The MCA was delighted to welcome Deputy Lord Lieutenant Melanie Bryan OBE to introduce us to the UK Honours System. Below is a summary of her presentation. We would like to thank Honorary Consul of Belgium and a fellow Deputy Lord Lieutenant Lorraine Worsley-Carter for organising this very interesting meeting and to Honorary Consul of Austria Harald Loeffler for hosting at his DAC Beachcroft Offices.
What are UK Honours? Around 2,400 honours are awarded annually through the New Year and Birthday Lists, primarily through the Order of the British Empire (created in 1917). These range from Knight/Dame (KBE/DBE) down to the British Empire Medal (BEM). A further ~215 honours recognise exceptional service abroad and internationally.
Who can be nominated? Anyone can nominate anyone — the key criterion is someone who has made life better for others or is outstanding in what they do. Nominations are made confidentially (the nominee must not be told), require two supporting letters, and self-nomination is not permitted. The GOV.UK website hosts the nomination process.
How to write a strong nomination: The nomination must pass the "so what" test — evidence of personal impact is essential. It should focus on the individual's contribution rather than their organisation's, demonstrate how they go above and beyond (especially in paid roles), provide context such as geographical reach or barriers overcome, and clearly articulate what makes this person stand out.
Call to action: The Greater Manchester Lieutenancy is encouraging people to nominate deserving individuals and to help expand their schools programme, which has already reached over 18,000 young people. Contact details: clerk@gmlo.org(nominations) and schools@gmlo.org (school programme).
