Honours Secretariat Honours Presentation to the Rotary Club

Honours Secretariat Honours Presentation to the Rotary Club of Dunfermline 27 August 2009

What are honours for? • Recognising: – Achievement – Exceptional Service

They are for people who: – Have changed things, with an emphasis on achievement – Have delivered in a way that has brought distinction – Exemplify the best sustained and selfless voluntary service – Have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship – Carry the respect of their peers – Have shown sustained achievement against the odds requiring moral courage

AWARDS • The most often used awards are: – Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) – Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) – Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) – Knights Bachelor – Dame/Knight Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (DBE/KBE)

Levels (1) • Companion of Honour (up to 45 in UK) A pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine, or government. • Knight/Dame • CBE A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity usually, but not exclusively at national level, or in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally. A prominent national role of a lesser degree, or a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community or making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity;

Levels (2) • OBE A distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally; • MBE Achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field; or a very local “hands-on” service which stands out as an example to others. In both cases awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.

Order of the British Empire Emblem

REFORMED SYSTEM • 8 new committees, selected under Nolan procedures. • Chairs and majority of members independent of government • Chairs together form Main honours committee chaired by Sir Gus O’Donnell • Looks at shape of list(s) as a whole

Process in Scotland Directorates Public Nominations Lord-Lieutenants Directorate Sifts “Central” Sift Permanent Secretary Honours and Appointments Secretariat Honours Committees Main Honours Committee PM to The Queen

PM’s Role • Has set strategic priorities – – main criteria remain achievement and service to community – community participation to be taken more into account, particularly at OBE and MBE • Not saying fewer awards to doctors, teachers etc. But should give priority to those who have gone beyond excellence to put something back on a voluntary basis • Receives recommendations from the Main Honours Committee • Submits them to The Queen

Lord-Lieutenants’ Roles • Commenting on recommendations from members of the public (critically important) • Looking for ways to improve/sustain the number of women and BME candidates • In their Lieutenancies working to spread general understanding of the honours system • Mrs Margaret Dean or Tom Sunter delighted to advise or assist with nominations

Who gets them? • • • In New Year List 2009 (966 people): 86% were at OBE and MBE level 24% were at OBE 62% were at MBE 70% were working in the Community in some way • 39% were women, on a rising trend

Distribution (BD 2008) East Midlands West Midlands South East South West North East Wales Northern Ireland North West London Yorks and Humbs Scotland % List 8. 8 5. 3 7. 4 14. 4 10. 0 2. 4 5. 1 5. 6 9. 2 16. 0 5. 1 9. 8 %Pop 9. 1 7. 1 8. 9 13. 6 8. 4 4. 3 4. 9 2. 9 11. 4 12. 2 8. 4 8. 6

Sectors • 10% went to people in Education • 8% went to people in Health • 18% went to people in Business, Science and Technology • 6% went to people working in the cultural economy • 58% went to people nominated for work in the voluntary sector

Areas of Deficit • • • Women North of England Retail and Service Sectors Women in industry at senior levels Good quality MBE candidates working very locally • Candidates from Black and Ethnic Minority Communities at all levels.

Research Autumn 2007 • Perceptions generally positive • 75% think honours good way of recognising service and excellence • 70% agree honours are awarded mainly for service to local communities • 70% believe system open to all not just for celebrities and people in government

But • 40% thought celebrities were most likely recipients • Only 40% believe system is fair in the way it is operated • 40% think system is out of date and should be replaced

Publicity Campaign • Main messages ü Anyone can nominate üAnyone can receive üSystem is relevant today üProcess is straightforward

New Media • Articles on web sites: – www. honours. gov. uk Interviews on You Tube: – Go to www. youtube. com/ – Search on UK Honours

Conclusion • Honours System has become more: – Transparent – Accountable • New energy from the new committees • Need for greater out-reach • In all this, must not lose sight of over-riding criterion of excellence.