelley Davies at lieutenancy@shropshire.gov.uk. Information can also be found on the KAVS website: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/