Honours

Welcome to the Honours Secretariat website for the Department for Transport

Here we tell you about the Honours system, how to identify candidates in the Transport field, and how to nominate someone for an award

The Honours System

There are two Honours announcements, at New Year and at the time of the Queen's Official Birthday in June. Details of successful candidates can be found on the Prime Minister's website. Successful candidates are then invited to an investiture with the Queen.

Public nomination form

Anyone can nominate a person for an award and a public nomination form should be completed. Guidance for completing the form should be read carefully. The form and guidance notes can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

Equality and Diversity

We want to reflect the diversity of today's society and you can help us by giving careful thought to possible women and minority ethnic candidates, as well as to other groups such as people with disabilities. It may be that these people are making a difference in a situation where they are the only woman, person with an ethnic minority background or a disability.

Timing

It is important that nominations are put forward in good time. It is unlikely that an award will be made to someone who will have been retired, or ceased the activity for which they are being recommended, for more than six months at the time an award would be announced. If you have any doubts about whether a candidate should be nominated please contact the Honours Secretary.

Confidentiality

All nominations are considered in strictest confidence and the candidate should not be informed that they have been nominated, as it is not fair to raise expectations in case an award is not made.

Contact Honours Secretariat at DfT

Advice on all Honours matters connected to the work of the Department for Transport, including Long Service Medals, Gallantry Awards, and Royal Garden Parties is available from the Honours Secretariat, Department for Transport, Rm 3/G26, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1. Email: Lynda.Jones@communities.gsi.gov.uk. Tel. No 020 7944 4317.

Ceremonial Secretariat at the Cabinet Office has central responsibility for preparing the Prime Minister's Honours Lists, and for honours and medals policy. You can visit their website www.honours.gov.uk

The history of UK Honours

The United Kingdom's honours system has evolved over time with many current awards having their origins in the Middle Ages (14^th century). Some other British Commonwealth countries also use the awards. Detailed historical information on the awards can be found at the following website: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4872.asp

The Honours Lists

Three separate lists comprise the half-yearly list:

The Prime Minister's List - for those active in the UK, about 1000 people. Around 30 people will be appointed a knight/dame, 120 people a CB/CBE. The majority of people recognised receive OBEs or MBEs.

The Diplomatic Service and Overseas List - for members of the Diplomatic Service and for UK citizens working abroad, about150 people.

The Defence Services List - for members of the Armed Forces, about 200 people.

Identifying suitable nominees

It is important that the award of honours recognises the contributions of all members of society. They are awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or exceptional service over and above what might normally be expected. They are not automatically given as a result of doing a particular job.

We want to recognise people who:

have really changed things, with an emphasis on practical achievement;
have delivered in a way that has brought distinction to British life and enhanced the UK's reputation in the area of activity concerned, or which has contributed in a distinctive way to improving the lot of those less able to help themselves;
highlight the best of sustained and selfless voluntary service;
have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship which is delivering lasting results;
carry the respect of their peer group and are role models in their field;
have shown sustained achievement against the odds which has required moral courage, vision in making difficult choices and real commitment.

Level of awards

There are no hard and fast rules on what constitutes the appropriate level of honour for a person's contribution, but the following may serve as a broad guide:

Knighthood/DBE

Outstanding contribution in any field generally at national level or in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally, and which demonstrates a long-term commitment. Depending on their achievements this could include, for example, inspiration for major local initiatives which have been adopted as national benchmarks, Chairs/Chief Executives of the largest most significant companies, leading players in national working groups or industry bodies.

CBE

A prominent national role of a lesser degree, or a high profile leading role or responsibility in regional affairs, or making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in their area of activity. Depending on their achievements, this could include leaders of major voluntary initiatives, Chairs/Chief Executives of large or very significant companies with broad industry responsibility.

OBE

A distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field and distinguished local practitioners whose achievements are recognised nationally. Depending on their achievements this could include leaders of regional voluntary initiatives, such as the leader of a major road safety group, local practitioners of national standing, Chief Executives/Managing Directors of medium sized companies.

MBE

Service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field. These could be committed and effective leaders of local voluntary organisations, community workers, inspiring public service practitioners, or very local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others; some examples are: school crossing wardens, fund raisers, customer service employees, RNLI lifeboat personnel, railway ticket collector. In all cases, awards would highlight dedicated service, which merits public recognition.

Order of St Michael and St George

The Order of St Michael and St George may be used as an alternative to an award in the Order of the British Empire. Candidates considered for this award should have a significant overseas context in addition to their service and achievement. In most cases, the candidate might be expected to have spent some part of his or her career resident overseas, and/or to have had a commitment to extensive and regular travel (e.g. on business, or to further an understanding of international trade, international relations or cultural exchange).

Transport related honours

The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.

People in the following roles are typical of those considered for awards by the Department for Transport:

Employees, officials or specialists working in the aviation industry including airlines, airports, incident investigations, air security and air traffic control
Employees and specialists in road construction and road maintenance
People at all levels including volunteers dealing with road safety
People at all levels working in or dealing with local transport including local roads, buses, trams, taxis, cycling and pedestrians
People at all levels involved with shipping, seafaring, ports and maritime search and rescue
People working in over or underground railway systems
Workers and volunteers dealing with mobility and access for people with disabilities

FAQs

Q: How do I nominate someone?

A: Anyone can nominate someone that they think deserves to be considered for an honour by completing a public nomination form available from [include DfT link to pub nom form]Guidance notes should be read carefully. It is important for nominators and supporters to realise that an honour will not automatically follow the submission of a nomination form. There is a limit on the number of honours awarded at each round, and therefore, however valuable their service, not all the people nominated can be given recognition.

Q: Can you self-nominate?

A: As Honours nominations are confidential, and the nominee should not be made aware that their name is being considered, self-nomination is not appropriate. This is to avoid raising expectations and disappointment should the nomination be unsuccessful.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: Honours nominations take some time to consider - even for the strongest candidates, some years may elapse before they come through against the competition. If, after 2 years, the nominee has not been successful you may assume the nomination has lapsed and re-nominate, but a different outcome is unlikely unless your nominee has had additional achievements.

Q: Who makes the final decision?

A: Nominations are usually evaluated by the appropriate Government Department initially and submitted to the Cabinet Office for consideration by specialist and expert committees. Final lists are put to the Prime Minister, and ultimately Her Majesty the Queen, for formal approval before any results are announced.

Q: What are the criteria for nominating someone?

A: There is no specific criteria for nominating someone for an honour however it should be noted that they are awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or exceptional service over and above what might normally be expected. They are not automatically given as a result of doing a particular job.

Q: How often are honours awarded?

A: There are two Honours announcements, at New Year and at the time of the Queen's Official Birthday in June.

For further information on honours;

Further enquiries relating to the UK honours system can be addressed to the Cabinet Office by emailing ceremonial@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk, or you can write to: Ceremonial Secretariat, Cabinet Office, 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ. Telephone: (020) 7276 2777

Full lists: www.number-10.gov.uk

Investitures: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4876.asp

Cabinet Office Ceremonial Secretariat www.honours.gov.uk

Honours secretariat at the DfT

An introduction to the Honours system, how to identify candidates in the Transport field, and how to nominate someone for an award.

Published:: 06 February 2006

New Year honours

Details of staff in the Department for Transport who received awards in the New Year honours list plus a full list of candidates recommended by the Department and who are included in the New Year honours list.

Published:: 03 January 2006