Other Buggers Efforts (OBE). I have no time for any of that.
I used to think that those that do charity work should get something. These days though, I think these awards serve no purpose. They are generally based on someone taking the time to nominate you. I have seen several people get BEM's for doing nothing apart from doing a job or raising literally a couple of hundred pounds yet others who have raised thousands have got nothing because no one has nominated them.
It's the same in a working environment. Staff member of the month type awards. I have seen good people not get nominated because a manager or team don't believe in it whilst others are constantly nominated by the same team.
I used to run the team involved with such awards in the civil service. One lady made a real difference, saved a lot of money and time for all, yet her manager and team said they were too busy. Even a senior manager told her manager to nominate her but he said he didn't get on with her so wouldn't.
The point I am making is that awards, be it team member of the month or OBE's only happen if someone nominates them. If the people you know aren't the nominating types you will get nothing.
Rant over. One of my big bugbears.