The CVQO Westminster Award

The CVQO Westminster Award 2023

Nominations for the 2023 CVQO Westminster Award are now closed

We are busily finalising key dates for the 2023 Westminster Award, however an approximate schedule is provided below.

  • Stage 1 – Nominations open
  • Stage 2 – Nominations close 20 January 2023, and successful stage 2 nominees announced early February 2023
  • Stage 2 – Challenge set early February 2023
  • ILM Level 3 qualification – delivered online in March
  • Stage 3 – Selection event takes place 3 – 6 April 2023
  • Stage 4 – Cornwall expedition: Summer holiday 2023
  • Stage 5 – House of Lords lunch: 14 September 2023

Nominate now!

 

 

How to apply and eligibility

Eligibility criteria (2023 Award)

  • Be registered for or have completed a CVQO BTEC Level 2 qualification
  • Age criteria: be born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2006
  • There can be one nomination per unit (e.g. squadron/detachment/equivalent cadet unit or youth group)
  • This means Counties/Areas/Wings (or equivalent regional designation) can nominate multiple candidates
  • The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday 20 January 2023

Nominate now!

What is 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. Additionally, nominations can now be endorsed by fellow cadets!

We want to hear about special characters who have truly made a difference to the lives of those around them. Please tell us how your nominee demonstrates selflessness, community spirit or altruism. Maybe they go out of their way to help a friend or family member, or actively assist their local community on a regular basis. Tie into CVQO’s values (e.g. going the extra mile, caring and supportive) if you can. This is the ethos of the CVQO Westminster Award.

Stage 1 - Nominations

The first step is the nominations stage. In November each year we open nominations, whereby adult volunteers, youth leaders and cadets 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…

Stage 4 - The expedition

Next there’s an incredible two-week UK expedition to look forward to. Our finalists will take part in community projects, work with local schools and, above all, have a lot of fun along the way.

Stage 5 - Awards lunch at the House of Lords

After the expedition, our finalists can look forward to lunch at the House of Lords with their families, nominating officers and friends, where the overall winner is announced.

Being involved with CVQO has broadened my horizons beyond the bounds of inner city London where I grew up. The interview practice and feedback that constituted part of the CVQO-led BTEC curriculum provided me with a foundation that I used in preparation for my interview at the University of Cambridge.

Precious Oyelade, 2012 CVQO Duke of Westminster Award finalist