Community organisations account for this year’s 250 recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, announced November 14. The honours recognise groups working across the United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies. Some 87% of awards went to organisations outside London and the South East, according to the government’s announcement.

The recipients’ work includes community radio, village halls, hospice care and football. One example is Skanda Vale Hospice in Dyfed, Wales, which provides volunteer-led palliative care. The range of organisations reflects recognition of continuing local services as well as cultural, environmental and youth activities.

The scheme recognises voluntary groups rather than awarding individual MBEs, although the group honour has equivalent status. Local assessment by Lord Lieutenants is followed by review from independent national assessors. Nominations for the next round are already open and close on December 1, 2026. The programme began in 2002 and continued under its current name after the King’s accession.