The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was established in 2002 to celebrate The Queen's Golden Jubilee. Awards are given to deserving groups of individuals who regularly devote their time, voluntarily, to helping others. The Award is the highest honour that can be given to voluntary groups and its status is equivalent to the MBE.
The awards are announced on 2 June each year. Winning groups receive a certificate and a glass trophy at local ceremonies at which the Lord-Lieutenant is normally present.
How to make a nomination
Anybody may nominate a group of volunteers but groups must not self-nominate.
A group (consisting of 3 people or more) can be nominated if:
- It is based in the UK
- It has been in existence for at least 3 years
- Over half of its members are volunteers.
Further information and nomination forms are available on The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Deadline
Nomination must be received by mid-September each year to be considered for the following year. In some cases nominations can remain "active" for up to 3 years.
On 2 June 2022, it was announced that Cockermouth Emergency Response Group had been awarded the QAVS. The Cockermouth Emergency Response Group assists residents and businesses in the Cockermouth area to prepare for and recover from major emergencies, such as flooding or severe winter weather. The Lord-Lieutenant is looking forward to presenting the group with their award.
Bay Search and Rescue
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2021 winners, Bay Search & Rescue on 18 September 2021. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenants, Colonel Chris Sanderson and Air Commodore Peter Smith.
Westmorland County Agricultural Show
HRH The Princess Royal and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2021 winners, Westmorland County Agricultural Society on 9 September 2021.
Fellrunner Village Bus
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2021 winners, Fellrunner Village Bus on 18 October 2021. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenants, Mrs Sarah Dunning and Mrs Caroline Thomson.
Barrow Women's Community Matters
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2020 winners, Barrow Women's Community Matters on 6 August 2021. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Adam Naylor.
Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA)
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2020 winners, LDSAMRA on 6 September 2021. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Dr Jim Cox.
The REACT Foundation
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2020 winners, The REACT Foundation on 18 August 2021. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Pete Woolaghan.
Ford Park Community group
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2019 winners. Ford Park Community group on Sunday 20 October. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Harry Knowles.
Bay Trust Radio
Deputy Lieutenants Mr and Mrs Bagot presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant for Cumbria to one of the 2019 winners. Bay Trust Radio on Saturday 28 September.
Aspatria and District Community Charity Association
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2019 winners. Aspatria and District Community Charity Association on Monday 5 August. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Debbie Keighley.
Lakeland Horticultural Society
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2019 winners. Lakeland Horticultural Society, Holehird, Windermere LA23 1NP on Saturday 13 July. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs. Diana Matthews.
Manna House
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2018 winners. Manna House on Tuesday 2 October. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Air Commodore (Ret'd) Peter Smith.
Dalton Community Centre Association Drill Hall
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2018 winners. Dalton Community Centre Association Drill Hall (Dalton Community Centre) on Wednesday 29 August. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Adam Naylor.
The Volunteer Prescription Delivery Service
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2018 winners. The Volunteer Prescription Delivery Service at Court Thorn Surgery on Tuesday 21 August. Mrs Hensman was supported by Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Bryan Gray.
Barrow Foodbank
The Lord-Lieutenant presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to one of the 2017 winners, Barrow Foodbank on Tuesday, 15 August 2017.
South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to the 2017 winner at South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society.
The Lord-Lieutenant presented the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to the 2014 winners Theatre by the Lake Front of House Volunteers on Saturday, 6th September.
Mrs Hensman presents the award to Lucy Bestley, longstanding Theatre by the Lake Volunteer
Mrs Hensman with Dr Jim Cox OBE, a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria
Mrs Hensman, Vicky Robinson, Joint Chair of Theatre by the Lake and Mary Elliott, House Manager
Mary Elliott, House Manager and Theatre by the Lake volunteers
