Members of the Honours Committee—which comprises a main committee and nine subcommittees in speciality areas—research and vet nominations for national awards, including knighthoods and the Order of the British Empire.
[1] The honours system is an ancient one, particularly in Britain; Æthelstan, King of the English in the 10th century, was knighted by his grandfather, Alfred the Great.
[4] Since 1993, members of the public have been eligible to nominate individuals;[5] government agencies may also formally put forward candidates.
A group of independent committee members oversee the honours system's work to embed diversity and equality.
It meets twice a year to assess the statistical trends and to maintain momentum behind continuing improvements, and outreach activity.