How does the Honours System Operate?

The Honours and Appointments Secretariat in the Cabinet Office coordinates the operation of the British honours system. It provides administrative support to the independent honours committees which consider nominations. The Honours and Appointments Secretariat also supports the committee on the grant of honours, decorations and medals (known as the HD Committee). The HD Committee is the policy-making body for the honours system. It gives advice directly to His Majesty the King about possible changes to the honours system and military medals policy, including considering new awards. Its members are senior officials in the Civil Service and the Royal Household.

There are different Honours Committees covering specific fields of interest, for example, local communities, arts and media, etc. Further information on the Honours system can be found here