What is the Diana Award?
The Diana Award recognises the selfless and positive contributions made by tens of thousands of young people to their schools, communities, families or friends. The UK Government’s Memorial Committee, chaired by Gordon Brown, founded the Award in 1999 as a prestigious and lasting celebration of the late Princess and her work.
Who is eligible for the Award?
All nominated young people aged 12-18 who inspire others by:
- participating in youth work or volunteering;
- improving the lives of others; or
- demonstrating outstanding qualities in overcoming adversity and still continuing to contribute to their communities..
Please note that the young people must have been taking part in the activity for a minimum of 6 months.
You will find examples of our Award Holders’ inspirational stories on these pages but, as a rule, if a young person makes a positive and significant impact on other people’s lives, they will almost certainly be eligible for this prestigious Award.
How many young people can I nominate?
Schools, colleges and other organisations that work with the 12-18 age group may either nominate between one and six individuals who meet one or more of the nomination criteria above or can nominate a single group of up to 30 young people who have taken part in the same qualifying activity.
If nominating a group, you will need to provide evidence that each member has contributed fully to the activity for which they have been nominated.
Please note that if you are nominating individuals for different activities you will need to complete one form per person
How often can I nominate?
Each school, college or other organisation can nominate once in every academic year.
Do all nominees receive an Award?
Yes. Every nominee who meets the qualifying criteria will receive the Diana Award.
What do Award Holders receive?
Individual Award Holders receive a hand-written certificate (also signed in facsimile by Prime Minister Gordon Brown) and a silver lapel pin. The nominating organisation or school is also given a certificate to mark its involvement in the Award.
Members of groups that have been successfully nominated receive a certificate to confirm their membership of that group, whilst the group itself receives a shield to recognise its achievement. Once again, the nominating organisation will receive a commemorative certificate. Sadly, we cannot supply free lapel pins for nominees who belong to groups of more than six people, although members of those groups may buy a pin from us for a small fee.
Why should I nominate?
Young people are enormously proud when they receive a Diana Award. The Award offers a strong antidote to the negative image of how young people are so often portrayed. They do act as a force of good and continue to make a lasting difference to others. They are valuable citizens who have a vital role to play. They do hold the future of our nations in their hands.
Download the full Diana Award Guidance Notes and Nomination Form (pdf: 472KB)
