ANNEX ONE
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS IN THE UK HONOURS SYSTEM
•Knight/Dame
A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment.
Key factors:
-Pre-eminent and sustained contribution.
-Recognised by peer groups as inspirational.
-Impact of contribution felt at a national level.
•CBE
A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity.
Key factors:
-Achievement or service in a leading role at a regional level.
-Highly distinguished and innovative contribution of wide impact.
•OBE
Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally.
Key factors:
-Regional or county-wide role.
-Impact of contribution felt by a significant number of people or across a broad geographical area.
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•MBE
Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.
Key factors:
-Outstanding achievement or service
-Sustained contribution
-Real impact
-Local role model.
•BEM
Achievement or contributionof a very “hands-on” service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity; or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.
Key factors:
-Sustained, local contribution, or
-Innovative, high impact work of a relatively short duration.
At all levels, awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.
ANNEX TWO
EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL BEM CASE STUDIES
For Charitable Services in Ilfracombe, Devon
For over 40 years he has been a prolific fundraiser in the community. Since 1970 he has stood outside the local supermarket every Saturday in all weathers rattling his tin for good causes. He has during this time raised around £40,000 for the Ilfracombe Hospice and the Old Rectory Club for disabled people. On retirement in 1990 he began to organise bingo nights three times a week at three different village halls and also arranges a monthly dance. These activities have brought the community together and have helped to raise over £15,000 for several local charities. He is always up for a challenge and pulls out all stops to raise money for a wide range of worthy causes.
For services to the Church and to the community of Sudbury, Suffolk
She has been the church secretary for St John’s Church for 30 years. During this time she has also organised many innovative activities through the church to support vulnerable people; this has taken many forms including offering advice and support when people have had housing problems, and in particular organising and supporting regular coffee mornings so that vulnerable elderly people can meet and receive support on a regular basis. In short, she has been at the centre of good works, volunteering and public spirited activity in Sudbury for many years. Her fund-raising activities are novel and many of the local organisations seek her help when trying to secure funds for their organisation. To-date her activities have raised over £16,000 which has helped towards the upkeep and repair of the parish church.
For services to Youth Football and the Community in Ingleton, Lancashire
She has been the under-16s football team coach in Ingleton for 15 years and has been tireless in her support of the club and the children involved. She can be found at the club in all weathers. During the season she gives up every Tuesday evening for training and every Sunday for matches against other a testament to her success as a coach that, from small beginnings,there are now enough junior members for two boys’ and a girls’ team.Shehas undertaken all manner local teams. It is of tasks to support the club, from mowing the pitch to acting as club secretary. She also organised several fundraising tournaments to raise £4,000 towards renovation of the football pitch and clubhouse, a facility now used by the whole community for village events.
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Founder of the LifeLine Youth Club. For services to Young People in Birmingham
Aged 23, he has already made a major commitment to the welfare of young people with special needs. Four years ago, whilst supporting the needs of his older brother, he identified a gap in local facilities for young adults with special needs and founded the LifeLine Youth Club. By his actions, he has influenced the lives of many young people for the better, providing a twice-weekly club where young people with special needs can enjoy facilities that others take for granted and enabling them to achieve more within their abilities than many would have thought possible without his direct support as Lead Organiser. The membership of the youth club has increased and is now in excess of 30.
For voluntary service to Hospital Radio in Aberdeen
He joined Radio North Aberdeen (RNA) as a production assistant on his retirement from full-time employment. Initially he was involved in gathering requests from hospital patients in the wards but within a few months, he transferred to the role of programme presenter, whilst continuing his ward visiting. He continues to present programmes twice-weekly. His programmes include music of a nostalgic nature, with frequent mentions of material relating to healthcare provided by statutory and voluntary organisations. His caring attitude and altruism towards others have been evident in his readiness to assist on fund-raising activities such as street collections for the Hospital. There have also been many occasions over the last 25 years where he has taken time personally to befriend patients who lack visitors.