The Lord Mayor’s Commendation Scheme has been introduced in 2026 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'.
Lord Mayor’s Commendations are intended to be awarded after consideration by an awarding panel and 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.
Commendation categories
There are 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 – open to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the work of the current Lord Mayor and Lord Mayors over a period. This is a nomination from the Civic Party.
Make a nomination through the Lord Mayor’s Commendation Scheme
This Scheme will close on Monday 2 March 2026 at 8.30am.
Lord Mayor’s Commendation scheme panel
The Lord Mayor’s Commendation scheme panel includes:
- the Civic Party
- the Personal Assistant to the Lord Mayor
- an officer from Democratic Services
In the event of a tie, the Lord Mayor has the casting vote.
Lord Mayor’s Commendation Scheme reception
This is an annual award scheme and the Commendation Certificates will be awarded to nominees at a special reception held in May at the Mansion House.
A commemorative register of nominees is kept by the Civic Office.
Also see
The Civic Office
Civic Services