The Orders of Knighthood Gallantry awards

The honours system is made up of a number Bravery awards recognise specific acts by of different orders, decorations and medals. individuals who risk their own lives in order to save, or attempt to save, the life of one of The Ceremonial Secretariat Each award recognises a different form of Queen’s subjects. They are also used to achievement. The Prime Minister’s list is recognise similarly selfless brave acts made up of honours from the four orders undertaken in the prevention of crime or in the listed below: arrest or attempted arrest of dangerous criminals. A brief guide to • The Order of the British Empire was created honours in 1917 by . It is used today to For civilian awards, the Ceremonial recognise contributions from all walks of life Secretariat co-ordinates the assessment of and awards in this five-level order make up nominations and submits them to The Queen the bulk of each honours list. for approval.

• The Order of St Michael and St George is a There are four awards: three level order founded in 1818 to honour • The service overseas or in connection with foreign • The and commonwealth affairs. • The Queen’s Gallantry Medal • Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (or • The was established Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the formally in 1725. It is a three level order and Air) is awarded to members of the Civil Service and the armed forces. Two lists of gallantry awards are published every year, usually in the spring and autumn. • The Order of the Companions of Honour is a one level order limited to 65 persons who For more information on recommendations for have made a significant national contribution gallantry awards please contact the to politics, science or the arts. Ceremonial Secretariat on: 020 7276 2728.

• The appointment of Bachelor is similar to knighthoods in the above orders and it carries the title of . In addition to the above there are a number of other medals and decorations The Queen may also make awards in the awarded for military or civilian service. More , the , information can be found on our website: the , and the . www.honours.gov.uk Who can receive an honour? How can I nominate someone for a What is the honours system? national honour? Anyone can be honoured if they reach the The honours system is a means of required standard of merit or service. Each Contact us to get a copy of the nomination recognising merit and service to the nation. honours list contains a wide variety of people form and guidance notes. You can write, There are several different types of award. from different backgrounds. telephone, fax or e-mail. Each award recognises a different type of Specific attention is paid to those who: contribution. Ceremonial Secretariat, • Have changed things, particularly in terms of 35 Great Smith Street, practical achievement; London SW1P 3BQ How does the system work?

• Have delivered in a way that has brought Tel. 020 7276 2777 The Queen awards honours on the basis of distinction to British life and enhanced the Fax. 020 7276 2766 recommendations made to her by the Prime UK's reputation in the area or activity www.honours.gov.uk Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the concerned; Secretary of State for Defence. The diagram below illustrates how the Prime Minister’s list • Are examples of the best sustained and Alternatively you can download the form from selfless voluntary service; the website above. is compiled and approved.

• Have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship;

• Carry the respect of their peers and are role Who administers the system? models in their field; and The Civil Service is responsible for policy • Have shown sustained achievement against the odds. work and the administration of the selection system. The Central Chancery of the Orders On each honours list you will see the names of Knighthood at St James’s Palace is of those working in the public services, the responsible for investitures and the orders of arts, sport, industry, science, journalism and knighthood. broadcasting, as well as diplomats and members of the Armed Forces. The largest number of awards go to those providing When are honours lists published or services to their local communities, most of announced? whom are volunteers. The honours lists are published twice a year People who are not UK nationals (or citizens at New Year and in mid-June on the date of of Commonwealth countries of which The The Sovereign’s official birthday. Details can Queen is head of state) are eligible to be be found in The London Gazette and other considered for honorary awards. newspapers.