Often quietly and without the expectation of reward, local volunteers are giving up their free time to make a difference to the lives of others. If you know a volunteer-led group deserving of recognition of the highest order, why not nominate them for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service? Rebecca Erskine finds out more
Often described as ‘the MBE for volunteer groups’, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK.
It was created in 2002 (as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service) to celebrate the anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and to ensure the efforts of the nation’s volunteers were both recognised and celebrated. From community gardens, sports clubs and village shops to crisis support groups and first responders – all of which have featured as Award winners in Derbyshire – there are valuable services that simply would not exist without the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers.
Nominations to KAVS are accepted from members of the public who have a sound understanding of the group’s work. They might be beneficiaries or long-term supporters, with the only restriction that they cannot be volunteers, employees or trustees of the nominated group. Qualifying groups must be made up of at least three people and have been in operation for at least three years. They need to demonstrate a direct local benefit and clear involvement of volunteers when it comes to leading, initiating and determining the group’s work and, of course, have the appropriate governance and safeguarding policies in place.
The process takes time but is uncomplicated, as Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire, David Coleman, explains: “Nominations must be submitted by 1st December and are first evaluated for eligibility by DCMS (the Department for Culture, Media and Sport). Those assessed to be eligible are passed over to the Lord Lieutenancy’s Office who arrange for a local assessment to be carried out between 1 January and early April.
“That’s a role that falls to me. Firstly, I’ll undertake some desktop research and due diligence. What’s being said about the group in the media and on social media, and is this coverage positive or negative? Can the group show proof of the work they undertake, for example via a website? Do they have appropriate governance in place, such as up-to-date records on The Charity Commission website plus appropriate records, finances and policy documents?
“Secondly, I’ll arrange a visit or series of visits to meet with volunteers, trustees, and clients or service users, to explore how the organisation works, the services they provide, and the benefits they offer. It’s really important the organisation can demonstrate that volunteers, rather than paid staff, have a major role in steering the strategic and policy direction of the organisation. The more information the organisation can supply, the better – including evidence of hours worked by volunteers, clients served, and individual success stories which demonstrate the organisation’s significant local impact.”
A total of 231 volunteer-led groups across the UK received the Award in 2025, including three in Derbyshire: Buxton Town Team, the Mackworth Estate Community Association and the me & dee charity in Melbourne which supports families and children facing life-changing and limiting circumstances.
Buxton Town Team, set up in 2012 to advance the prosperity of Buxton and the wellbeing of its communities, is made up entirely of volunteers. “Buxton Town Team gets involved in a variety of projects from litter picking, spring cleaning and decorating the town and its parks, to developing initiatives such as regenerating the outdoor market, setting up the annual Spring Fair and improving sustainable travel links to places throughout the area,” explains its chair, Lesley Caddy. “We all enjoy what we do to make Buxton a better place – but it was amazing when we heard that we’d been nominated for a KAVS award. Our volunteers don’t expect any reward for their work, but it meant so much to all of us to hear that our efforts were worthy of such prestigious recognition.”
Mackworth Estate Community Association (fondly known as MECA to local residents) has been at the heart of its village community since 2003 but, as trustee Jo Hardy explains, the work they do is about much more than running events and programmes at the community hall, warm hub, food bank and charity shop.
“We take pride in creating somewhere people feel welcome, supported and part of their community,” says Jo. “Our volunteers give their time because they genuinely care about their community and the people who live here – even if it’s simply being there for somebody who needs a friendly face. Whether they volunteer for an hour a year or an hour a week, each bit of time makes a difference and impact. To have the dedication of our volunteers recognised at such a high level through KAVS means the absolute world to us. The award has given us an enormous sense of pride and has helped show our volunteers just how valuable their contribution is!”
Is there a volunteer-led group close to your heart? You have until 1st December to submit your nomination for the 2027 Awards.
Further information on the Award is available at: www.kavs.dcms.gov.uk