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RLSS UK Honours Ceremony returns to London Guildhall

As a way to nationally recognise the tremendous work our volunteers do, each year we have in place a National Honours system.

However, over the last few years we have seen that a number of Branches still do not make any recommendations to the National Honours Committee. Many Clubs and affiliated organisations may be unaware that they can make nominations too.

We know it cannot be possible that not even one person from within those Branches or Clubs has carried out work for which they should be recognised.

Click here for 2008 Guidelines which include nomination procedures for Service and Merit Honours, as well as for the S E Peck Local Manager Trophy, the Brian Morrissey Outreach Cup and the Ken White Fundraiser of the Year Trophy. In addition, details for the Young Lifesaver of the Year Trophy, which can be awarded to one young person from within each Branch, are also included.

Click here for a nomination form for Service Honours which can be awarded to individual members and those belonging to affiliated clubs and organisations, including Accredited Training Centres (ATCs), for years of continuous service. The definition of service is teaching or examining or assisting with the organisation or promotion of a group or club or other significant contribution to the work of the Society. (Service should not comprise simply of membership of the Society or club, or obtaining lifesaving awards or for taking part in competitions). Service can be taken from aged 14, providing the relevant criteria are met. There is no limit to the number of Service nominations which can be made.

A maximum of 15 Merit Honours are awarded to each Branch, (click here for nomination form) these can be awarded to individual members, members of affiliated clubs/organisations and ATCs in membership, for meritorious contribution to the Society, and full criteria are given in the 2008 Guidelines.

If you wish to make a nomination, in the first instance, a nomination form should be completed and should be returned to your own Branch Honours Committee (their decision is final) by the date which they set. Your Branch Honours Committee will submit final recommendations to the National Honours Committee for their ratification.

If you need details of your local Branch or have any questions relating to the Honours procedures, please call Jane Hepburn at River House on 01789 774217 or email janehepburn@rlss.org.uk.

Every attempt should be taken to ensure all those eligible are recognised.

The National Honours Ceremony for 2008 will be held on Saturday 4 October at Guildhall in London. We have moved the time of year to avoid the main holiday and lifeguard season and will, we hope, allow more successful recipients to attend the Ceremony to collect their insignia. Attendance is free to all recipients who may invite guests (at cost) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Branches have their own timetables, but the National dates are given below:

TIMETABLE FOR HONOURS NOMINATIONS