The Imperial Service Order was established by King Edward VII in August 1902.

Both men and women are eligible, and recipients of this order are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'ISO'.

[6] The insignia of the order for men was an eight-pointed silver star, with the top ray obscured by a crown; the golden central medallion bore the cipher of the reigning monarch surrounded by the legend 'For Faithful Service'.

The insignia of the order for women had the same medallion as for men, surrounded by a silver laurel wreath and topped by a crown.

The Imperial Service Medal, however, continues to be awarded in recognition of certain individuals who make positive contributions.