West Midlands Lieutenancy
West Midlands Lieutenancy What do we do? • Uphold the dignity of the Crown. • Seek to promote a good atmosphere and a spirit of co- operation in communities • Take interest in business, industrial and social life of the county and the voluntary activity that goes on in it. • Encourage voluntary service, and benevolent organisations to improve community cohesion
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service • What is the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service? • Who’s eligible? What are the key criteria? What sort of organisations receive the Award? • How do you go about getting nominated? …and who’s allowed to do the nominating? • What’s the process and judging? …timetable and deadlines? • Recognition….
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service • Awarded once a year by Her Majesty the Queen, on the anniversary of Her coronation (2nd June). • The highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK; equivalent to an MBE . Exceptional Volunteer-Led Impact (Evidence)
Key Eligibility Criteria • Volunteers must have a direct involvement in the management of the group … .may even have “invented” the group/service/idea! • Two or more people and must provide a specific benefit in a local area. • More than half the people who work in the group must be volunteers. • Direct or indirect benefit ….measurable . (Indirect benefit might include, for example, community cohesion, personal development of volunteers or cascade/sharing best practice with other groups.) • Operating at a high standard for at least three years .
Key Eligibility Criteria • Group may be a affiliate/branch of national organisation … but needs to be distinctive and exceptional in relation to sister groups in the wider organisation. • Fundraising activities are eligible provided that: ➢ Involves volunteers ➢ Focuses on creating or holding an event ….ie not just asking for donations. • Group must be based in UK – overseas can benefit. • Group satisfies requirements to safeguard children and vulnerable adults (eg DBS), if appropriate. • Financial sustainability • Public liability insurance.
Volunteers • How long have volunteers served? • How many volunteers are • Are volunteers offered training and/or involved and the quality do they mentor others? of involvement. • Diversity and inclusivity …… • Roles of volunteers … engaging ethnic minorities, young volunteer-led ? people, disabled, single parents, etc Benefit to Local Community Going the Extra Mile Measures, Data, Evidence
Nomination • Nominations made by anyone who is aware of the Group but not a volunteer or paid staff member; they must be independent ….typically a beneficiary, faith leaders, teachers, youth workers, LA Member/Officer, community leader. • Online : https://qavs.culture.gov.uk/ • Nominations must be accompanied by two Supporting Letters . They can be from: ➢ Beneficiary from the work of the group ➢ Anyone who is simply aware of the work of group ➢ Not necessarily VIP (eg MP). Sunday DEADLINE: 13 th September 2020
Nomination Form Emphasise • Excellence & difference • Volunteers …numbers, hours & what they do (being volunteer-led) • Beneficiaries …socially/economically disadvantaged • Collateral benefits • Independent Nominator & Support Letters Avoid • Paid staff …and what they do • Corporate culture, behaviours & command operation • Subservient to national organisation or governmental body
Process, Judging & Timetable Nomination Submission open from 1 st April; submission • deadline 1 3 th September. • Cabinet Office reviews basic eligibility of nomination. Mid October to 30 th November DL’s visit Nominated Groups • and carry out Assessment of the nomination. • West Midlands Lieutenancy Recommended or Not Recommended s ubmitted to Cabinet Office Mid January. • Between March - April , the Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service National Committees (Arts, Community, Health, Sport, etc) assess each of the nominations. • Winners advised in April …. CONFIDENTIAL. Formal QAVS Announcement of Winners 2 nd June (The • anniversary of the Coronation).
Awards Presentation & Recognition • Awards are presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands (HM’s Personal Representative in the County) at an official Celebration Event in October. • Each Winning Group receives a Certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen and a Commemorative Crystal. • Award recipients are entitled to use The Queen's Award emblem on their website, stationery and other printed material. • Two volunteer representatives of each Winning Group are invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Winners 2020
QUESTIONS? Contact: Further information: office@wmlieutenancy.org www.wmlieutenancy.org 0121 222 5040 www.qavs.culture.gov.uk
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