The Westminster Award is the most prestigious accolade presented by Cadet Vocational College.

More than a competition, it is a national recognition programme that celebrates young people who make an exceptional contribution to their youth organisation, school, workplace or community.

Each year, volunteers, leaders, teachers and peers nominate learners whose actions inspire those around them. They nominate young people who demonstrate resilience, leadership, selflessness and a commitment to helping others.

The Westminster Award shines a spotlight on those contributions. It celebrates young people who overcome challenges, support their communities and lead by example, often without seeking recognition for themselves.

For many nominees, achieving recognition through the Westminster Award marks a significant achievement. For finalists, it becomes an opportunity to represent their organisation on a national stage and join a community of exceptional young people from across the UK and take part in a unique experience.

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• Have completed Unit 1 of their Cadet Vocational College-led BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community
• Age criteria: be born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2010
• There can be one nomination per unit (e.g. squadron/detachment/unit/equivalent uniformed youth group)
• This means Counties/Areas/Wings (or equivalent regional designation) can nominate multiple candidate

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Young people have access to many fantastic opportunities through their cadet forces, youth organisations and communities. The Westminster Award is different because it is not simply a challenge, course or activity. It is a national recognition programme that celebrates character, service and leadership.

Each stage of the award is designed to identify and develop young people who consistently make a positive difference to those around them. Participants are recognised not just for what they achieve, but for how they achieve it: demonstrating integrity, resilience, commitment and a willingness to support others.

The award brings together outstanding learners from a wide range of youth organisations and backgrounds, creating opportunities to build friendships, learn from different experiences and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

For finalists, the journey includes unique experiences, nationally recognised qualifications, a prestigious expedition and the opportunity to be recognised at the House of Lords. For many, it becomes one of the most memorable and influential experiences of their youth journey.

Being nominated for the Westminster Award is an achievement in itself.

The journey offers learners the chance to:

• Gain recognition for their achievements and contribution to others
• Challenge themselves through unique experiences and activities
• Meet likeminded young people from across the UK
• Develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills
• Build confidence and resilience
• Enhance future applications, CVs and personal statements
• Gain the opportunity to achieve an ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management
• Become part of a network of outstanding Westminster Award finalists and alumni

For those who progress through the later stages of the competition, the experience can be truly life changing. Former participants regularly describe the Westminster Award as one of the most rewarding opportunities of their youth journey, helping them develop confidence, leadership skills and lifelong friendships.

Many finalists remain connected long after the award ends, joining a growing network of Westminster Award alumni who continue to support and inspire future participants.

Stage 1: Nomination

The journey begins each Autumn when adult volunteers, youth leaders, instructors, peers and learners are invited to nominate a young person who deserves recognition. Through a short nomination form, nominators explain why a young person deserves recognition for their character, commitment, leadership or contribution to others.

Stage 2: Submission and assessment

Following an initial review by Cadet Vocational College staff and former Westminster Award finalists, who understand first-hand the qualities required to succeed, successful nominees progress to the next stage of the competition.

Candidates are invited to complete an assignment that showcases their experiences, achievements and personal qualities. We encourage creative responses through a range of formats, giving nominees the opportunity to tell their story and demonstrate why they deserve a place at the selection event.

Stage 3: Selection event

The highest-performing nominees are invited to attend a residential selection event in Somerset.

Over several days, participants take part in leadership exercises, teamwork challenges, interviews and practical activities designed to reveal their potential, character and ability to work with others. Alongside a packed programme of outdoor and team-building activities, candidates also have the opportunity to achieve the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management.

At the end of the week, the finalists are selected.

Stage 4: Finals expedition

Finalists then embark on an unforgettable 10-day UK expedition. Combining adventure, community engagement, conservation activities and personal development experiences, the expedition challenges participants to step beyond their comfort zones while building confidence, resilience and lasting friendships. Along the way, finalists work together, support local communities and create memories that will stay with them long after the journey ends.

The awards lunch

The Westminster Award journey culminates at a prestigious awards ceremony at the House of Lords. Finalists attend alongside their families, nominating officers and guests to celebrate their achievements and reflect on an extraordinary journey. It is here that Cadet Vocational College announces the overall Westminster Award winner and recognises the outstanding contributions made by all finalists.

Great young people do extraordinary things every day, often without seeking recognition. The Westminster Award exists to celebrate those young people and shine a spotlight on the difference they make. By nominating someone, you can help ensure that their commitment, character and contribution receive the recognition they deserve.

You might know a learner who:

• Always supports others before themselves
• Has overcome significant challenges
• Makes a positive impact within their community
• Demonstrates exceptional commitment to their cadet unit or youth organisation
• Consistently displays leadership, kindness and integrity
• Inspires others through their actions

If so, they could be exactly the type of young person the Westminster Award was created to recognise.

The most compelling nominations often tell the story of a young person who quietly makes a difference. Perhaps they support others when they need help, take on responsibility without being asked, care for family members, volunteer in their community or consistently put the needs of others before their own. These are the qualities at the heart of the Westminster Award.

A nomination has the potential to open doors, build confidence and provide opportunities that can influence a young person’s future for years to come.