Seafarer working and living rights

Overview

All seafarers have working and living rights that include:

employment contracts

accommodation

food and medical care

A seafarer is anyone who works on board a seagoing ship, including:

master and crew

self-employed contractors

shopkeepers and hairdressers

entertainers

A seagoing ship is any vessel:

on an international voyage or from a foreign port

on a domestic journey from the UK coast

more than 500 gross tonnes

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on 7 August 2014. It replaced all existing laws on seafarers’ rights.

Working conditions

There are minimum requirements seafarers must meet to work at sea.

Minimum age

The minimum age for seafarers is 16, although this is 18 if the work involves any:

night work

hazardous tasks

Hazardous tasks

Manual tasks on a ship can be hazardous if not done properly, like:

lifting

hauling

mooring

towing

Employers of seafarers must ensure their staff:

know how to operate any equipment correctly

are aware of safety procedures

have access to protective personal equipment if needed

Medical certification for seafarers

Anyone in charge of a ship must have an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate.

Certificates of competency

Some seafarers will need a certificate of competency before they can carry out certain duties.

Conditions of employment

Seafarers’ employment contracts are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

Working time regulations

All seafarers on seagoing ships are entitled to:

a minimum of 10 hours’ rest in any 24 hour period

77 hours rest in any 7 day period

at least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave

Read the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002 for more information.

The 'human element'

The term ‘human element’ (The 'human element') covers anything to do with the interaction between a human and any system aboard ship, and is of high importance in maritime safety and security.

Factors which affect the human element (The 'human element') include:

recruitment and selection policies and methods

crew competence, training and experience

conditions of service, motivation and morale

design, construction and ergonomics

standards of build and certification

maintenance

stress and fatigue

security

living and working conditions

manning levels and hours of work

management policies

safety management systems

operational systems

organisational and safety culture

culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.

Safe working practices

All UK ships must carry copies of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen’, unless it’s a fishing boat or pleasure vessel.

Safe manning of ships

Employers must ensure their ships have enough properly trained and certificated officers so that it can operate safely at all times.

There must also be sufficient food on board for the number of seafarers serving.

Read more in ‘Merchant Shipping Notice 1868 (M) UK requirements for safe manning and watchkeeping’.

Noise and vibration

A seafarer’s employer must carry out risk assessments to identify who’s at risk from noise or vibration in their work and what can be done to reduce or remove these risks.

Protective personal equipment (PPE)

A seafarer’s employer must give them suitable protective equipment if they’re performing dangerous tasks.

You can find further information in the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers.

Living conditions

Seafarers’ living conditions are covered by Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on crew accommodation.

Food and catering

Seafarers’ food and catering conditions are covered by MSN 1845 under MLC rules.

Health and safety

Employers of seafarers must follow health and safety rules and provide:

safe working places and environment

safe machinery and equipment

health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information

a health and safety policy

protective clothing and equipment where necessary

information for workers about the findings of their risk assessment

information on what qualifications any temporary workers must have

information about their (any temporary workers) activities and staff to the company

Risk assessments

Any vessel seafarers work onboard must have had a risk assessment carried out by their (Seafarers’) employer or the ship owner.

New or expectant mothers

Where women of childbearing age are employed as seafarers, a risk assessment must take place of any potential hazard likely to affect a new or expectant mother.

It does not matter if they (a new or expectant mother) are pregnant at the time of the assessment (a risk assessment) or not.

If a risk is found that cannot be removed, a new or expectant mother working as a seafarer can be suspended on full pay providing they have either:

told their employer they’re pregnant

given birth in the last 6 months

are breastfeeding

For more information on health and safety rules for new and expectant mothers, contact the Seafarer Safety and Health Branch of the Maritime and Coastguard Authority (MCA).

Additional dangers

Seafarers may face additional dangers when living onboard ships.

Petrol generators

Ships that use petrol generators must have a risk assessment carried out to make sure they provide:

sufficient power for accommodation and lighting

adequate ventilation

adequate alarms - for example, carbon monoxide alarms

Fumigating cargo spaces

If pesticides are on board a ship, employers must make sure:

adequate breathing aids are provided for seafarers checking fumigated cargo bulks

the ship’s (a ship) destination port is told 24 hours in advance of receiving this cargo

properly trained personnel check the relevant cargo bulks at port

Illegal drugs

The unauthorised presence of drugs on board a ship can have serious legal implications for seafarers and employers, potentially resulting in:

heavy fines

detention of a ship

imprisonment

the death penalty

Potentially dangerous cargo

If seafarers deal with certain toxic cargo or equipment on board ships, their employer must follow a number of specific requirements.

You can find further information on specialist ships in section 4 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Health and medical care

Employers must protect their seafarers’ health by:

providing immunisations for certain infectious diseases

making sure hygiene measures are effective and minimise the risks of infection

making arrangements for infection control

having the right medical supplies

knowing the routes and destinations of their (Employers) ships

Until the UK made the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA) law, seafarers’ health and safety regulations were covered by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Maritime Labour Convention

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) came into force for the UK on 7 August 2014. It (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) sets out the minimum working and living rights for seafarers.

Exemptions

The MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) does not cover seafarers serving on the following boats:

ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations

fishing vessels

warships and naval auxiliaries

traditional ships, such as dhows

Minimum requirements

The MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) sets out minimum standards for seafarers to work on a ship, including:

minimum age

medical certification

training and qualifications

Age

The minimum age for seafarers will be 16. Night workers have to be 18 or over.

Exceptions can be allowed for:

training purposes

where the seafarer’s duties require it, as long as their health and safety is not affected

Medical certification

All seafarers (the seafarer’s) must have the right medical certificate to work at sea before they (the seafarer’s) can work on ships.

Training and qualifications

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), seafarers will need to:

be trained and qualified to perform onboard duties

receive personal safety training

for training to conform to International Maritime Organisation standards

Find out more about seafarer training and qualifications.

Conditions of employment

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), seafarers have minimum working rights covering:

employment agreements

wages

hours of rest

entitlement to leave

repatriation

compensation for a ship’s loss or foundering

manning levels

career and skills development

employment opportunities

Employment contracts

The convention (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) makes sure contracts between seafarers and shipowner provide fair living and working conditions.

Contracts should be in English and include:

shipowner’s name and address

seafarer’s name, date and place of birth

place and date where agreement signed

conditions for the termination of agreement

health and social security protection benefits provided by shipowner (shipowner’s)

seafarer’s right to repatriation

Seafarers must also be:

allowed to read and consider contracts before signing them

given a record of their (Seafarers) employment

given their (Seafarers) own copy of their (Seafarers) contract (the shipowner (shipowner’s) should also have a copy)

Wages

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), seafarers’ wages must be:

paid regularly - for example, monthly

include monthly statements of accounts

allow seafarers to transfer part or all of their wages

keep currency conversion charges to reasonable limits

Hours of rest

Hours of rest must be at least:

10 hours in any 24 hour period

77 hours in any 7 day period

Crew exercises, such as lifeboat drills, must cause minimal disruption to rest periods. Seafarers called out in a rest period are entitled to a rest period to make up for it.

You can read Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1848 (M) Amendment 3 MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) survey and certification of UK ships.

Holiday pay

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), seafarers are entitled to paid leave calculated at 2.5 days per calendar month of employment.

Read more about holiday pay for seafarers in the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2002.

Repatriation

This (Repatriation) gives seafarers the right to be returned to their home country:

when their (seafarers) employment contract ends or is cancelled

when they (seafarers)’re no longer able to carry out their (seafarers) duties

in the event of shipwreck

if their (seafarers) ship is bound for a war zone they (seafarers) have not agreed to go to

Shipowners cannot request advance payment for repatriation from seafarers. If a shipowner does not make repatriation arrangements, seafarers on UK ships can be repatriated by the MCA.

Accommodation and recreational facilities

The Maritime and Labour Convention (MLC) (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) ensures seafarers have access to decent accommodation and recreational facilities when living on ships.

Medical care

These cover seafarers’ rights to:

decent on board health protection facilities, including essential dental care

the right to visit qualified medical personnel while in port

access to a qualified medical doctor on ships carrying more than 100 people on international voyages lasting more than 3 days

where there is no doctor on board, there must be designated and able seafarer(s) to provide first aid and medical care

Shipowner’s liabilities

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), if a seafarer suffers accident or disability because of their work the shipowner (a shipowner) must provide where necessary:

assistance and medical care

repatriation

burial or cremation, if they (a seafarer) die

The shipowner (a shipowner) must have financial cover in case they (a shipowner) are liable for compensation for long-term disability or illness.

A shipowner is not liable when an injury is not related to a seafarer’s duties, when it’s caused by wilful misconduct or when a seafarer intentionally hides an illness or disability.

Health and safety protection

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), seafarers’ work environments on ships must:

have regular risk assessments of workplace hazards - for example, from machinery

take steps to prevent work accidents

have a system for reporting accidents and occupational diseases

Enforcement

Under the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)), the MCA can withdraw a ship’s maritime labour certificate if seafarer living and working conditions are breached.

Complaints

Seafarers can complain if the MLC (the Maritime Labour Convention (MLA)) has not been followed. On board a ship seafarers can complain to a manager. On shore seafarers can complain to an MCA (the MCA) surveyor.

Read MSN 1849 On-board complaints procedure and Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 487 Onshore complaints procedure.


Types of school

Overview

All children in England between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school.

State schools receive funding through their local authority or directly from the government. The most common ones are:

community schools, which are sometimes called local authority maintained schools - they (State schools) are not influenced by business or religious groups and follow the national curriculum

foundation schools and voluntary schools, which are funded by the local authority but have more freedom to change the way they do things - sometimes they are supported by representatives from religious groups

academies and free schools, which are run by not-for-profit academy trusts, are independent from the local authority - they have more freedom to change how they run things and can follow a different curriculum

grammar schools, which can be run by the local authority, a foundation body or an academy trust - they select their pupils based on academic ability and there is a test to get in

You can find and compare schools in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Special schools

Special schools with pupils aged 11 and older can specialise in 1 of the 4 areas of special educational needs:

communication and interaction

cognition and learning

social, emotional and mental health

sensory and physical needs

Schools can further specialise within these categories to reflect the special needs they (Special schools with pupils aged 11 and older) help with, for example Autistic spectrum disorders, visual impairment, or speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

Faith schools

Faith schools have to follow the national curriculum, but they can choose what they teach in religious studies.

Faith schools may have different admissions criteria and staffing policies to state schools, although anyone can apply for a place.

Faith academies

Faith academies do not have to teach the national curriculum and have their own admissions processes.

Free schools

Free schools are funded by the government but are not run by the local authority. They have more control over how they do things.

They (Free schools)’re ‘all-ability’ schools, so can not use academic selection processes like a grammar school.

Free schools can:

set their (Free schools) own pay and conditions for staff

change the length of school terms and the school day

They (Free schools) do not have to follow the national curriculum.

Who can set up free schools

Free schools are run on a not-for-profit basis and can be set up by groups like:

charities

universities

independent schools

community and faith groups

teachers

parents

businesses

Types of free school

University technical colleges

University technical colleges specialise in subjects like engineering and construction - and teach these subjects along with business skills and using IT.

Pupils study academic subjects as well as practical subjects leading to technical qualifications. The curriculum is designed by the university and employers, who also provide work experience for students.

University technical colleges are sponsored by:

universities

employers

further education colleges

Studio schools

Studio schools are small schools (usually with around 300 pupils) teaching mainstream qualifications through project-based learning. This means working in realistic situations as well as learning academic subjects.

Students work with local employers and a personal coach, and follow a curriculum designed to give them the skills and qualifications they need in work, or to take up further education.

Academies

Academies receive funding directly from the government and are run by an academy trust. They have more control over how they do things than community schools. Academies do not charge fees.

Academies are inspected by Ofsted. They have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools and students sit the same exams.

Academies have more control over how they do things, for example they do not have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times.

Some schools choose to become academies. If a school funded by the local authority is judged as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted then it must become an academy.

Academy trusts and sponsors

Academy trusts are not-for-profit companies. They employ the staff and have trustees who are responsible for the performance of the academies in the trust. Trusts might run a single academy or a group of academies.

Some academies are supported by sponsors such as businesses, universities, other schools, faith groups or voluntary groups. Sponsors work with the academy trust to improve the performance of their schools.

City technology colleges

City technology colleges and ‘ the city college for the technology of the arts’ are independent schools in urban areas that are free to go to. They’re funded by central government - companies can also contribute.

City technology colleges emphasise teaching science and technology.

The city college for the technology of the arts teaches technology in its (the city college for the technology of the arts) application of performing and creative arts, for example by offering interactive digital design courses.

State boarding schools

State boarding schools provide free education but charge fees for boarding. Most state boarding schools are academies, some are free schools and some are run by local authorities.

State boarding schools give priority to children who have a particular need to board and will assess children’s suitability for boarding.

Charities such as Buttle UK or the Royal National Children’s Foundation can sometimes help with the cost of boarding.

Contact the State Boarding Forum for more information about state boarding schools, eligibility and how to apply.

Private schools

Private schools (also known as ‘independent schools’) charge fees to attend instead of being funded by the government. Pupils do not have to follow the national curriculum.

All private schools must be registered with the government and are inspected regularly.

Reports on private schools

All school reports are published online by the organisation responsible for inspecting them (private schools). Find out from the school which organisation inspects them.

Half of all independent schools are inspected by Ofsted.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate inspects schools that are members of the  associations that form the Independent Schools Council.

Some other schools are inspected by the School Inspection Service.

Special educational needs

There are also private schools which specialise in teaching children with special educational needs.


School attendance and absence

Overview

You must make sure your child gets a full-time education that meets their needs (for example if they have special educational needs). You can send your child to school or educate them yourself.

Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16.

You’ll be contacted by either:

the school - if your child is enrolled in school and does not turn up (even if they’re only absent for a day)

the council’s education welfare officer - if they think your child is not getting a suitable education at home

You can be prosecuted if you do not give your child an education. You’ll normally get warnings and offers of help from the local council first.

You can get education and attendance information from your council (the local council).

When your child can miss school

You can only allow your child to miss school if either:

they (Children)’re too ill to go in

you’ve got advance permission from the school

There’s extra support available if your child cannot go to school for long periods because of a health problem.

Holidays in term time

You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.

You can only do this (take) if:

you make an application to the head teacher in advance (as a parent the child normally lives with)

there are exceptional circumstances

It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.

You can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school’s (the school) permission.

School trips

Your child’s school (the school) can ask you for a voluntary contribution to the cost of activities like school trips. They (the school) cannot stop your child from attending if you do not pay, but they (the school) should cancel the activity if there is not enough money to cover the cost of it.

Help with getting your child to go to school

If you’re having trouble getting your child to go to school, the school and local council can help.

The school will discuss attendance problems with you and should agree a plan with you to improve your child’s attendance.

A lot of local councils have teams that help parents improve their child’s attendance at school. The council will tell you if they’re able to help. Forms of help could include:

support to reduce the burden on children where families are in difficulty (for example if a child is spending a lot of time caring for someone)

working with families and schools to overcome bullying and other serious problems

a parenting contract

Parenting contract

This (Parenting contract) is a voluntary written agreement between you and either the local council or the school’s governing body. Between you, you agree to find ways to improve your child’s attendance.

If you refuse to make a contract or you do not stick to it, it can be used as evidence if the local council decides to prosecute you.

Legal action to enforce school attendance

Local councils and schools can use various legal powers if your child is missing school without a good reason. They can give you:

a Parenting Order

an Education Supervision Order

a School Attendance Order

a fine (sometimes known as a ‘penalty notice’)

You can be given one or more of these (various legal powers) but the council (the local council) does not have to do this before prosecuting you.

Parenting Order (a Parenting Order)

This (a Parenting Order) means you have to go to parenting classes. You’ll also have to do what the court says to improve your child’s school attendance.

Education Supervision Order

If the council (the local council) thinks you need support getting your child to go to school but you’re not co-operating, they (the local council) can apply to a court for an Education Supervision Order.

A supervisor will be appointed to help you get your child into education. The local council can do this instead of prosecuting you, or as well.

School Attendance Order

You’ll get a School Attendance Order if the local council thinks your child is not getting an education.

You have 15 days to provide evidence that you’ve registered your child with the school listed in the order (a School Attendance Order) or that you’re giving them home education. If you do not, you could be prosecuted or given a fine.

Fine

Your local council can give each parent a fine of £60, which rises to £120 each if you do not pay within 21 days. If you do not pay the fine after 28 days you may be prosecuted for your child’s absence from school.

Check your local council’s (the local council) rules on when you can be fined.

Prosecution

You could get a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or a jail sentence up to 3 months. The court also gives you a Parenting Order.


Windrush Scheme: get a document showing your right to be in the UK

Overview

If you’re settled in the UK but do not have a document to prove it, you may be eligible to apply to the ‘Windrush Scheme’.

You may be able to apply for a document to prove you can live and work in the UK if one of the following is true:

you came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973

your parents came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973

you came to the UK from any country before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here

It’s free to apply.

You might also be entitled to apply for citizenship for free if you’re a Commonwealth citizen who settled in the UK before 1 January 1973, or you’re the child of someone who did.

If you suffered losses because you did not have documents

If you are eligible for this scheme (the ‘Windrush Scheme’), you might also be able to apply for compensation. The compensation scheme (the ‘Windrush Scheme’) is for losses that happened because you could not show that you had a right to live in the UK.

‘Losses’ can be things like not being able to work, find a place to live or get health treatment. They can also include immigration action, like detention or removal from the UK.

You arrived before 1973 from a Commonwealth country

You may be able to apply for a document to prove you can live and work in Britain if both of the following apply:

you’re a Commonwealth citizen

you were settled in the UK before 1 January 1973

What you’re entitled to depends on whether you:

have been living in the UK continuously

left the UK for more than 2 years and came back

are outside the UK

If you’ve been living in the UK continuously

If you’ve lived in the UK continuously, or have the right of abode, you can apply for one of the following:

British citizenship

evidence you have the right of abode

Contact the Windrush helpline for help with working out if you’re eligible.

Find out how to apply.

If you’ve left the UK for more than 2 years and come back

If you’ve been away from the UK for more than 2 years at some point and are now lawfully in the UK, you might be entitled to indefinite leave to remain.

If you already have indefinite leave to remain you might be able to apply for either:

a document to prove you have this

British citizenship

Find out how to apply.

If you’re outside the UK

If you’ve left the UK and have lost your indefinite leave to remain, you might be entitled to:

a Returning Resident visa

a 10 year multiple entry visa

You're the child of a Commonwealth citizen who arrived before 1973

You can apply for British citizenship or a document confirming you have indefinite leave to remain.

If you do not have indefinite leave to remain but are here lawfully, you can apply for it (indefinite leave to remain) through the scheme.

To apply, one of your parents must be a Commonwealth citizen and either:

was settled in the UK before 1 January 1973

had the right of abode

One of the following must also be true:

you were born in the UK

you came to live in the UK before turning 18

You must have lived continuously in the UK since arriving (or being born) here.

Find out how to apply.

You arrived before 1989

You can apply for a document to prove you can live and work in Britain if you came to live in the UK before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here.

You can be of any nationality.

Find out how to apply.

How to apply

When you apply, the Home Office will work with other government departments to find records of you living in the UK.

None of your information will be shared with immigration enforcement teams.

If you’re in the UK

Apply using the Windrush Scheme (the scheme) application form (UK).

Post it (the Windrush Scheme (the scheme) application form (UK)) to the address on the form (the Windrush Scheme (the scheme) application form (UK)) with your supporting documents.

The Windrush helpline can post a paper form to you.

If you’re outside the UK

You must apply using an online form.

Fee

It’s free to apply.

What happens next

The Windrush taskforce will get in touch with you if they have any questions about your application, or if they need more information.

Give your fingerprints and photo

You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (‘biometric information’) once you’ve sent in your form (the Windrush Scheme (the scheme) application form (UK)). You will not have to pay anything to do this.

Commonwealth countries

You may be eligible for the Windrush Scheme (the scheme) if you arrived in the UK from any country before 1989.

You may also be eligible if you or your parent is a citizen of one of the following Commonwealth countries:

Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

The Bahamas

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belize

Bermuda

Botswana

British Antarctic Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory

Brunei

Canada

Cayman Islands

Cyprus (excluding the Sovereign base area)

Dominica

Falkland Islands

Fiji

The Gambia

Ghana

Gibraltar

Grenada

Guyana

Hong Kong

India

Jamaica

Kenya

Kiribati

Lesotho

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Malta

Mauritius

Monserrat

Namibia

Nauru

New Zealand

Nigeria

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Saint Lucia

Samoa

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Sri Lanka

St Kitts and Nevis

St Vincent and The Grenadines

Swaziland

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

Uganda

Vanuatu

Virgin Islands

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Windrush helpline (the Windrush helpline)

The Windrush helpline can:

help you make a claim

give extra support to those who need it - for example, elderly or vulnerable claimants

post a form to you

If you are outside the UK, email the helpline (the Windrush helpline) and request a call back.

Outside of the helpline opening hours, you can leave a message to ask for your call to be returned at a convenient time.

You can also sign up for email updates about the scheme.


Nominate someone for an honour or award

Overview

The honours system recognises people who have:

made achievements in public life

committed themselves to serving and helping Britain

They’ll usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do.

They must still be actively involved in what you’re nominating them for. The only honours which can be awarded after someone’s death are gallantry awards.

Whether someone gets an honour - and the honour they get - is decided by an honours committee. The committee’s recommendations go to the Prime Minister and then to the Queen, who awards the honour.

Nominating someone for an honour

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour.

How you apply depends on whether you want to:

nominate someone in the UK

nominate someone for their work in responding to coronavirus (COVID-19)

nominate someone overseas

nominate someone for a gallantry award

After you nominate someone for an honour

You’ll get an acknowledgment - but you may not hear anything else for 12 to 18 months.

All nominees will be checked by various government departments to make sure they’re suitable for an honour. This may include checks by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The honours committee (an honours committee) reviews those nominations that are sent to it (an honours committee).

What people get honours for

People get honours for achievements like:

making a difference to their (People) community or field of work

enhancing Britain’s reputation

long-term voluntary service

innovation and entrepreneurship

changing things, with an emphasis on achievement

improving life for people less able to help themselves

displaying moral courage

Honours are given to people involved in fields including:

community, voluntary and local services

arts and media

health

sport

education

science and technology

business and the economy

civil or political service

Group nominations

You can only nominate individuals for honours.

You can nominate a volunteer group for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Nominate someone who lives in the UK

You can nominate someone for an honour online.

There’s a different process for coronavirus (COVID-19) nominations and gallantry awards.

You’ll need to write a detailed description explaining why you’re nominating them. Read the guidance on how to write a nomination.

You’ll also need:

your nominee’s name, age, address and contact details

details of relevant work or volunteering they (your nominee’s)’ve done

details of any awards or other recognition they (your nominee’s)’ve received

2 supporting letters to back up your nomination - these should be from people who know the nominee personally

You can include any evidence you have of recognition your nominee has received for their (your nominee’s) achievements, for example articles, photos or letters.

You can save your nomination and come back to it later.

Make a nomination

Make a nomination by email

Download and fill in the honours nomination form and email it to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

You can also ask the unit questions about the nomination process.

Nominate someone for coronavirus-related work

You can nominate someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in the UK.

Anyone can make a nomination and there is no deadline. Nominations will be considered by an independent honours committee.

How to make a nomination

Download and fill in the honours nomination form and email it (the honours nomination form) to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

What you need to include

You should try to include:

the nominee’s name

any contact details

their (the nominee’s) role

a summary of the impact the person (your nominee’s) has made

You can add additional documents, for example letters of support, as attachments to your email.

What happens next

You’ll get an acknowledgment. Nominations will be processed as quickly as possible.

Nominate someone who lives or works abroad

You can nominate someone for an honour if they live or work abroad and they’ve made achievements in either:

the UK and their (someone) achievement has a significant international element

another country

They (someone)’ll be given an ‘honorary award’ if they (someone)’re not:

British

a national of a country where the Queen is Head of State

There’s a different process for gallantry awards.

Download and fill in the nomination form and send it to the Royal, Ceremonial and Honours Unit, part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Recommend someone for a gallantry award

Civilian gallantry awards recognise the bravery of people who’ve put themselves in danger to save (or attempt to save) someone’s life. Recommendations are judged on:

degree of risk

how aware the nominee was of the danger

persistence

The incident must have taken place in the last 5 years. You can recommend someone after they’ve died – they’ll get a posthumous award. They do not have to be British (except for the George Cross award).

Types of gallantry awards

You can recommend someone for the:

George Cross (a first-level civilian medal for bravery, for acts of great heroism and courage in extreme danger)

George Medal (a second-level civilian medal for bravery, for acts of great bravery)

Queen’s Gallantry Medal (a third-level civilian medal for bravery, for inspiring acts of bravery)

Queen’s Commendation for Bravery/Bravery in the Air (a fourth-level civilian medal for bravery, for acts which involve risk to life)

How to recommend someone for a gallantry award

Email the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

You’ll need to write a detailed description explaining why you’re recommending them (someone). Include the person’s (someone):

name

date of birth

address

Give as many details as possible about what happened. This will make your application more likely to be considered. Include:

location

date

any emergency or official services that were there

After you recommend someone for a gallantry award

All recommendations will be assessed by the George Cross Committee, which makes recommendations to the Queen, who awards the honour (Queen’s).

Types of honours and awards

You cannot nominate someone for a specific honour - that’s decided by the honours committee.

There are also awards for bravery, called gallantry awards.

Companion of Honour

This is awarded for having a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time.

Knight or Dame

This is awarded for having a major contribution in any activity, usually at national level. Other people working in the nominee’s area will see their contribution as inspirational and significant, requiring commitment over a long period of time.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

This is awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. You can also get one for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This (an outstanding achievement or service to the community) could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference.

Royal Victorian Order (RVO)

An award given by the Queen (Queen’s) - usually to people who have helped her (Queen’s) personally, like members of the Royal household staff or British ambassadors.

The orders

The committee (the honours committee) decides which order someone should be a member of. You do not have to specify this in your nomination.

Order | Who can be nominated

Order of the Bath | Senior civil servants and military officers

Order of St Michael and St George | Diplomats and people serving the UK abroad

Order of the British Empire | Anyone

Companion of Honour (award) | Anyone

Royal Victorian Order | People who have served the Queen (Queen’s) or the Monarchy in a personal way

Most awards are in the Order of the British Empire.

Honours lists

The lists of who’s received honours are published at New Year and on the Queen’s (Queen’s) official birthday in June.

2021 New Year honours

Read a full listing of the 2021 New Year honours.

2021 Queen’s Birthday (the Queen’s (Queen’s) official birthday in June) honours

Read a full listing of the 2021 Queen’s Birthday honours.

Previous honours lists

Read previous honours lists and reports on the honours system.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Honorary Awards

You can read a list of Honorary Awards approved by Her Majesty the Queen (Queen’s) in 2021.

Civilian gallantry awards

You can read the civilian gallantry list approved by Her Majesty the Queen (Queen’s) in 2021.


Tax relief when you donate to a charity

Overview

Donations by individuals to charity or to community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) are tax free. This is called tax relief.

The tax goes to you or the charity (charity). How this works depends on whether you donate:

through Gift Aid

straight from your wages or pension through a Payroll Giving scheme

land, property or shares

in your will

This also applies to sole traders and partnerships. There are different rules for limited companies.

If you want to donate to a sports club, check if it’s registered as a community amateur sports club (CASC). You cannot donate to a CASC through Payroll Giving.

Keeping records

You’ll need to keep a record of your donations if you want to take them off your total taxable income.

Gift Aid

Donating through Gift Aid means charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra.

Charities can claim Gift Aid on most donations, but some payments do not qualify.

What you need to do

You need to make a Gift Aid declaration for the charity to claim. You usually do this by filling in a form - contact the charity if you have not got one.

You must give a declaration to each charity you want to donate to through Gift Aid.

You can include all donations from the last 4 years. Tell the charity about any tax years where you did not pay enough tax.

Paying enough tax to qualify for Gift Aid

Your donations will qualify as long as they’re not more than 4 times what you have paid in tax in that tax year (6 April to 5 April).

The tax could have been paid on income or capital gains.

You must tell the charities you support if you stop paying enough tax.

Higher rate taxpayers

If you pay tax above the basic rate, you can claim the difference between the rate you pay and basic rate on your donation. It’s the same if you live in Scotland. Do this either:

through your Self Assessment tax return

by asking HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to amend your tax code

With Payroll Giving, you do not pay the difference between the higher and basic rate of tax on your donation.

Getting tax relief sooner

In your Self Assessment tax return, you normally only report things from the previous tax year.

But for Gift Aid, you can also claim tax relief on donations you make in the current tax year (up to the date you send your return) if you either:

want tax relief sooner

will not pay higher rate tax in current year, but you did in the previous year

You cannot do this if:

you miss the deadline
 (31 January if you file online)

your donations do not qualify for Gift Aid - your donations from both tax years together must not be more than 4 times what you paid in tax in the previous year

If you do not have to send a tax return, contact HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) and ask for a P810 form. You’ll need to submit it by 31 January after the end of the previous tax year (the previous year).

Donating straight from your wages or pension

If your employer, company or personal pension provider runs a Payroll Giving scheme, you can donate straight from your wages or pension. This happens before tax is deducted from your income.

Ask your employer or pension provider if they run a Payroll Giving scheme.

You cannot donate to a community amateur sports club (CASC) through Payroll Giving.

The tax relief you get depends on the rate of tax you pay. To donate £1, you pay:

80p if you’re a basic rate taxpayer

60p if you’re a higher rate taxpayer

55p if you’re an additional rate taxpayer

The tax relief you get is different if you live in Scotland. To donate £1, you pay:

81p if you’re a starter rate taxpayer

80p if you’re a basic rate taxpayer

79p if you’re a intermediate rate taxpayer

59p if you’re a higher rate taxpayer

54p if you’re a top rate taxpayer

Donating land, property or shares

You do not have to pay tax on land, property or shares you donate to charity. This includes selling them for less than their market value.

You get tax relief on both:

Income Tax

Capital Gains Tax

You cannot get Income Tax relief on donations to community amateur sports clubs (CASCs).

You must keep records of the donation to show that you’ve made the gift or sale and that the charity has accepted it.

Income Tax relief

You can pay less Income Tax by deducting the value of your donation from your total taxable income. Do this for the tax year (6 April to 5 April) in which you made the gift or sale to charity.

How to claim

If you complete a Self Assessment tax return, add the amount you’re claiming in the ‘Charitable giving’ section of the form. This will reduce your Self Assessment bill.

If you do not complete a tax return, write to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with details of the gift or sale and your tax relief amount. You’ll either get a refund, or your tax code will be changed so you pay less Income Tax for that tax year.

Capital Gains Tax relief

You do not have to pay Capital Gains Tax on land, property or shares you give to charity.

You may have to pay if you sell them (land, property or shares you give to charity) for more than they (land, property or shares you give to charity) cost you but less than their (land, property or shares you give to charity) market value. Work out your gain using the amount the charity actually pays you, rather than the value of the asset (land, property or shares you give to charity).

Selling land, property or shares on behalf of a charity

When you offer a gift of land, property or shares, the charity (a charity) may ask you to sell the gift on its (a charity) behalf.

You can do this (sell) and still claim tax relief for the donation (a gift of land, property or shares), but you must keep records of the gift (a gift of land, property or shares) and the charity’s (a charity) request. Without them, you might have to pay Capital Gains Tax.

Leaving gifts to charity in your will

Your will says what will happen to your money, property and possessions after you die.

Your donation will either:

be taken off the value of your estate before Inheritance Tax is calculated

reduce your Inheritance Tax rate, if 10% or more of your estate is left to charity

You can donate:

a fixed amount

an item

what’s left after other gifts have been given out

Writing your will

Find out how to write or update your will, including how to make sure it (your will)’s legal.

Include the charity’s full name - check with them or search the charity register in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Keeping records

You need to keep records of donations if you want to claim tax back on them.

Gift Aid donations

Keep records if you:

pay higher rate tax

claim tax credits

get a higher Personal Allowance because of your age

get Married Couple’s Allowance

If you’re claiming tax back through your Self Assessment tax return or by asking HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to amend your tax code keep records showing the date, the amount and which charities you’ve donated to.

Land, buildings and shares

For donations of land, property or shares you need to keep:

legal documents showing the sale or transfer to charity

any documents from a charity asking you to sell land or shares on its behalf

You normally have to keep your records for at least 22 months from the end of the tax year they (Gift Aid donations)’re for.


Volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Overview

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group. You can also help people in your local area by doing things like picking up shopping or medicines.

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. Check what you can and cannot do if you’re in an area where the new variant is spreading.

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

You can volunteer outside your home, if you’re at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable), but you should take extra steps to protect yourself. For example, reduce:

your social interactions

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

You must self-isolate from the date you started having symptoms or from the day you tested positive and for the next 10 full days - whichever is the latest.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group, for example a charity, the NHS or a local volunteer-run group.

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

If you want to help the NHS as a general volunteer, apply for the NHS (the NHS) volunteer responder scheme. You’ll need to check if the scheme is recruiting in your area.

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS (the NHS) COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS (the NHS) COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

It may not always be possible to follow social distancing guidelines, for example if you’re providing personal care to someone. You should consider whether the activity is essential and follow working safely guidance.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their (someone who’s not a friend or family member) home.

You should not:

ask for their (someone who’s not a friend or family member) credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their (someone who’s not a friend or family member) address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them (someone who’s not a friend or family member) into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Contact the police if you think someone you’re helping is being abused or neglected. Phone 999 in an emergency or 101 if the person (someone who’s not a friend or family member) is not in immediate danger.

Volunteering with other people

When you volunteer, you can meet in groups of any size from different households, both indoors or outdoors. However, meeting in smaller groups can reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.

You can also meet in groups for activities like volunteer recruitment and training. This does not include meeting in groups for social activities.

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities (activities like volunteer recruitment and training) should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

In some volunteering roles, it may not be possible for you to follow social distancing guidelines. For example, driving a vehicle with others in it. You should consider whether the activity is essential before doing it and follow the guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

There cannot be more than 30 people in the support group itself. Children under 5 are not included in this limit. There’s no limit to the number of volunteers.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 (coronavirus (COVID-19)) symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

If you qualify for a vaccine because of your age or a clinical condition, you’ll be vaccinated at the same time as other people in your area.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.


How to vote

Overview

You need to be registered to vote before you can vote in UK elections or referendums.

If you’re eligible, you can vote in person on the day of the election at a named polling station. You can also apply for a postal or proxy vote instead.

Find out about voting safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ways of voting

You can vote:

in person at a polling station

by post

by asking someone else to vote for you (voting by proxy)

You cannot vote online in any elections.

Eligibility to vote

You can vote when you’re:

18 years old in England and Northern Ireland

16 years old in Scottish Parliament and local elections (and other elections when you’re 18)

16 years old in Welsh Parliament elections (and other elections when you’re 18)

Elections you can vote in

Different elections have different rules on who can vote.

Voting and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Elections and referendums are going ahead during coronavirus (COVID-19), though you may see changes to some processes. You can still vote in person at a polling station.

If you’re self-isolating, clinically extremely vulnerable, or do not want to go to the polling station, you can vote by post or vote by proxy.

You may also be able to get an emergency proxy vote at short notice if you need to self-isolate shortly before or on election day.

At the polling station

Because of COVID-19, there will be safety measures in place at polling stations to help you vote safely (for example, a one-way system or restrictions on the number of people allowed in).

If you choose to vote in person, make sure you:

wear a face covering (unless you’re exempt)

bring your own pen or pencil (there will be clean pencils available at the polling station if you forget to bring your own)

use the hand sanitiser provided when entering and leaving the polling station

keep to social distancing guidelines

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate

Do not visit the polling station. Apply for an emergency proxy vote instead. Your proxy can also apply if they develop symptoms.

You can apply until 5pm on election day. There are different forms to:

apply for an emergency proxy vote in England

apply for an emergency proxy vote in Scotland

apply for an emergency proxy vote in Wales

Voting in person

You vote in person at a polling station (usually in a public building, such as a school or local hall).

Your poll card

You’ll be sent a poll card just before an election telling you when to vote and at which polling station. You can only vote at the polling station location on your card.

If you have not received a poll card but think you should, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

You can still vote if you’ve lost your card.

When you can vote

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on the day of an election (‘polling day’).

When you get to the polling station

Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.

You’ll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties or options you can vote for.

ID you need to bring

If you live in England, Wales or Scotland you do not need to bring any identification to vote.

You will need to show photo ID to vote in Northern Ireland (your passport, driving licence, Electoral Identity Card or certain kinds of Translink Smartpass).

You do not have to take your poll card with you.

Filling in your ballot paper

Follow the instructions on the notices in the polling booth and on the top of the ballot paper (your ballot paper) to vote.

Voting if you have a disability

If you have a disability, your local Electoral Registration Office can tell you about:

physical access, for example wheelchair ramps and disabled parking spaces

low-level polling booths

equipment for voters with a visual impairment

Every polling station must provide at least one large print display version of the ballot paper (your ballot paper) and a special tactile voting device (TVD) to help people with sight loss.

Voting by post

You must apply for a postal vote if you want to vote by post, for example if:

you’re away from home

you’re abroad and want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales

You do not need to give a reason unless you’re voting in Northern Ireland.

Apply for a postal vote

You can apply to vote by post for one of the following:

a single election on a specific date

permanently

Arrange to vote by proxy if there are under 2 weeks until election day and you have not made arrangements.

There’s a different form to apply to vote by post in Northern Ireland.

Change where your postal vote card is sent

Make a new application for a postal vote if you move house or you’ll be away from home when the postal vote is sent out.

There’s a different form for Northern Ireland.

Completing and returning your postal vote

When voting by post, you should:

mark your vote on your ballot paper in secret

fill in the postal voting statement

put the ballot and statement in the envelope provided

seal the envelope (the envelope provided) yourself

Post your ballot back as quickly as possible to make sure it’s counted.

If you’re too late to post your ballot paper

Take it (your ballot paper) to your local polling station by 10pm on election day, or Electoral Registration Office before they close.

In Northern Ireland, take it (your ballot paper) to your local Area Electoral Office before they close.

Replace a lost or damaged ballot paper

Your ballot paper needs to clearly display your details and voting choice. If it (your ballot paper) has been damaged you need to get another one.

You can either:

ask your local Electoral Registration Office to post a replacement

collect a replacement from your local Electoral Registration Office up to 5pm on election day (or the day before in Northern Ireland)

You cannot vote at a polling station if you registered to vote by post but your ballot paper was lost or damaged.

Voting by proxy

If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

You can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including:

being away on polling day

having a medical issue or disability

not being able to vote in person because of work or military service

Your proxy should be someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You’ll need to tell them which candidate (or referendum outcome) you want to vote for.

How to apply for a proxy vote

Apply for a proxy vote using a paper form. You need to send it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

Usually, you need to apply for a proxy vote at least 6 working days before election day if you want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales.

There’s a different form to apply to vote by proxy in Northern Ireland. Apply at least 14 working days before election day.

Apply for an emergency proxy vote

If the proxy vote deadline has passed you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if you both:

cannot vote in person because of your employment or a disability

became aware of this reason after the proxy deadline (the proxy vote deadline)

You can apply until 5pm on the day of the election. Fill in a paper form to:

apply to vote by emergency proxy based on your employment

apply to vote by emergency proxy based on your disability

An ‘appropriate person’ (for example your employer or a doctor) must sign the application form (a paper form). Send it (a paper form) to your local Electoral Registration Office.

You can also apply for an emergency proxy vote if you or your proxy need to self-isolate because of COVID-19.

How long your proxy vote is for

You can apply to vote by proxy:

for a single election on a specific date

for a specific period if you want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales

permanently

Who can act as a proxy

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy - as long as they:

are registered to vote

are allowed to vote in the type of election taking place

can vote in the polling station stated on your poll card

If they (anyone) cannot get to your polling station, they (anyone) will need to contact your local Electoral Registration Office to arrange to cast their (anyone) proxy vote by post.

Change or cancel your proxy vote

To change who acts as your proxy or to start voting in person, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

If you want to vote by post instead, complete a postal vote application.

Voting from abroad

How you vote when you’re abroad depends on:

whether you’ll be abroad temporarily or living abroad

where you want to vote

If you’ll be abroad temporarily

You can vote by post or proxy if you’ll be abroad temporarily on election day, for example on holiday or a work trip.

Voting in England, Scotland or Wales

You can arrange:

to vote by post

for someone else to vote for you (vote by proxy)

If you’re abroad on election day you need to make arrangements in advance. Apply to vote by proxy if the election is less than 2 weeks away and you have not made arrangements yet.

Your postal ballot will be sent to the address you’ve chosen no earlier than 16 days before the election. You need to return your ballot before 10pm on polling day (election day).

Voting in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process to apply to vote by post or proxy if you live in Northern Ireland and will be abroad temporarily on election day.

If you will not have time to receive and return your postal ballot in Northern Ireland before going abroad you’ll need to vote by proxy. You cannot apply to have your postal vote sent outside the UK.

If you’re moving or living abroad

You can only vote in UK Parliament elections. You may be able to vote in referendums. Each referendum has different rules on who can vote in it.

You need to register as an overseas voter.

You can vote by post or proxy, if you’re eligible. You’ll be asked to make this choice when you register.

You’ll then need to apply by filling in and posting one of the following:

the paper form to apply for a postal vote

the paper form to apply for a proxy vote

You can also ask for the form (the paper form to apply for a proxy vote) to be emailed or posted to you when you register online.

If you’re registered in Northern Ireland, you cannot vote by post from abroad.

Get help voting

You can contact your Electoral Register Office to find out when postal votes might be sent. This could help you decide whether to vote by proxy or by post.


Appeal a decision by the immigration and asylum tribunal

Overview

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) if you think there’s a legal mistake with a decision made by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

You can get legal advice (including from a solicitor), or help from a regulated immigration adviser.

You can also contact Citizens Advice.

You may be able to get legal aid.

Read the guide on representing yourself if you’re not going to have a legal representative.

You may be able to get asylum support, for example housing and money, while you’re waiting to find out if you’ll be given asylum.

Contact the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) if you have any questions about your appeal. The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) can not give you legal advice.

How to appeal

You must be able to make a case for why the decision was legally wrong. For example, if the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)):

did not apply the correct law or wrongly interpreted the law

did not follow the correct procedures

had no evidence or not enough evidence to support its (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) decision

Ask for permission to appeal

You must ask the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)).

You’ll be given the form to ask permission from the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) when you get your decision. Send it with a copy of the decision to the address on the form.

Deadlines for asking the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) for permission to appeal

You must ask for permission to appeal within a certain period of time of getting your decision. When you must appeal by depends on whether you’re inside or outside the UK.

| When you must appeal by

You’re inside the UK | 14 days after the date on the written reasons for the decisions

You’re outside the UK | 28 days after the date on the written reasons for the decisions

Fees

There is no fee to appeal to the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)).

If you’re refused permission to appeal

You can apply to the Upper Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) for permission to appeal if the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) refuses, or only gives your permission to appeal on limited grounds.

Download and fill in the Upper Tribunal permission request form (your decision) and send it (your decision) with the appropriate documents to the address on the form (your decision).

You must also say whether you want a hearing or not.

If your case was heard at either the Yarl’s Wood or the Harmondsworth hearing centre as a Detained Immigration Appeal, send your application to the Harmondsworth hearing centre.

Deadlines for asking the Upper Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) for permission to appeal

How long you have depends on where you are and how you received your refusal letter from the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)).

| When you must appeal by

You’re inside the UK | 14 days after the date on the decision

You’re outside the UK | 1 month after the date on the decision

Documents you must send with your application

Include copies of the following documents with your form:

the decision by the First-tier Tribunal (the decision) (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber))

the ‘notice of refusal of permission to appeal’ by the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) or the ‘refusal to admit the application for permission’

a statement clearly setting out your reasons for why you think the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber))  made a mistake

any other relevant documents that you sent to the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber))

You also need to include any written evidence that shows why you think the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) made a legal mistake.

If your application is late, you must explain in writing why it is late. The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) will then decide if it (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) can review your application.

Ask for a hearing

You can ask on your application for a decision to be made either:

just on the information in your application

at a hearing that you or your representative can go to

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) can decide to have a hearing even if you do not ask for one. You’ll be told if this is the case and invited to attend if you’re in the UK.

If they (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) do not hold a hearing, a judge will decide your case based on your application.

Withdrawing your appeal

Only you or your representative can withdraw your appeal. Contact the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) in writing if you want to withdraw your appeal - include your appeal number. The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) will decide whether to give you permission to withdraw, or if the hearing will go ahead.

If your hearing is less than 7 days away, contact the hearing centre where your appeal is scheduled.

If you have a hearing

You or your representative will be told when and where your hearing (a hearing) will take place. You can check the daily courts lists on the day of your hearing to find out if anything has changed.

You may need to attend a pre-hearing first, where the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) will check that you’re ready for the full hearing to take place.

Bring copies of all the documents that you gave to the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)).

You can bring a friend to represent you - ask the judge at the beginning of the hearing if this is the case.

Special requirements

Write to the Customer Enquiry Unit at least 2 weeks before your hearing if you need any special help, for example wheelchair access.

Private hearings or hearings by video

Hearings are usually carried out in public. If you have an important need (for example you think you’ll be put in danger if you go to the hearing), you can ask:

for your name not to appear on any tribunal documents or court lists

for the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) to be private and not open to the public

to attend the hearing by video link

Asking for a male or female judge

You can ask for a male or female judge if you think there are issues in your appeal that make it appropriate. The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) will decide if it (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) can do this.

Make your request as soon as possible when your apply, and no later than 7 days before the hearing.

If you cannot attend the hearing

You must attend the hearing yourself if you’re in the UK. You can also bring a solicitor or regulated immigration adviser with you.

If you’re not in the UK, you can ask a solicitor, regulated immigration adviser or the person who supported your application (your ‘sponsor’) to attend the hearing in your place.

You can only be represented at the hearing by a solicitor or regulated immigration adviser, your sponsor can not act on your behalf.

Your sponsor can not represent you at the hearing, they (your sponsor) can only be:

told the tribunal’s (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) decision

given information over the phone

You must write to the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) to tell them (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) if your sponsor will be attending the hearing in your place. Include the case reference number of your appeal.

Children at the hearing

You can not take children into the hearing room with you. If you need to bring them to the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)), you’ll need to bring someone to look after them.

If your appeal can not be resolved at the hearing

If your appeal is not held on its (your appeal) scheduled day for any reason (for example there is not a judge available) it (your appeal)’ll be ‘adjourned’ and rescheduled for another day.

Your hearing may also be adjourned as ‘part heard’ if there is not enough time to finish it, or it can not be resolved on the day, for example because more evidence is needed.

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) will arrange another hearing with the same people present.

The tribunal's (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) decision (the tribunal’s (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) decision)

You’ll normally get your decision (the tribunal’s (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) decision) in writing in 28 days.

If you win your appeal

If the Upper Tribunal decides that a mistake was made it can:

overrule the decision and make its (the Upper Tribunal) own judgement

order the First-tier Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) to hear the case again

The Home Office can appeal the decision of the tribunal (the decision) (the Upper Tribunal).

If you lose your appeal

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal mistake made by the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)).

Get legal help or advice if you’re not sure about this.

Ask for permission

You must write to the upper tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) and ask for permission before you appeal. How long you have to do this depends on where you are and how you received your decision.

| Refusal letter by post | Refusal by email or delivered personally

You’re inside the UK | 12 working days | 10 working days

You’re outside the UK | 38 days | 10 days

Once you have permission, you should appeal to the relevant higher court:

The Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Session in Scotland

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

You must do this (appeal) within:

28 days of being given permission (England and Wales)

42 days of being given permission (Scotland)

21 days of being given permission (Northern Ireland)

You may have to pay court fees and the other party’s costs.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the relevant higher court for permission.

You must do this (ask) within:

28 days of being refused permission (England and Wales)

42 days of being refused permission (Scotland)

21 days of being refused permission (Northern Ireland)

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) must follow and its (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) decisions on previous cases.

Legislation

The Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) must follow the rules and process in the The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008.

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) has issued additional guidance on certain issues:

practice statements

practice directions

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)) will make a decision based on legislation, including the:

Immigration Act 1971

Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007

UK Borders Act 2007

Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009

Immigration Rules

Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006

Previous decisions

You can search for decisions made in other cases.


Appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)

Overview

You may be able to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) if you think there was a legal mistake with a decision made against you by certain lower tribunals and organisations.

You might be able to appeal if your case was about:

social security or child support

war pensions and armed forces compensation

mental health

special education needs or disabilities

a dispute that was heard by the General Regulatory Chamber

a decision made by the Disclosure and Barring Service

a decision made by the Traffic Commissioner (or the Transport Regulation Unit in Northern Ireland)

There are also other cases that the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)) deals with.

There’s a different process if your case is about criminal injuries compensation.

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)) is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

You’ll need to apply to Northern Ireland commissioners if your case was heard in Northern Ireland and was about social security or war pensions.

Get help with your appeal

You can read more detail about the appeal process.

You may also be able to get free legal advice from Citizens Advice or help from Welfare Rights if you’re in Scotland.

Contact the tribunal

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

How to appeal

You may have to ask for permission to appeal - it depends on your case.

If you’re appealing a decision made by another tribunal

You must get permission to appeal.

First ask the tribunal who made the decision for permission to appeal. You usually have to do this within 28 days of the decision - speak to that tribunal to find out the deadline.

Once you have permission, download and fill in the relevant appeal form. Send it to the address on the form within 1 month of getting permission.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) for permission directly using the relevant permission form. Send it to the address on the form within 1 month of being refused.

If you’re appealing a decision made by an organisation

You will not need to ask for permission to appeal (unless you’re appealing a decision made by Disclosure and Barring Service).

Appeal using the relevant appeal form and send it to the address on the form.

Appealing a Disclosure and Barring Service decision

You’ll need to ask the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) for permission before you can appeal.

Use the relevant permission form and send it (the relevant permission form) to the address on the form (the relevant appeal form).

How your case will be decided

A judge will make a decision using:

your appeal form

the documents you’ve provided

the documents used by the lower tribunal or organisation that decided your case

The decision will be sent to you by post.

Attending a hearing

In certain cases you may be asked to attend a hearing to present your case. You can also ask for a hearing when you apply - the judge will decide if it’s necessary.

You’ll be told the time and date of the hearing (a hearing) and where it (a hearing)’s being held. You’ll usually be told at least 14 days beforehand if there’s going to be a hearing. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances or if all parties agree to a shorter notice period.

You’ll be sent instructions on how to prepare and what documents you’ll need to provide.

Getting a time extension

You may be able to get a time extension if you need more time to prepare - ask the judge.

You must have a good reason, for example you’re having problems finding a document or you’re ill.

If you lose your case

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal mistake made by the tribunal.

Get legal help or advice if you’re not sure about this.

Ask for permission

You must write to the tribunal and ask for permission before you appeal.

You must do this (ask) within one month of getting the decision (or 3 months for social security, child support, or war pensions and armed forces cases).

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Once you have permission, you should appeal to the relevant higher court:

The Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Session in Scotland

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

You must do this (appeal) within:

28 days of being given permission (England and Wales)

42 days of being given permission (Scotland)

6 weeks of being given permission (Northern Ireland)

You may have to pay court fees and the other party’s costs.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the relevant higher court for permission.

You must do this (ask) within 28 days of being refused permission in England and Wales.

The time limits are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland - contact the relevant tribunal office for details.

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal must follow and its (the tribunal) decisions on previous cases.

Previous decisions

Search the decisions database to see how and why previous decisions have been made.

Legislation

The tribunal must follow the rules and process set out in The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008.


Being charged with a crime

Overview

If you are charged with a crime you will be given a ‘charge sheet’. This sets out the details of the crime you are being charged with.

The police will decide if you:

can go home until the court hearing - but may have to follow certain rules, known as ‘bail’

are kept in police custody until you are taken to court for your hearing

Your first court hearing after you are charged with a crime will be at a magistrates’ court - even if your trial will be at a Crown Court later on.

If you’re charged with a minor offence your case could be decided without going to court (‘single justice procedure’). If you get a single justice procedure notice you must respond within 21 days.

The rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Young people

If you’re under 18, your first hearing will usually be at a youth court.

If you’re under 17, the police must arrange for you to be held in local authority accommodation, if possible, before you go to court.

If you’re aged 12 to 16, the police can decide to keep you at the police station if they (the police) think it will protect the public.

Bail

You can be released on bail at the police station after you’ve been charged. This means you will be able to go home until your court hearing (the court hearing).

If you are given bail, you might have to agree to conditions like:

living at a particular address

not contacting certain people

giving your passport to the police so you cannot leave the UK

reporting to a police station at agreed times, for example once a week

If you do not stick to these conditions you can be arrested again and be taken to prison to wait for your court hearing (the court hearing).

When you attend your hearing at a magistrates’ court (the court hearing) you might be given bail again until your trial begins.

Reasons you may not be given bail

You’re unlikely to be given bail if:

you are charged with a serious offence, for example armed robbery

you’ve been convicted of a serious crime in the past

you’ve been given bail in the past and not stuck to the terms

the police think you may not turn up for your hearing (the court hearing)

the police think you might commit a crime while you’re on bail

Remand

If the court decides to put you on remand it means you will go to prison until your hearing at a magistrates’ court (the court hearing).

If you are under 18 you will be taken to a secure centre for young people, not an adult prison.

You will probably be put on remand if:

you have been charged with a serious crime, for example armed robbery

you have been convicted of a serious crime in the past

the police think you may not go to your court hearing (the court hearing)

the police think you may commit another crime while on bail

you have been given bail before and not stuck to the terms

When you attend your hearing at a magistrates’ court (the court hearing), you might be put on remand again until your trial begins, even if you were previously given bail.


Criminal courts

Magistrates' courts

All criminal cases start in a magistrates’ court.

Cases are heard by either:

2 or 3 magistrates

a district judge

There is not a jury in a magistrates’ court.

Cases a magistrates’ court deals with

A magistrates’ court normally handles cases known as ‘summary offences’, for example:

most motoring offences

minor criminal damage

common assault (not causing significant injury)

It (A magistrates’ court) can also deal with some of the more serious offences, such as:

burglary

drugs offences

These (some of the more serious offences) are called ‘either way’ offences and can be heard either in a magistrates’ court or a Crown Court.

Find your local magistrates’ court.

Cases that magistrates pass to the Crown Court

Magistrates’ courts always pass the most serious crimes to the Crown Court, for example:

murder

rape

robbery

These (the most serious crimes) are known as ‘indictable offences’.

Being kept in custody or granted bail

In some cases the magistrates’ court (A magistrates’ court) will decide if you should be kept in custody until your next court hearing, or released on bail.

This may happen if:

another court hearing is needed

the court (A magistrates’ court) needs more information before passing sentence

your case is passed to the Crown Court for trial or sentencing

If you’re released on bail, you might have to follow strict conditions such as keeping away from certain people or places, staying indoors or wearing a tag.

If you do not attend court after being granted bail, you can be put in prison.

Sentences a magistrates’ court can give

The court (A magistrates’ court) can give punishments including:

up to 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months in total for more than one offence)

a fine

a community sentence, like doing unpaid work in the community

a ban, for example from driving or keeping an animal

Courts can also give a combination of punishments - for example a fine and unpaid work in the community.

If the court (A magistrates’ court) decides your sentence should be for longer than 6 months, it (A magistrates’ court) can pass your case to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Appealing a sentence or conviction

If you disagree with verdict of the magistrates’ court (A magistrates’ court), you may be able to appeal.

Crown Court (the Crown Court)

Types of cases the Crown Court deals with

A Crown Court (the Crown Court) deals with serious criminal cases, for example:

murder

rape

robbery

It (the Crown Court) also deals with:

appeals against a magistrates’ court conviction or sentence

cases passed from a magistrates’ court for trial or sentencing

Find a Crown Court.

You can see what cases a court is hearing each day and check their progress on the court lists.

Who does what in the court

A Crown Court:

normally has a jury - which decides if you’re guilty or not

has a judge - who decides what sentence you get

Your solicitor (if you have one) can explain what happens in court - the judge and court staff will also give instructions about the trial.

Sentences a Crown Court can give

A Crown Court (the Crown Court) can give a range of sentences including:

community sentences

prison sentences - including life sentences

Appealing a sentence or conviction

If you disagree with the Crown Court’s (the Crown Court) verdict, you may be able to appeal.

Youth courts

A youth court is a special type of magistrates’ court for people aged between 10 and 17.

A youth court has either:

3 magistrates

a district judge

There is not a jury in a youth court.

Your parent or guardian must come with you:

if you’re under 16

if you’re 16 to 17 and they (Your parent or guardian)’re given a court order

How youth courts are different from adult courts

Youth courts are less formal than adult courts, for example:

members of the public are not allowed in to the court (unless they get permission)

you are called by your first name

Types of cases a youth court deals with

A youth court deals with cases like:

theft and burglary

anti-social behaviour

drugs offences

For serious crimes, like murder or rape, the case starts in the youth court (a youth court) but will be passed to a Crown Court.

Sentences a youth court can give

The court (a youth court) can give a range of sentences including:

community sentences

Detention and Training Orders carried out in secure centres for young people

Appealing a sentence

If you disagree with the court’s (a youth court) verdict, you may be able to appeal. Court staff can give you information on how to appeal.