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How the selection process works

A central honours committee reviews the honours suggestions submitted by eight specialist sub-committees, and then agrees a final list to be submitted through the Prime Minister to the Queen for approval.

The central committee's members include the chairs of the eight sub-committees, along with representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and two permanent secretaries.

Who can receive an honour?

The eight sub-committees are listed below, along with the subjects they oversee, and the areas of work and study for which honours may be granted. These lists are designed to give you an idea of the honours areas, but please note that this is not a full and complete list.

Arts and media

These are some areas considered by the arts and media sub-committee for which honours may be issued:

• architecture
• creative arts, crafts and design
• performing arts
• literature
• music
• media

Health

Honours may be issued for work in the following health fields:

• medicine
• nursing
• allied health professions
• health organisations such as St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross
• medical administrators and support staff

Education

Those working in education could be nominated for their work in the following areas:

• the humanities
• children's services
• academia
• learned societies
• education committees or authorities
• education and teaching unions
• higher and further education including adult learning
• schools
• early years education
• special education

Science and technology

Honours may be awarded for work in the following science and technology areas:

• research councils
• the Royal Society
• scientific exploration
• academic and research science
• environmental science and astronomy
• economics
• engineering
• mathematics
• psychology and social science
• technology

Economy

Honours may be awarded for work in the following fields of business and the economy:

• agriculture
• forestry and fishing
• banking, insurance and finance
• tourism and other related industries
• manufacturing, engineering and industry
• the food and hospitality industry
• retail
• utilities
• transport industries and related work
• communications, publishing and related industries
• defence and related industries
• housing, property and related industries
• representative bodies for industry, commerce and retail
• regulatory bodies for utilities
• trade unions

Community, voluntary and local services

Those in voluntary and local services can be honoured for work in areas including:

• law and order
• local government
• community service including charities
• volunteering
• support for community, national and local services
• public service not covered by central or local government

Sport

Those involved in sport can be honoured for their work. Those who could qualify include:

• competitors
• sports administrators
• those involved in grass roots sports

State

State workers may be honoured for their work, including those who work for or with:

• home civil service
• devolved administrations
• the Houses of Parliament

• Honours committees: current members