Physiotherapists in England who want to put their work in the national spotlight have until 6 March to enter the NHS Excellence Awards 2026.
NHS England is seeking entries from projects and teams that make a ‘real difference’ to patients and communities, while delivering on the 10 Year Health Plan and inspiring others to adopt innovative approaches in their local area. NHS England is working in partnership with the NHS Confederation.
The awards are free to enter and tickets for the awards ceremony will also be free for all finalists.
Who can enter?
The awards are open to
- NHS integrated care boards
- NHS trusts
- primary care providers
- local authorities
- voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, and other providers working in partnership with the NHS to deliver local health and care services in England
- national organisations, provided their entry focuses on work delivered in a local area, or in the case of the Leadership award, an individual working at a local level
What are the categories?
There are 10 categories that highlight innovation transforming health and care. The same team or project cannot be entered in more than 1 category. Find out more about each category.
The categories are as follows
- 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?
Seven regional panels will select a regional champion for each category, to be announced in mid-April. Regional champions will then be invited to an awards ceremony on the evening of 10 June at the NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester, where the national winners will be announced.
NHS England is working in partnership with the NHS Confederation on the awards, which is hosting the entry form. Submit your entry now.
