Thank you for considering nominating an inspirational person for The British Citizen Award – BCA
These frequently asked questions are to assist you completing the application form. If you require advice on any of the Classifications and/or further information on any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 3002 7764.
RECOGNITION
Please note: Medalists are selected to receive The British Citizen Award in recognition of their contribution to society, therefore they are not ‘winners’, as this implies a competition.
I’m not sure which Classification to select?
If you are unsure in which Classification to nominate, either return to the website and review the Classifications, or you may leave that section blak and allow our assessors to select the Classification. If you need further guidance please email: nominations@britishcitizenawards.co.uk or you can call 0203 002 7764 to speak with one of our advisers who will be happy to assist you.
Is there a cost involved?
No. Nominations are completely FREE OF CHARGE. If the nomination is successful and you wish to attend the presentation day, all associated costs for travel and/or accommodation will have to be met by the individuals attending. Some Award Writing organisations claim that a professionally written application (requiring a fee) has a better chance of success – this is untrue in respect of The People’s Honours, BCA, BCyA or BCAs
Who can make a nomination?
Any individual can nominate but MUST NOT be related to the Nominee. A Seconder is required to validate the nomination. If an organisation is making the nomination there is no requirement to have the application seconded, but an officer of the organisation must sign the declaration.
Why should I nominate someone for a BCA or BCyA?
The honours system is fantastic for the elite few selected, but there are many thousands of people making huge differences in their communities and often sacrificing their own comforts for those of others around them, who until now go unrecognised. By making a nomination you could be catapulting the deserving individual into the spotlight possibly for the first time in their lives. They will be able to use the BCA or BCyA after their name as measure of their commitment, determination, integrity and transparency in fulfilling their divergent endeavours. It is a way of recognising their contribution like no other.
What is the closing date for nominations?
We have two BCA presentation ceremonies per year (January and July) and one BCyA presentation (October).
If we receive your BCA Nomination before the 7th October, your nomination will be considered for January presentations.
If we receive your BCA Nomination before 9th April, your nomination will be considered for July presentations.
If we receive your BCyA Nomination (Under 18’s only) before 19th August, your nomination will be considered for October presentations.
How do I nominate?
Nominating is simple, you just register your interest and complete the Nomination Form online. If you require a hardcopy to send by post, please contact nominations@britishcitizenawards.co.uk
What if the nomination is successful?
If your nomination is successful and your nominee is to receive The British Citizen Award -BCA or The British Citizen Youth Award -BCyA, both part of the Peopple’s Honours, the Nominee and you (the nominator) will receive an official notice. This will be followed by Guest Information on the proceedings surrounding the Presentation day at the Palace of Westminster, where the number of attendees is extremely limited.
Honoured with a BCA or BCyA?
Those granted The British Citizen Award – BCA or The British Citizen Youth Awards BCyA benefit from the prestige and kudos associated with being recognised for their exceptional endeavour in their local community. They will appear on the BCA or BCyA Roll of Honour on the website, also in the Official Presentation Guide, and receive formal recognition of their achievement with a presentation Medal & Certificate.
Can I tell someone they have been nominated?
Yes. We urge you to tell the nominee – in many cases it will help you to supply the most accurate information. Successful nominees and their nominaors will be under a press embargo until notified officially from our Press Office – this is to ensure the best possible media coverage for all our medalists
What if my nomination is unsuccessful?
We receive a large number of nominations regarding many deserving individuals from all over the country. Each one reflects various positive aspects of today’s society. Almost all the nominations contain uplifting and often generous selfless acts of kindness which makes life better for others in the community.
As we are unable to recognise every individual, some candidates may recieve a Certificate of Recognition if the Assesssment Panel feel that their contribution is worthy of such. Alternatively, more information may be sought which may strengthen the nomination and present the Panel with more confidence in the positice impact of the nominees endeavours (in this instance the application will be re-presented to the panel with the additional information contained). If the panel feels that the nominees endeavours do not reach the required benchmark to warrant any of the above, the nomination will be deemed unsuccessful. You are welcome to nominate the individual again at a later date (no less than one year later) when more achievements may accompany the nomination.
If you require any further information,
please do not hesitate to contact us: 020 3002 7764