The award is the highest given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation and is considered to be the MBE for volunteer groups.

Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Haughey CBE wishes to see  groups in Lanarkshire recognised: "I am very much aware of the many groups in the County where so many volunteers give freely of their talents and time for the benefit of others. I would encourage anyone who is aware of a group providing exceptional social, economic or environmental service in their area to consider nominating them for an award.”

Full details of the awards scheme and the nomination process are available from the QAVS website, Nominations for the 2023 awards require to be submitted online by midnight on 15th September 2022.