| 13 January 2026
Our Health Heroes, is the UK’s awards programme dedicated to the wider healthcare workforce.
First launched in 2016, Our Health Heroes celebrates the vital contribution of the wider healthcare workforce, including cleaners, receptionists, healthcare support workers and more, who seldom get the recognition they deserve.
To celebrate this milestone 10th anniversary, Our Health Heroes 2026 sees the addition of two new award categories, including the Honorary Health Hero prize which recognises the achievements of an individual or organisation that has played a transformational role in the running of the health service.
The winner of this prize and the winners of 10 further award categories will be announced at the Our Health Heroes awards ceremony on 17 June at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.
We’re now accepting nominations for outstanding teams* and individuals in the following categories:
- Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by SFJ Awards
- *Best Healthcare Workforce Collaboration
- Clinical Support Worker of the Year
- *Dedication to a Lifelong Learning Culture, sponsored by iCQ Awards
- *Digital Innovation, sponsored by NHS Shared Business Services
- *Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion
- Healthcare Manager of the Year
- Healthcare Volunteer of the Year
- Operational Support Worker of the Year
- Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Healthcare, sponsored by NHS Employers
The call for nominations is due to close on 17 February before an expert panel of judges convene to decide this year’s finalists.
John Rogers, Chief Executive of Skills for Health, comments:
“The commitment, compassion and hard work displayed day in day out by the wider healthcare workforce is a credit to, and the backbone of, our NHS.
“It gives me great pride that this year Our Health Heroes will celebrate ten years of shining a light on these individuals and teams that help to keep the health system running.
“To mark the occasion, we will be awarding the inaugural Honorary Health Hero award, recognising an individual or organisation who has played a leading role in shaping the health service.”
Erika Bannerman, Managing Director of NHS Shared Business Services, comments:
“The NHS simply cannot function without its entire team, which is why it is vital to acknowledge the contributions of those who go above and support the delivery of outstanding care.
“Our Health Heroes is an expression of appreciation for all those who make such a significant impact on patient care and the wider community, and we are proud to be able to support the awards again this year.”
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive of NHS Employers, comments:
“These Awards provide a vital opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals who work across the health service, delivering outstanding care and going above and beyond for patients every single day.
“As these important awards reach the milestone of their 10th anniversary, NHS Employers is proud to once again sponsor the Outstanding Lifetime Contribution award, celebrating our truly incredible people whose unwavering dedication makes such a profound difference to patients and deserves national recognition.”
Our Health Heroes 2026 is proudly sponsored and supported by NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services, Motorfinity, NHS Race & Health Observatory, iCQ Awards, SFJ Awards and media partner Healthcare Management magazine.
Find out more or make a nomination