Following the publication of the New Year’s Queens Honours List we have, quite literally, been inundated with calls enquiring about MBEs, OBEs and CBEs (you can read more about these Honours and how to nominate someone for one in our blog ‘It’s An Honour, Ma’am’ here: https://theawardspeople.co.uk/its-an-honour-maam/).

During these calls the subject of the BEM has also cropped up with many people asking, “What’s the BEM?” So, here’s a quick look at the BEM!

The BEM or the British Empire Medal is a medal awarded for meritorious (meaning ‘deserving reward or praise’) civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.  The current honour was created in 1922 to replace the original medal which had been established in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire.  Recipients of the BEM are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ‘BEM’ after their names.

The BEM is very often awarded for ‘hands-on’ service to the local community.  This could be long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour.  How you apply depends on whether you want to nominate someone in the UK or someone overseas.  Assuming you want to nominate someone here in the UK the following link provides all sorts of useful information and a link to the actual nomination form itself: https://www.gov.uk/honours/nominate-someone-in-the-uk

The nomination form (or portal – you can choose which you prefer to use) really is very simple and the guidance notes are surprisingly clear (given it’s a government run thang!) so do have a look and see what you think.  If you need any further help or advice you know where we are!

… Oh, and to finish off this blog, here’s an interesting little fact or two for you.  Of the 1,358 candidates selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level;

• • 537 at BEM
  • 561 at MBE
  • 260 at OBE
• 1,069 (72%) of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity
• 740 women are recognised in the 2020 Queens Honours List, representing 49% of the total
• 13% of the successful candidates come from a BAME background (previous highest was 12% in the 2019 Queens Honours (New Year))
• 6% of the successful candidates consider themselves to have a disability (under the Equality Act 2010)

 

So, what are you waiting for?  Have a look and see who you know who deserves the UK’s highest recognition!

Good luck and keep us posted!

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