The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK, is open for nominations. This award acts as an MBE for voluntary groups that provide economic, environmental or social support to communities. 

It was founded in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and has since gone on to recognise thousands of hard-working volunteer organisations around the UK; 281 in 2019 alone. Previous Bristol award winners have included The Matthew of Bristol Trust and Southmead Hospital Move Makers. 

Nominated groups must have:

• At least two group members.
• Been established for three years or more, operating at a high standard.
• A majority of volunteers, rather than paid staff, running the group.
• The right of more than half their members to live in the UK.
• Public liability insurance (or similar insurance).
• Met standards of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults (where appropriate).
• Two letters of support from people who have benefitted from the voluntary group.

Speaking at the 2019 awards ceremony, Mims Davies, Minister for Civil Society, said: “These prestigious awards recognise the wonderful work being done by many voluntary organisations across the country."

Click here for full guidance on your application.

Nominations close on Friday 13 September 2019, but the awards won't be presented until June 2020.