The British Youth Council is delighted to accept a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award, in recognition of the work it does for young people across the UK.
Receipt of the award, which aims to celebrate the work done by national charities to empower young people, was confirmed in late November and approved by His Majesty The King.
The awards judging panel, which is chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, “very much admired” the British Youth Council’s national efforts, commending everyone involved but particularly our extensive base of young volunteers.
Through its diverse membership, the British Youth Council reaches well over 1 million young people a year with opportunities to get involved in programmes, determine policies and prioritise campaigns. This gives them direct influence over the design of our services. Speaking about the receipt of the award, Jo Hobbs, Chief Executive of the British Youth Council said: “Young people are at the heart of our work, leading, shaping and driving the charity’s strategy, direction, vision, mission and values.
“Working so closely with young people allows us to enable social action that directly benefits them and their communities. We’re immensely proud of what this award represents and are committed to empowering young people to ensure their voices continue to be valued, sought out and acted upon.”
Zara Khan, Chair of the British Youth Council said: “It’s an honour to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from his Majesty the King, on behalf of her late Majesty the Queen.
“Thank you to the Judging Panel for recognising the amazing efforts of our young volunteers, which includes all the young people on our programmes and also the Board of Trustees. They all selflessly give up their time to ensure that all young people have the opportunity and resources to affect change and we are so grateful for their continued support.”
As a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee award, the British Youth Council will have its name published in a special edition of The Gazette. It will also receive a signed certificate from His Majesty the King, which will be presented at a reception in 2023. In addition, two volunteers for the British Youth Council have been invited to attend a Royal Garden Party in 2023.
The British Youth Council extends its thanks to the voting panel for its decision.