Do you know any group who are exceptional and should be put forward for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS)?
Her Majesty the Queen created the QAVS in her Golden Jubilee Year in 2002 to honour volunteer groups . The aim of the QAVS is to recognise exceptional contributions made in local communities by groups of volunteers in a wide range of activities. Do you know of an exceptional volunteer group which has positively impacted on the lives of others in your local community?
From 1st April to 15th September 2021 nominations for a QAVS can be made for the 2021 round. The nominator can either be a client of the group or independent of the group although it is perfectly acceptable to get the help of the group in answering questions on the nomination form.
Last year 3 organisations in Hertfordshire were honoured by being awarded a QAVS:
- Computer Friendly in St Albans
- Mil End Community and District Association in Three Rivers
- The Butterfly Volunteer Service at the Lister Hospital
Apart from the above basic criteria that need to be met are:
- Groups have to be running for more than three years
- The group must be of three or more people
- Their work must be more than fundraising
- Volunteers should be in the lead and usually in the majority (any exception to majority volunteers would need to be for a very good reason)
- Where groups are based in statutory settings such groups should have clear volunteer leadership and a proper structure
More information can be found on the
Hertfordshire Lieutenancy website or the
QAVS national website