An award for emergency workers and public servants killed in the line of duty has been announced.

Named after the late Queen, the Elizabeth Emblem will be given to the families of those who have who lose their lives while ‘undertaking eligible public service’ and applications can stretch back to 1948 – so who can apply?

What is the Elizabeth Emblem?

Designed to be the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK armed forces killed in action, plans for the Elizabeth Emblem were announced this week.

However the award, says the Cabinet Office, can be given retrospectively meaning that any public servant who lost their life while at work after 1948 can be considered for commemoration.

The introduction of the award follows a three-year campaign by the families of PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone who were killed whilst on duty in Greater Manchester in 2012.

The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, the traditional symbol of remembrance, surrounding the Tudor Crown and will be inscribed with the words ‘For A Life Given In Service’.

The name of the person being commemorated will be inscribed on the reverse of the emblem and it will include a pin to allow the award to be worn by their next of kin.

Who could be given an award?

A person could be commemorated with the Elizabeth Emblem if they died while in the line of duty on or after January 1, 1948, which mirrors the eligibility of the Elizabeth Cross for the armed forces.

This may include public servants employed by – or on behalf of – eligible bodies such as the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland executive, local government or a British Overseas Territory.

It will also apply to emergency services staff either in paid or voluntary roles and can also include control room staff and those working in other civilian jobs carried out for the police, ambulance service or fire brigade.

Those working for the coastguard, mountain, cave or water rescue services and those tasked with responding to natural disasters are also included in the criteria. NHS staff who died during the pandemic, are understood to also be eligible for consideration.

How could a family apply?

Applications can be submitted by a person’s next of kin by completing The Elizabeth Emblem application form on the gov.uk website.

The applicant will need to share their own details and personal information, details of the deceased person and the circumstances in which they died and provide a number of supporting documents.

This may include proof of their employment with a relevant organisation, a copy of the deceased’s death certificate and where available a copy of the relevant page of the deceased person’s Last Will and Testament where their next of kin is officially recorded.

Any relevant investigation or police reports may also be requested – alongside any media articles reporting the death at the time, or other documents that would help prove someone’s eligibility for The Elizabeth Emblem.

Applications for deaths that occur after March 9 this year should ideally, says the government, be made within 12 months of the death - subject to any ongoing legal proceedings.

Deciding applications

The George Cross Committee will assess applications before a recommendation is made to the Prime Minister and The King.

All awards will be announced on the gov.uk website and via The Gazette, which keeps official public records.

It may take several months for a case to be considered, says the Cabinet Office.

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

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