Tag: announcement

New ‘Elizabeth Emblem’ medal unveiled to commemorate public servants who died in line of duty

Family members of police officers, firefighters and other public servants who have died in public service will be recognised by a new emblem

  • Police officers, firefighters and other public servants who died in the line of duty will be commemorated with new Elizabeth Emblem
  • National form of recognition conferred by His Majesty The King will be awarded to next of kin 
  • Elizabeth Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath surrounding the Tudor Crown

Family members of police officers, firefighters and other public servants who have died in public service will be recognised by a new emblem.

The Elizabeth Emblem, which is conferred by His Majesty The King, is a national form of recognition awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters, and many other public servants.

The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased. 

The Emblem recognises how the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty could be recognised within the honours system. 

From today, next of kin of the deceased will be able to apply for the Emblem via gov.uk. Nominations will be reviewed by the George Cross Committee and recommendations then made to His Majesty The King via the Prime Minister. 

Recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem will receive their award from a senior representative such as a Chief Constable, Chief Fire Officer or His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant. 

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “We will not forget those who died in our service. 

“The Elizabeth Emblem will bring the nation together to honour the dedication and commitment of these exceptional public servants who have given their lives in service of the United Kingdom.”

Policing Minister, Chris Philp said: “We owe so much to our public servants who make sacrifices every day to keep us safe.

“The Elizabeth Emblem will recognise those who tragically lost their lives in public service and rightly enshrine them in our country’s history so that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Charities set for funding boost from Scottish Building Society Foundation

EIGHT Scottish charities have been awarded up to £5,000 funding from the Scottish Building Society Foundation in a bid to aid their good causes across the country. 

The second phase of funding attracted 33 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with the successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants to help their cause.   

The initiative saw grants provided to charities across Edinburgh; Glasgow; Highlands; East Renfrewshire; Scottish Borders; and South Ayrshire. 

Organisations to receive funding include Dr Bell’s Family Centre; Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme; Croy Public Hall; Highland Action for Little Ones; Mearns Kirk Helping Hands; Carrick Rugby Football Club; Friends of Dundonald Castle; and Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust.   

Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, with the initiative designed to give back to Scottish communities.  

Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities and good causes across Scotland.  

Applicable to a range of community groups and incentives, the Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomed applications that support:  

  • Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly  
  • Local community events  
  • Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters   

Previously, the last round of funding, nine successful charities from across Scotland were chosen to receive grants to the collective value of more than £30,000 to support their good cause. The third round of funding is set to open in spring 2024. 

Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to mark the occasion with an incentive that upholds our core value of giving back to the communities.  

“All these charities have a fantastic cause and it’s great to see them being supported by the Scottish Building Society Foundation with funding.  

“With the second round of funding now finished, we’re encouraged by the variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make positive impact.  We hope to see this go even further with the third round set for next year. 

“The Scottish Building Society Foundation, whilst in its infancy, we hope will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Foundation Scotland to grow the incentive in the years ahead.  

“By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.” 

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation