Choose an award

Values in Action awards

Our values - Dynamic, Courageous, Compassionate and Inclusive – are at the heart of how we deliver our work. Our values inform the way we uphold our Fundamental Principles.

The Values in Action awards are a fantastic way to thank and recognise individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond. The team awards are designed to recognise groups who have made an extraordinary impact, rather than entire directorates or service.

The awards are for British Red Cross volunteers and staff – anyone can nominate anyone and at any time throughout the year. We recognise a significant contribution with a certificate and an exceptional contribution with a certificate and a badge.

Nominate someone for a values award

The Values in Action Awards forum is made up of volunteers and staff from across the organisation. They meet to assess the Values in Action and Young Humanitarian Award nominations. 

Forum meetings take place in: February, April, June, August, October and December.

Young Humanitarian award

Young volunteers and young staff are our future. Do you know one of our people who is under 26 and making a big contribution to our work?

This is an award for British Red Cross young volunteers and young staff whose work brings our values to life or upheld the Fundamental Principles. This could be through exceptional leadership skills, making a major impact or going above and beyond.

We recognise this award with a certificate and a badge.

Nominate someone for a young humanitarian award

UK national honours and King's Badge of Honour

When someone has made an outstanding contribution to their community through working or volunteering with the British Red Cross, we can put them forward for a National Honour. These can include BEM, MBE and OBE. 

You can also nominate people for the King’s Badge of Honour, which recognises those who have given exceptional service of the highest level to the British Red Cross or the Movement. This is our highest award and can only be held by up to 30 people at any one time.

These suggestions are reviewed by the British Red Cross Awards and Honours Panel which is made up of staff and volunteers and they meet twice a year. Panel members will work with you on the nomination after it has been reviewed if we want to put someone forward.

Suggest someone for UK honours or the King's Badge of Honour

Long service award

As a special thank you, we give long service awards to our volunteers and staff who have contributed to the Red Cross' work for a number of years. 

Long Service Awards are given when British Red Cross staff and volunteers reach 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of volunteering or employment service. At 40 years, people will receive a special lifetime achievement certificate and badge.

Nominations are not required for long service awards. Our records will keep us informed about when to give eligible volunteers and staff their awards, and we review this with line managers four times a year.