King's Award for Voluntary Service: 250 groups honoured across Britain

On 14 November 2026 the recipients of the King's Award for Voluntary Service were announced. The award went to 250 volunteer-led groups from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man.

What is the award?

It is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK, considered equivalent to an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire, though that is given to an individual). It is presented each year on the King's birthday.

Where did it come from?

It was established in 2002 as The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, to mark the late Queen's Golden Jubilee. It was renamed after the King's accession, and the King continued it. This year 87% of awards went to groups outside London and the South East — recognition of work in smaller towns and villages across the country.

How is a group nominated?

Lord Lieutenants, the King's representatives in each county, assess nominations locally. A national committee of independent assessors then reviews the recommendations. Any group of three or more people doing voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated. Nominations for the 2027 awards are open and close on 1 December 2026.

How many groups is that in total?

The cumulative total is not given — the award speaks only of "thousands" of past recipients. It has been presented every year since 2002. Any voluntary group of three or more people that has run for more than three years can be nominated, whether a club, a sports section, support for older people or a neighbourhood initiative. Importantly, a group is nominated by others — usually grateful local residents or organisations — not by itself.

Where to see the list?

The full list of this year's recipients is published on the award's website and in The Gazette, the official public record. Civil Society Minister Vicky Foxcroft called volunteers "the lifeblood of our communities", while award chair Sir Martyn Lewis saluted "the UK's remarkable army of postcode people".

What exactly is the award for?

The award recognises not a one-off event but sustained voluntary work for the local area: helping older or ill people, working with children and young people, search-and-rescue teams, support for newcomers, caring for parks and monuments. It is granted in the King's name once a year, and a group may then use the award's special emblem on its materials and signage.

Why it is useful to readers

For a family settling into a new area, a local volunteer group — a language club, support for older people, a sports section — is both practical help and a way to meet neighbours. The award shows such groups are valued at national level, and anyone can nominate one.