Honours & Awards

Honours are granted to those people who have made a difference based on their merit, bravery, or exceptional service. Quite simply, those deserving high-achieving people from every section of the community; the person that goes the extra mile; the person that makes life better and safer; the charity worker; those who have undertaken public service; and to business leaders.

Many people assume that honours are awarded at the direction of the Lord-Lieutenant, however this is not so. Honours go to people who have been nominated by members of the public.

“If you know of an individual who is making a significant difference in her or his community and who stands out from all others in the same field, please do nominate that person for an honour!”

Find out more via the Government Honours website.

Investitures

Here’s a short video from a recent local Investiture Ceremony:

The Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside is particularly keen to encourage community and business leaders to help him identify individuals that are worthy of receiving an Honour. Equally, the Lieutenancy is keen to encourage nominations from parts of the community where in the past nominations have been few and far between.

Anyone can make a recommendation for a British national to receive an honour. However, you cannot nominate someone for a specific honour as this is decided by an Honours Committee within the Cabinet Office.

When making a nomination please do remember to include all the good works performed by the nominee, not just the primary reason. A further important ingredient is to source and submit several strong letters of recommendation from people who know at first-hand about the work which has caused the nomination to be made.

See what being awarded the BEM meant to one recipient, Lin Doyle >>

Honours lists are published twice a year; at New Year and on The King’s official birthday (normally the second Saturday in June). Recipients of Honours receive their awards from The King or a member of the Royal Family at a ceremony known as an Investiture.

The process of making a nomination is not difficult, and help is readily available from the Merseyside Lieutenancy if you are not sure what to do.