Nominate someone for an honour
The honours system recognises people who have given exceptional service, making a difference in their community or in the country.
Anyone can receive an award if they reach the required standard of merit or service. There are several different types of award. Honours lists contain a wide variety of people from different backgrounds.
Two honours lists are published each year, one at New Year and one to mark The King's official birthday in June. A limited number of awards are available for each honours list. This means nominations are measured against submissions from across the nation.
Find out more about the Orders and medals | GOV.UK
Nominate someone for an honour
Anyone can nominate someone for an award.
You will need to submit a nomination form alongside several strong letters of recommendation. These must be from people who know about their work first-hand.
Or contact:
Email: honours@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7276 2777
Remember to include all good works performed by the nominee.
How long the process takes
It can take about 18 months or more to process a nomination after you submit it to the Cabinet Office. It is important that you keep the nomination secret, to avoid disappointment if your application is unsuccessful.
How we help
Please contact us for advice on preparing a nomination – we are happy to help. However, the Lord-Lieutenant cannot act as a referee or nominate someone because he is involved in the honours process.
The Honours Office checks the merit of each nominee with the Lord-Lieutenant of the local area before the honours committees decide who gets which award.
Successful nominations
Recipients of honours usually receive their honour from a member of the Royal Family at a ceremony called an ‘Investiture’ held at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
HM The King asks the Lord-Lieutenant to present the British Empire Medal (BEM) on his behalf within East Sussex. This award is for achievement or exceptional service to a local community.
The Lord-Lieutenant holds Investitures for BEM recipients after the publication of an Honours List. If it is impossible for the recipient to attend, we can make other arrangements.
The Lord-Lieutenant also presents other medals if the recipient can’t travel to London or Windsor to receive their medal.
If a nomination is unsuccessful
It is sometimes possible for the Lord-Lieutenant to arrange some other form of recognition as a ‘thank you’ for exceptional service.
Read about the Types of honours and awards | GOV.UK