Dr Ruth Pearce

Head of School of Nursing, AHPs and Midwifery

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Dr Ruth Pearce is a highly respected nurse leader, educator, and healthcare strategist whose work bridges clinical excellence, education, and workforce development. As Head of the School of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, and Midwifery at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the professional growth and practice standards of thousands of clinicians within one of the UK’s largest and most innovative healthcare organisations.

With a doctorate in nursing leadership and a career spanning more than two decades, Dr Pearce has combined deep clinical expertise with academic rigour to champion continuous learning and compassionate care. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing integrated training programmes that align NHS service delivery with university education, ensuring that staff are both clinically competent and ethically grounded.

Dr Pearce is also a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that opportunities for professional advancement are accessible to all. Her mentorship of early-career nurses and her advocacy for wellbeing and psychological safety have set a benchmark for inclusive leadership within the NHS.

Recognised for her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to lifelong learning, Dr Ruth Pearce is honoured to support the NouZetwals Health and Social Care Excellence Awards, celebrating those who exemplify compassion, innovation, and excellence in the service of others.

Discover Other Judges

  • Joan Pons Laplana

    Area Manager

    Choices College, NHS England

  • Douglas Hamandishe

    Specialist Subject Matter Expert in Mental Health Services Integration

    Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust

  • Dr Sharon Black RN, PhD, MA, PGCert, BSc (Hons), DipHE, SFHEA

    Associate Deputy Head of School – People and Culture; Associate Professor of Nursing

    University of Nottingham

  • Daniel Martínez Canca PhD(c), FHEA, MSc, BSc (Hons)

    AI Oncology Researcher; Member of iCCS iOncoCare (Harvard Medical School Winner)

    ESEMED Healthcare

  • Reena Soniassy

    Specialist Dietitian - Nutri-Licious

  • Dr Catia Nicodemo

    Associate Professor in Health Economics

    University of Oxford