A special group of people dedicate their lives to helping and caring for others. Their efforts touch countless individuals and families across the years and allow others to live their lives to the fullest. We’d like to shine a spotlight on someone from this group – celebrating an individual whose career-long contribution has significantly shaped health and/or social care practice, education, or policy, leaving a lasting legacy and inspiring others.

What are we looking or for in this award?

We’re looking for the best of an already outstanding field – someone who has single-handedly made a huge difference across a lifetime of service. We are looking for:

• Career Highlights – What are the most important things they’ve achieved throughout their career in health or social care? This might mean major projects led, services developed, awards received, positions held, or significant contributions to their field. The more evidence to show, the better.
• Changing the Field – How have they influenced the way health or social care is practised, taught, or organised? Describe policy changes they’ve influenced, best practices they’ve established, or professional standards they’ve shaped.
• Developing Others – Who have they mentored or developed, and how successful have these people become? Name specific mentees and their achievements, describe their mentoring approach, or quantify the people they’ve influenced.
• Lasting Changes – What improvements will continue to help patients, clients, or staff long after they retire? Consider systems they’ve established, cultures they’ve created, or innovations that have become standard practice.
• Professional Respect – How do colleagues and the wider profession recognise and value their contributions? Include peer recognition, professional awards, invitations to speak or advise, or citations of their work.

Who can nominate and how?

Nominations can be submitted by colleagues, professional peers, mentees, or organisational leaders who can speak to the nominee’s long-term contributions and impact.