What are the NHS Excellence Awards?

The awards are run by, and for, the NHS – shining a light on local projects and teams who are making a real difference to patients and communities, delivering on the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan and inspiring others to adopt innovative approaches in their local area.

There’s lots of great work happening across the country every day – and we want to showcase this.

What are the categories?

There are 10 categories that highlight innovation transforming health and care.

The categories are:

• Delivering value award
• Digital innovation award
• Improving health outcomes award
• Leadership award
• Neighbourhood health award
• Patient involvement and choice award
• Quality improvement award
• Sustainable healthcare award
• Valuing our people award
• Working in partnership award

When will finalists and winners be announced?

7 regional panels will select a regional champion for each category, to be announced mid-April 2026. Regional champions will then be invited to an awards ceremony on the evening of Wednesday 10 June at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester, where the national winners will be announced.

Find out more

• Read our frequently asked questions.
• Email england.nhsawards@nhs.net if you have any further questions about the awards.