The deadline is fast approaching for anyone who wants to nominate local voluntary groups for a KAVS award – the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

Regarded as the MBE for volunteering, the award is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is awarded for life. The award is a prestigious, permanent mark of excellence issued in recognition of the efforts and impact made by a group across its local community.

Nominate Before December 1 Deadline

A second information session recently took place in Birmingham city centre in partnership with Witton Lodge CA and BVSC (Birmingham Voluntary Services Council).

It was held to inform people on the nomination process and the criteria that nominees must meet. Nominations for the 2026 award close on 1st December 2025.

Deputy Lieutenant for The West Midlands, Afzal Hussain updated attendees on the KAVS nomination process and was joined by Dale Guest, Honours Coordinator at the West Midlands Lieutenancy who spent time explaining the honours system and the process to nominate individuals for these prestigious awards.

You can find out more details on the Honours system and how to apply here.

Recognising Incredible Acts of Kindness

Afzal, who is also the Chief Officer at Witton Lodge, said: “Now is the moment to transform the quiet and selfless dedication that underlines volunteering into deserved and lasting recognition.

“Every day, acts of kindness are having an incredible impact on people and communities with the transformative work that volunteers do often being extraordinary in the lives of those receive the help and support.”

If you know a volunteer group that you think is worthy of a King’s Award and would like to nominate them, please visit: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/