The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work in their local communities for the benefit of others.
The annual award – the equivalent of an MBE – was created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. Winning groups receive a certificate signed by The King and a commemorative crystal pillar.
This major UK national honour sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering. Each nomination is judged on the benefits it gives to the local community. There is not a set number of winners in a sector of volunteering work or region of the country.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service runs in cycles, starting with nominations (between 1 September – 1 December), followed by local and national assessments. Winners are announced on The King’s birthday on 14 November the following year.
Nominations for the 2025 KAVS open on 1 September 2024.