King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteering

Do You Represent Excellence in Volunteering?

If you would like to find out if your organisation or group may qualify for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service then the Kent Lieutenancy is here to help you in the process.

We won’t tell you what to do but we can guide and support you.

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The King’s Award For Voluntary Service

Benefits and Eligibility

What can a King’s Award for Voluntary Service bring to your voluntary group, charity or community interest?

  • The KAVS is the MBE for voluntary service and brings recognition at the highest level.
  • It will focus attention of funders on your organisation.
  • If you win The King’s Award, you will represent excellence in your field.
  • It will be a huge thankyou to your volunteers and your group will be an inspiration to others in your community.

 

Eligibility Checklist

  • Is your organisation or group doing volunteering work?
  • Are at least half of your group unpaid volunteers?
  • Have you been operating to a high standard for at least three years?
  • Does your work excel in meeting a community need?
  • Is your work respected, supported and recognised by your community and the people who benefit from it?

 

Beth from Square Pegs Drama Group, winner in 2017 of the QAVS said, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award and recognition for the important work we do. This award has made us feel really proud of what we have achieved to date, and we look forward to continuing to grow and develop in the future.’

KCC Chairman (2017-2018) David Brazier says, ‘Daily life in the UK could not be sustained without volunteers. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service benefits any organisation that receives it because the honour is shared amongst all within it. The recognition and esteem of the award can commend the organisation to those with funds to grant. I would encourage anybody who is aware of selfless work on behalf others to consider nominating the group concerned for the QAVS.’

David McKee, Chairman of QAVS winner, Wealden Sailability says, ‘We are delighted to be recipients of the QAVS. It is a recognition for all our volunteers and also acts like a stamp of approval that we have been inspected and found to be worthy of the honour. As a result we find that organisations and individuals come to us with greater confidence in all that we do.’

Stephen Gray, CEO of QAVS winner, Young Lives Foundation Appropriate Adults Service says, ‘We are delighted that we have been recognised with this prestigious award. We can say with some confidence that our appropriate adults are some of the most dedicated volunteers in the country and this award is a great way of recognising that and saying thank you for all that they do’

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Still Interested?

We Hope So!

In Kent, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is led by Mr Paul Auston DL and he is assisted by Jenny Ongley in the Kent Lieutenancy Office.

Contact us here at the Kent Lieutenancy to talk about your potential nomination and we will be happy to assist.

kavs@kent.gov.uk

03000 416531

Current Award Holders

2024 Winners

The groups in Kent awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024 are Abbey Physic Community Garden, Kent Volunteer Police Cadets, and Shepway Spectrum Arts.

 

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Abbey Physic Community Garden

At the Abbey Physic Community Garden, their aim is to help people improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Over the last 30 years they have encouraged people to build skills and confidence, reduce loneliness, and connect with their community. They aim to break down the stigma of mental ill health and build understanding and empathy. There is something for everyone here – gardening, opportunities to meet and spend time with people, join in with a group or activity, or just find a quiet corner to relax in nature.

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Kent Volunteer Police Cadets

The cadet scheme is a nationally recognised uniformed police youth group led by a team of police officers, staff and volunteers who have experience of working with young people. The award winning scheme offers an exciting, well-established opportunity to develop life skills and experience various activities. The aim of the cadets is: to promote a practical understanding of policing and community service amongst all young people, to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship, to support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard, to inspire young people to participate positively in their communities, to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, providing a foundation for potential future careers. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background and the Kent Police Cadets encourage people from all backgrounds to join, including those who may be vulnerable to the influences of crime and social exclusion.

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Shepway Spectrum Arts

Relying almost entirely on volunteers, Shepway Spectrum Arts provide bespoke sessions for individuals and groups involving: Therapeutic sessions with specialised music resources, Making CDs featuring clients’ work, Participation in SSA’s radio station – ‘SAB Radio’ , Movement and dance including wheelchair dancing, A sensory garden with swing, trampoline, raised flower beds, seating and sculptures, Arts and crafts, An IT department, Display and sale of clients’ work, Use of games room with jigsaws, games and construction activities as well as sensory resources, Film nights.

Historical Winners

Previous Award Winners

2023 Winners

 

2022 Winners
2021 Winners
2020 Winners
2019 Winners
2017 Winners
2016 Winners
2015 Winners
2013 Winners
  • Cobbes Meadow Group Riding for the Disabled Association – Chartham
  • Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit – Dover
  • The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre – Tunbridge Wells
2012 Winners
  • Chatham Dockyard Historical Society– Chatham
  • Citizens’ Rights for Older People – Maidstone and Canterbury Offices
  • Demelza Kent Childrens’ Hospice -Sittingbourne