Imperial Service Order facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Imperial Service Order |
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Decoration as worn by gentlemen.
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| Awarded by Charles III | |
| Type | Order |
| Established | August 1902 |
| Awarded for | Nationally important service |
| Status | Currently constituted (only in Papua New Guinea) |
| Sovereign | Charles III |
| Grades | Companion |
| Post-nominals | ISO |
 Ribbon bar of the order |
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The Imperial Service Order was a special award created by King Edward VII in August 1902. It was given to people who worked for the government, called the Civil Service, across the British Empire. This award honored their long and excellent service when they retired.
Usually, a person needed to work for 25 years to get this award. However, if they worked in places with difficult or unhealthy climates abroad, they could get it after 16 years. There was only one level for this award, called "Companion." Both men and women could receive it. People who got the Imperial Service Order were allowed to put 'ISO' after their name, like a special title.
Contents
How the Order Started
The idea for this new award was first shared in June 1902. This was around the time King Edward VII's coronation was planned. The coronation was delayed because the King became ill.
The official rules for the award were published on August 8, 1902. This was just before the actual coronation happened the next day. The very first people to receive the Imperial Service Order were announced on November 9, 1902. This date was the King's birthday.
What the Award Looked Like
The Imperial Service Order had different designs for men and women.
For Men
The award for men was a silver star with eight points. A crown covered the top point of the star. In the middle of the star was a golden circle. This circle showed the special symbol of the King or Queen at the time. Around the symbol were the words 'For Faithful Service'. The star hung from a ribbon that was crimson (a deep red) with a blue stripe in the middle.
For Women
The award for women had the same golden circle in the middle as the men's award. This circle was surrounded by a silver wreath made of laurel leaves. A crown sat on top of the wreath. This award hung from a bow that was also crimson with a blue stripe in the middle.
The Imperial Service Medal
There is also a related award called the Imperial Service Medal (ISM). Civil servants who complete 25 years of service can receive this medal when they retire.
The Imperial Service Medal is a round silver medal. On one side, it shows a picture of the King or Queen who was ruling at the time. On the other side, it shows a picture of a person resting after working hard. It also has the words 'For Faithful Service'. The ribbon or bow for the medal looks exactly like the one for the Imperial Service Order.
Changes in 1993
In 1993, the British honours system was reviewed. This system is how the British government gives out awards and honors. During this review, the British Government decided to stop giving out new Imperial Service Orders.
However, the Imperial Service Medal (ISM) is still awarded today. It continues to recognize people who have made important and positive contributions through their service.
See also
- Orders and decorations of the Commonwealth realms
