The Lord Mayor’s Commendation Scheme has been introduced by the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM.
The Commendations are the second highest recognition receivable for a resident or group within the City of York Council boundary, the highest being the ‘Freedom of the City.' It's intended to be awarded at the discretion of the Civic Party to individuals and groups that have made a difference to their community or have been of particular support to the Civic Party over several years.
There will be 6 categories for which someone can be commended:
- Outstanding contribution to the local community – open to those who have made a significant contribution to their community, or individuals within their community.
- Education – open to anyone currently involved in education, from pre-school, to sixth form. They would have to have made a significant contribution to their establishment and had a positive input in the lives of the children and young people.
- Local sport – open to anyone involved in local sport from committed individuals who work week in week out to support and coach community teams, through to our professional sports teams and individuals who highlight all that’s good in our city.
- Environment – open to individuals or groups who have made an outstanding contribution to improving the city’s environment, and our commitment to net zero carbon emissions goals.
- Care sector – open to individuals and groups who are involved in the care sector, from those who selflessly look after a loved one in their time of need, to organisations who have made a significant contribution to the quality of life for residents in our city.
- The Lord Mayor’s Award – a nomination from the Civic Party and would be an individual or group who have made a significant contribution to the work of the current Lord Mayor and Lord Mayors over a period.
Make a nomination through the Lord Mayor’s Commendation Scheme
This Scheme will close on Saturday 28 February 2026.
If you need an alternative way to complete this form, paper copies will be available to complete at West Offices.
The panel who will decide the recipients will include:
- the Civic Party
- the Personal Assistant to the Lord Mayor
- an officer from Democratic Services
If there's a tie, the Lord Mayor would have the casting vote.
This is an annual award scheme where the recipients will be recognised at a reception in the Mansion House. The Commendation Certificates will be awarded to recipients at a special reception held in May at the Mansion House, and there will be a register of recipients kept by the Civic Office. This will be one of the last acts of the outgoing Lord Mayor.
Also see
The Civic Office
Civic Services