The CVQO Westminster Award

The CVQO Westminster Award

The CVQO Westminster Award is an annual competition designed to recognise and reward the most deserving of our learners.

Each year we invite cadet and youth group leaders to come forward and nominate a brilliant young person for something they’ve achieved.

We deliberately leave the criteria for the nomination open; it could be that they’ve overcome a personal challenge, helped a family member or friend in need, undertaken some amazing community/charity work or are simply an all-round terrific character.

Timings for the 2019 Award:
  • Nominations open – Monday 26 November
  • Nominations close – Monday 28 Jan
  • Stage 2 challenge set – Thursday 14 Feb
  • Stage 2 challenge close – Wednesday 27 Feb
  • Selection finalists announced – Tuesday 12 March
  • Selection – Monday 15 – Thursday 18 April
  • ILM submission deadline – Monday 13 May
  • Finalists announced – week commencing Monday 13 May
  • House of Lords lunch – Thursday 27 June
  • South Africa trip – Tuesday 9 July – Tuesday 23

 

Stage 1 - Nominations

The first step is the nominations stage. In November each year we open nominations, whereby adult volunteers are invited to put forward a deserving young person via a short nomination form.

Stage 2 - Candidate submissions

After the stage 1 sift, in which CVQO staff and former finalists grade each submission, the successful nominees are set an assignment. We encourage creative submissions using various media types to tell us why they should win a place at selection in Somerset.

Stage 3 - Selection in Somerset

Nominees who are successful in getting this far win a brilliant residential week in Somerset. They enjoy an action packed programme of outdoor, team-building activities, as well as having the opportunity to gain an ILM Level 3. After selection we decide who our finalists will be…

Awards lunch at the House of Lords

The second best part! After selection, our ten lucky finalists can look forward to lunch at the House of Lords with their families, nominating officers and friends, where the overall winner is announced.

South Africa

Finally, there’s an incredible two-week expedition to South Africa. Our finalists will take part in community projects, work with local schools, learn about South Africa’s culture and, most of all, have a truly life-changing adventure.

I have a team of friends who care,
thank you for the moments we now share;
Lifelong bonds that will never be broken,
forged by our experience, no more need be spoken.

Jasmine Roper, Yorkshire North & West ACF and 2018 finalist