• Gather full details which must be accurate and factual .
  • You can talk to anyone about the nomination but not the person you are nominating – make sure that your conversations are in confidence!
  • Tell a compelling story about your candidate.
  • Articulate what sets the candidate apart from others doing similar things.
  • Do not exaggerate the facts, present genuine evidence and market it well!
  • Timing: efforts / activities must have been over a prolonged period including the last five years.
  • Currency: your candidate must have been doing what they have been nominated for up to six months before the Honours list date.
  • Select two or three of the most recent (in last five years) and strongest achievements and impacts; too many will look like a CV.
  • Emphasise volunteer work and individual initiatives.
  • Make reference to the geographical reach of the candidate’s work; this helps to determine the level of any award.