Nominations are now open for the 2026 His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Certificates of Merit awards.
Hosted by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales, these awards celebrate the outstanding dedication of reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and those who give their time and energy to support them. They act as a local counterpart to the national New Year and Birthday Honours lists, shining a spotlight on those who make a real difference in their communities.
Over the next two years, Lord-Lieutenants will present these awards at eight ceremonies across Wales, one in each preserved county:
2026 ceremonies
Powys – 15 January, Elephant and Castle Hotel, Newtown
Mid Glamorgan – 29 January, Pontypridd Army Reserve Centre, Pontypridd
South Glamorgan– 19 February, HMS Cambria, Cardiff
Gwynedd – 5 March, Caernarfon Army Reserve Centre, Caernarfon
2027 ceremonies
Dyfed – 14 January
Gwent– 28 January
West Glamorgan – 18 February
Clwyd – 4 March
Who can be nominated?
Nominations can be submitted by unit Commanding Officers, District Officers, Commandants, Wing Commanders, and Contingent Commanders. Eligible nominees include:
- Adult volunteers with the reserve forces or cadets
- Civilian volunteers working with cadets
- Civilian employees supporting reserves or cadets
- Regular service personnel attached to cadet forces
- Members and staff of the RFCA
Key deadlines for 2026 nominations
Powys – Monday 20 October 2025
Mid Glamorgan – Monday 27 October 2025
South Glamorgan – Monday 3 November 2025
Gwynedd – Monday 10 November 2025