What is the role of the approving authority in the award process?

The role of the approving authority in the award process is to approve or disapprove the award. This function is critical as it involves the final decision-making regarding whether an individual reaches the criteria necessary for receiving an award. The approving authority reviews the recommendations and supporting documentation to ensure that the award reflects the individual’s achievements and meets the established standards and guidelines. This ensures accountability and maintains the integrity of the awards system, as it allows a qualified individual to assess the merits of the recommendation before it is formally presented and recognized.