The emblem is designed to be worn on the everyday clothing of those who have been appointed to the Order of the British Empire. It gives recipients the opportunity to show in their day-to-day lives they have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for their contribution to society.

The emblem is based on the badge of the Order, enclosed in a circle of ribbon of its colours, pink and grey. It is intended to be worn by those who have been appointed GBE, DBE, KBE, CBE, OBE, MBE or who hold the British Empire Medal. In total there are around 120,000 living in the UK and overseas. The emblems do not replace the badge and ribbon which will continue to be presented at the Investiture.