Recognising Humanity The Order of St John is British Royal Order of Chivalry, with the reigning Sovereign of the United Kingdom as its Sovereign Head. At the same time, it is a major international charity with over 400,000 volunteers and staff operating in over 40 countries and territories around the world. Some other major charities are also charter corporations and have various internal ways of recognising distinguished work, but none of them has an honours system similar to that of the Order of St John. The primary purpose of the Order’s honours and awards system is: to recognise the contribution which a person has made to achieving the objects or the Order; and to provide an encouragement for members of St John and others to further their endeavours. See below the four honour system for recognising distinguished work: Membership of the Order Service Medals Life Saving Medal Organ Donor Award Manage Cookie Preferences