Q: How do I know if I or my nominee have a strong chance of honours success?

Recently the government made a very important announcement regarding the honours system. I would go so far as to say it’s the most important announcement in a decade or more if you are interested in making an honours nomination.

It said that, from now on, it wants to highlight and reward people who fit one or more of the bullet points below. Its ‘Big 5’ honours priorities are people who:

• Support young people in achieving their potential.

• Aid social mobility.

• Help local communities.

• Tackle discrimination, and

• Boost the economy through business and entrepreneurial activity.

So, it’s very clear: if you or your nominee can tick at least one of these boxes, crack on with the nomination.
 
That’s not to say people who fall outside these 5 priorities – for example, a campaigner making a difference – have no chance of success. Whatever the person’s background it needs to be outstanding in some way.
 
We all know that timing is everything in business and life in general, so don’t delay. You now know what the government wants. If you can clearly and compellingly demonstrate the above requirements through a well-crafted nomination, the odds are now stacked in your favour.
 
BUT, goalposts have a habit of moving, as I’m sure you appreciate, so don’t delay – take decisive action now!
 
Any worthy person based anywhere in the world, who meets the criteria, can be nominated for a UK honour such as a BEM, MBE, OBE, CBE or Knighthood / Damehood. You can nominate someone if they live or work in the UK or abroad and they’ve made achievements in either:

• the UK 

• or another country

 Nominees who are not British citizens can be given an ‘honorary award’.