Over 280 organisations in the UK have received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service for their “outstanding community service”, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced.
Today, DCMS announced that 281 charities, youth groups and museums had been recognised for their “outstanding work”, representing the largest number of recipients in the award’s 22-year history.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, previously known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, was established in 2002 to mark the late queen’s golden jubilee.
It is the equivalent of an MBE and the highest distinction for voluntary organisations throughout the UK.
This year’s recipients include 232 organisations from England, 21 from Scotland, 22 from Northern Ireland, five from Wales and one from the Isle of Man, with 83% outside London and England’s south east.
These include charities Active Fusion; Nell Bank Charitable Trust; Muslimah Sports Association; Steamship Shieldhall Charity; and Popham Kidney Support.
Getting the award was a ‘long hard slog’
Steamship Shieldhall Charity is run by volunteers based in Southampton who operate the heritage cargo-passenger steamship Shieldhall.
Trustee Phil Stephens said getting the award was “a long hard slog”.
“We started the nomination process back in June 2023 and spent six months writing the various nomination sections, and gaining letters of support and nominations from independent organisations,” he said.
“We then had to wait whilst the lord lieutenant and the National Assessment Committee carried out their due diligence.
“We were finally informed, in strictest confidence, that we were to be given the King’s Award in October this year.
“I’m sure, like me, that everyone is extremely proud that we have been given this honour. We wouldn’t have achieved it without all the hard work and commitment of us all.”
‘Our volunteers are unsung heroes’
Nell Bank Charitable Trust provides outdoor learning day and residential experiences for children, their families and friends across Bradford and Yorkshire.
Volunteer chair Adam Clark said: “The award is tremendous news and a resounding endorsement of everything we do at Nell Bank and the selfless and dedicated work of all our wonderful volunteers and staff. As a team, we’re overwhelmed and so very proud.
“There is a lovely royal thread to this story as the centre at Nell Bank was originally set up in 1977 as a queen’s silver jubilee project to provide outdoor curriculum-based learning opportunities through adventure and to develop a respect for the natural world.
“The culture and objectives of the centre have remained the same since its inception and our ethos is now as strong as ever.”
Clark added that “our volunteers are the unsung heroes of Nell Bank”.
“When there were fears about the future of the centre, the trustees stepped in to develop a plan to form a fully independent and sustainable charity.
“Thanks to them, we have a flourishing centre, which consistently achieves those charitable aims which were originally set out in 1977. It’s humbling to see their hard work recognised with this wonderful royal honour.”
Minister: ‘Volunteers serve at the heart of communities’
Civil Society minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Volunteers serve at the heart of our communities nationwide, dedicating their time to create positive change and enhance the lives of those around them.
“It’s incredible to see more groups than ever before receive this prestigious award for the inspiring work they undertake each and every day to support people and causes across our communities.
“I offer my congratulations to this year’s awardees.”
Nominations are now open for the 2025 awards and close on 1 December. More information can be found here.
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