Prime Ministers set the strategic direction for each honours list. This means that they can provide a steer to people putting forward nominations and to the independent committee members about the type of recognition they would prefer to see on the honours list.

Sir Keir has shared his strategic priorities for the honours system in 2024:

He would like to see the honours system be properly diverse and reflective of UK society. There should be representation from the length and breadth of the country and all sections of society, reflecting the incredible contributions made across every part of the United Kingdom. The honours system should also seek to reward individuals in all stages of life, young and old.

The PM would like to see more recipients from underrepresented communities and would like to see further variety in the types of work rewarded.

The Government feels that honours should not be automatic or assumed due to a job or position an individual holds, unless it can be demonstrated that there has been service above and beyond the call of duty.

Honours should be awarded based on merit, regardless of background, for those who give service above and beyond to better the lives of others.

Sir Kier would like to see the honours system especially recognise:

  • Those working to kickstart economic growth, delivering economic stability, increasing productivity in every part of the country to make everyone better off.
  • Those working to deliver clean and renewable energy, helping fight climate change, and helping the UK accelerate to Net Zero.
  • Those working to prevent and address crime and anti-social behaviour, improving their local communities.
  • Those working to break down barriers to opportunity including: educators working to increase standards in schools and giving children the best start in life; social enterprises, entrepreneurs and businesses that work to dismantle access barriers; and those working to increase access to arts, music and sport.
  • Health professionals working to improve the NHS, ensuring fewer lives lost to the biggest killers; and those working in mental health services.
  • Those providing an exceptional service to citizens, and setting the highest standards in public life, across the United Kingdom and overseas.

It is therefore clear from the PM’s first two bullet points that he wants to highlight and reward entrepreneurs and business leaders who are boosting the economy and helping to get it back on track post COVID and Brexit. He has also made it clear that renewable energy and climate change is a priority along with the need for energy independence and security in an ever more volatile world. 

You can find out how to make an honours nomination and other useful information about Royal Honours in the news section of our website.

If you are thinking of applying for an honour, or nominating someone we will offer you a free, honest assessment of their chances of success. Simply contact us on (0)1444 230130 or email us at enquiries@awardsintelligence.co.uk.