The medal is awarded to people that have responded to emergencies both in the United Kingdom or overseas.

In July 2023, a new award was instituted that would recognise the efforts of workers in various types of humanitarian crisis.

This award was to be awarded to people employed by various organisations, including but not limited to the armed forces, civilian services, civilian health care organisations and charities.

[1] The obverse of the medal features the effigy of the sovereign, while the reverse consists of a laurel wreath interwoven with a banner containing the words "For Humanitarian Service".

[2][3] The medal ribbon, 1+1⁄4 inches (32 mm) wide, consists of a central white stripe, representing civilians and peace, with narrow stripes of red, light blue, dark blue and purple either side.