The Honours System.. Recognising the excellence that we have in our communities.

The honours system? Just some gongs and baubles for the rich and famous recognising the work that they do, often sport or entertainment related and another "leg up" on the ladder to recognition.... isn't it?

No it isn't!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Richard Boot and Viv Astling earlier this week, both Deputy Lord Lieutenants who, in simple terms, are part of the "glue" that links the Royal family to us the public. They presented to a number of people from Dudley Council and its communities on how the honours system works. I am pleased to report that it was very much about getting many of those unsung heroes who exist within society some form of national award for the outstanding work that they do. In Richards words "it generates palpable goodwill and creates a genuine feel good factor."

The West Midlands, and Dudley in particular, is heavily under represented for awards and it may be that people just don't nominate, they think it's too difficult, too elitist, too ostentatious, or believe that their nomination is unlikely to be accepted.

So who is eligible? The answer is anyone. Age is no barrier with the youngest recipient being just 14. You simply have to have done or been involved in something that has made a difference within the community/ society over time, enhanced Britain's reputation, carried out long term voluntary service, innovated and displayed entrepreneurship, improved the lives of others and those less able to help themselves, displayed moral courage. In short a person who does have a form of X factor.

The process to nominate is actually quite simple. Go to https://www.gov.uk/honours and the nomination form, together with guidance notes are there. The process of review can take a while as obviously there is an independent vetting process but the system has then started. Both Richard and Viv were at pains to emphasise that the English or grammar doesn't have to be perfect. It's the content that matters, showing how the person has gone the extra mile, been a role model, and overcome the obstacles that they have faced. Supporting letters from others who know the person and have seen their impact at first hand are also really important as this gives the nomination added kudos.

Additionally there are awards for the Voluntary Service (QAVS) and it was great to hear from John Cook of the Black Country Foodbank (the BCF received their award in 2015) on just how positively this had helped them.

There is an industry award by way of the Queens Award for Enterprise and, whilst this is more business focussed it's still worth giving thought to.
My personal plea, as you will expect from my previous posts, is for a Queens Award for Social Enterprise as this sector is fundamentally changing the way that society works for the better.

I am about to start my nomination for an individual in Dudley who I believe ticks not one, but all of the potential areas to be considered. They face massive personal challenges head on every day and have a positive attitude to make a difference to the lives of others, which they have done for some time now. Without knowing something of the process I perhaps wouldn't have done this but I do believe it's worth putting in the effort as that is nothing compared to what this person does daily for us as a borough. 

For Dudley, and many other communities up and down the land that face difficulty, there are so many people who do so much for others without seeking recognition.This is a great way of saying a form of thank you and in itself can help and inspire others by their role model behaviour.

Do you know of any people who are the unsung heroes in your communities that could be nominated?