The Awards
2025 Nominations Are Now Open!

About the Awards
The Awards spotlight the achievements of B.A.M.E staff and allies who break barriers, champion equity, and transform lives. From leadership and innovation to community impact, we celebrate those making healthcare more inclusive, equitable, and inspiring for all.
The Nomination Process
Recognising Progress, Celebrating Impact
The National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards honour individuals, teams, and organisations driving meaningful change in health and social care. As the NHS continues its commitment to building an inclusive, people-centred culture, these awards celebrate those who turn ambition into action—advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level.
We recognise outstanding contributions from across the sector, including innovative interventions, leadership that challenges inequalities, and initiatives improving outcomes for B.A.M.E staff, patients, and communities. Nominees can be from any background but must demonstrate a positive, sustainable impact on advancing equity, reducing health disparities, and fostering inclusive environments.
Who can nominate?
Anyone
Who can be nominated?
Nominees must be individuals or teams currently working or volunteering in a health and care-related industry within the statutory, voluntary, or private sector in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). This includes, but is not limited to, professionals in NHS services, social care, community healthcare, public health, mental health, private healthcare, and non-profit health organisations. Award winners can be from any background but need to demonstrate that they have made a positive and sustainable difference in the lives of B.A.M.E. people, staff, patients, and users of services or communities.
How to nominate:
Nominations for the National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards 2025 must be submitted via our online form. A Word version of the form is available upon request.
Multiple nominations: A nominee can be entered for more than one category, but each nomination requires a separate submission.
Meeting the criteria: Each nomination must clearly demonstrate how the nominee meets all category criteria. Unsupported claims will not be considered.
Providing evidence: Strong nominations include tangible details and examples to support why the nominee deserves recognition.
Word count requirements: Each nomination must address all three criteria within the required word count:
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- Minimum: 250 words per criterion
- Maximum: 300 words per criterion
- Nominations exceeding 300 words per criterion will not be accepted.
You will receive an email confirmation after submitting your entry. Our independent judging panel will review all entries, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Finalists will be announced ahead of the awards ceremony. Follow us for updates!
Submit your nomination now to recognise those making a real difference in healthcare.
The Awards Categories
Advocacy and Patient Experience Champion Award
This award celebrates individuals or teams—whether healthcare professionals, patient advocates, or community leaders—who have championed the voices of B.A.M.E patients.
It recognises those whose advocacy has led to measurable improvements in patient care, access, or outcomes. Nominees may include frontline staff enhancing patient experiences, organisations driving systemic change, or individuals influencing policy to create more equitable healthcare environments.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Advocacy initiatives that improved patient access, satisfaction, or outcomes.
- Quantifiable impact on organisational practices supporting B.A.M.E patient care.
- Demonstrated leadership in addressing systemic barriers to equitable care.
Ally of the Year
This award recognises individuals who may not be part of the B.A.M.E community but actively advocate for equity, inclusion, and justice within healthcare. It celebrates allies—whether leaders, colleagues, managers, or advocates—who have used their influence to challenge systemic barriers, support marginalised voices, and create measurable change. Nominees may include senior leaders driving inclusive policies, managers fostering diverse teams, or individuals championing B.A.M.E colleagues and patients through advocacy and action.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Sustained advocacy resulting in demonstrable cultural or organisational shifts.
- Documented examples of measurable benefits achieved through specific actions or initiatives.
- Proven ability to champion systemic change with long-term impacts on inclusion.
B.A.M.E Midwife of the Year
This award recognises midwives from B.A.M.E backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and advocacy in maternity care. It celebrates those who not only provide outstanding clinical care but also champion equity, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion within their practice. Nominees may include midwives working in hospitals, community settings, or education who have improved maternal outcomes, supported B.A.M.E families, and contributed to reducing health disparities in maternity services.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Proven leadership in creating inclusive midwifery practices.
- Evidence-based initiatives enhancing equity in care outcomes.
- Examples of sustained improvements in B.A.M.E staff development or mentorship.
B.A.M.E Nurse of the Year
This award recognises nurses from B.A.M.E backgrounds who demonstrate outstanding clinical excellence, leadership, and advocacy in healthcare. It celebrates those who go beyond patient care to influence positive change within their teams, organisations, and communities. Nominees may include nurses working in clinical, community, or leadership roles who have improved patient outcomes, championed inclusive practices, and inspired others through mentorship, innovation, or advocacy for health equity.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Leadership inspiring systemic improvements in practice.
- Quantifiable success in advancing B.A.M.E equity in nursing care.
- Proven impact on organisational inclusion and staff mentorship.
Clinical AHP Champion of the Year
This award recognises Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) from B.A.M.E backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing equitable care. It celebrates those who have made significant contributions to improving patient outcomes, reducing health disparities, and championing inclusion within their practice. Nominees may include AHPs such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, paramedics, speech and language therapists, and others who have demonstrated clinical excellence, service improvement, or advocacy for health equity.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Documented examples of patient care innovations leading to improved equity.
- Proven contributions to organisational improvements in clinical practice.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor or support B.A.M.E colleagues effectively.
Clinician of the Year
This award honours clinicians from B.A.M.E backgrounds whose dedication to care is felt far beyond the walls of their clinics or hospitals. These are the individuals who don’t just treat conditions—they see the whole person, standing as advocates when voices go unheard and as leaders when change feels out of reach. Whether at a patient’s bedside, in a boardroom, or within their communities, they fight for fairness, dignity, and respect in healthcare. Nominees may include doctors, dentists, pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals who have not only saved lives but transformed them through compassion, courage, and a relentless commitment to equity.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Documented achievements in implementing practices that improve equity in clinical outcomes.
- Measurable improvements in organisational practices driven by the nominee’s leadership.
- Evidence of mentorship or contributions to B.A.M.E staff development.
Educator or Workforce Developer of the Year
This award honours the educators and workforce developers who don’t just teach—they inspire. These are the mentors, leaders, and changemakers who believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity must be created. Through bold, innovative approaches and a deep commitment to equity, they open doors that might have remained closed for B.A.M.E students and staff. Whether they’re in classrooms, boardrooms, or training programmes, their work lights a path for others to follow, nurturing potential, breaking down barriers, and ensuring the next generation of healthcare leaders feels seen, supported, and unstoppable.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Documented examples of structural changes improving opportunities for B.A.M.E individuals.
- Evidence of sustained efforts to eliminate barriers to equity in education.
- Proven mentorship or support systems promoting B.A.M.E career progression.
Emergency & Critical Care Innovation
.This award honours the innovators who thrive where urgency meets impact—those who step into the most critical moments with solutions that save lives and change systems. It celebrates individuals or teams who have transformed emergency and critical care to ensure B.A.M.E patients receive not just timely interventions but equitable, compassionate support when it matters most. Whether through groundbreaking protocols, life-saving technologies, or system-wide improvements, their work delivers more than care; it brings hope, dignity, and fairness in moments where every second counts.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Proven implementation of innovative practices improving access or outcomes.
- Evidence of measurable benefits for B.A.M.E patients in emergency or critical care.
- Sustained impact and dissemination of innovations across healthcare services.
Excellence in Community Partnership Award
This award celebrates the heart of community-driven change—organisations and volunteers who stand at the crossroads of healthcare and lived experience. It honours those who build bridges where gaps once existed, creating partnerships that bring healthcare closer to the people who need it most. Whether through grassroots advocacy, health education, or outreach programmes, these changemakers work hand-in-hand with B.A.M.E communities to improve access, raise awareness, and deliver life-changing support. Their efforts are more than collaborations; they are lifelines woven into the fabric of the communities they serve.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of impactful collaboration with health or social care organisations or voluntary initiatives.
- Documented practice changes or voluntary efforts integrated into partner organisations.
- Proven improvement in staff awareness, patient outcomes or community engagement related to B.A.M.E health issues.
Future Leader Award – Next Gen (18-30)
This award celebrates the next generation of healthcare leaders—young changemakers aged 18–30 whose passion, courage, and fresh perspectives are already making waves. It recognises individuals who have been identified as rising stars at the start of their careers and show extraordinary potential to influence the future of healthcare. Whether through advocacy, innovation, leadership, or community impact, these trailblazers are challenging the status quo, championing equity, and proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Their journey may be just beginning, but their impact is already being felt.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of leadership inspiring tangible changes in their environment.
- Proven success in advocating for inclusivity in education or career opportunities.
- Examples of sustained impact on equity through innovative practices or advocacy.
Health Equity Digital Innovator of the Year
This award celebrates the visionaries who see technology not just as a tool, but as a lifeline for those too often left behind. It honours individuals or teams who have harnessed the power of digital innovation to break down barriers in healthcare, making access, support, and outcomes fairer for B.A.M.E communities.
Whether through groundbreaking apps, data-driven solutions, or transformative digital health platforms, these pioneers have turned complex challenges into simple, life-changing solutions. Their work doesn’t just improve systems—it changes lives, one connection at a time.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of technology-based interventions improving care outcomes for B.A.M.E patients.
- Measurable improvements in access, awareness, or service delivery.
- Proven ability to integrate and sustain digital solutions within healthcare systems.
Inclusive Leader of the Year
This award honours leaders who don’t just talk about inclusion—they live it, breathe it, and build it into the very fabric of their organisations. These are the visionaries who challenge the status quo, dismantle systemic barriers, and create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether they lead teams, departments, or entire organisations, their actions speak louder than words—turning diversity into strength and equity into measurable change. Their leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact, courage, and a relentless commitment to creating cultures of belonging that last.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Detailed evidence of leadership actions leading to enhanced inclusion for B.A.M.E staff and patients.
- Proven outcomes of implemented initiatives improving access or equity.
- Demonstrable removal of systemic barriers, supported by measurable success.
Inclusive Organisation/ Trust of the Year
This award celebrates organisations and trusts that don’t just commit to inclusion on paper—they live it in every policy, practice, and decision. These are the workplaces where diversity isn’t a buzzword but a driving force for innovation, equity, and better health outcomes. Whether through groundbreaking strategies, transformative leadership, or bold cultural shifts, these organisations create environments where B.A.M.E staff and patients don’t just feel represented—they thrive. Their work sets the benchmark for what true, sustainable inclusion looks like in healthcare.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Clear documentation of initiative outcomes, including national recognition.
- Evidence of strategic integration and long-term investment.
- Proven collaboration with partners to ensure wide-reaching impact.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honours individuals whose lifelong dedication to equity has left a profound and lasting impact on health and social care. These are the pioneers, advocates, and leaders whose work has broken barriers, challenged injustices, and created pathways where none existed. Their influence can be seen not just in policies and programmes but in the lives they’ve touched, the voices they’ve amplified, and the systems they’ve transformed. This award is more than a recognition of years served—it’s a celebration of a legacy built on courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice for B.A.M.E communities.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of leadership in initiatives driving systemic change across multiple organisations.
- Quantifiable improvements in development opportunities for B.A.M.E staff or outcomes for B.A.M.E patients.
- Examples of long-term, measurable impact across different roles or sectors.
Outstanding Social & Community Care Award
This award celebrates the unsung heroes of social and community care—those whose dedication transforms lives, one act of compassion at a time. It honours individuals or teams who work tirelessly to ensure B.A.M.E communities have not just access to care but access to care that is equitable, culturally sensitive, and life-affirming. Whether supporting families through social services, leading community health initiatives, or advocating for vulnerable groups, these champions create networks of support that help people feel seen, valued, and empowered. Their work doesn’t just change lives; it strengthens entire communities.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of advocating for actions that improved access, communication, or support.
- Proven ability to sustain improvements across services or organisations.
- Examples of addressing structural barriers affecting B.A.M.E patients or staff.
Pioneering Health Equity Researcher of the Year
This award honours researchers who refuse to accept health inequities as inevitable. It celebrates those who ask difficult questions, challenge outdated systems, and uncover truths that drive real change for B.A.M.E communities. Whether through groundbreaking clinical studies, community-led research, or transformative data analysis, these innovators turn evidence into action. Their work doesn’t just sit in reports—it reshapes policies, improves care, and builds healthier, more equitable futures for generations to come.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of research outcomes directly improving care or access for B.A.M.E patients.
- Examples of dissemination and implementation of research findings to create systemic change.
- Demonstrated impact in addressing barriers and advancing equity, supported by data.
Public Health Impact Award
This award recognises individuals, teams, or organisations leading impactful public health initiatives that address health inequalities and improve outcomes for B.A.M.E communities. Whether through policy change, preventative healthcare, education campaigns, or community-led interventions, these changemakers use innovation and advocacy to drive real, measurable improvements in health access and equity.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Clear evidence of improved health outcomes or access to prevention services for B.A.M.E communities.
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Quantifiable impact of initiatives on community health and awareness.
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Examples of overcoming systemic barriers, supported by sustained improvements.
Trailblazer in Inclusion Excellence - Sponsored by UNISON
This award honours individuals who may not hold formal leadership titles but lead with courage, conviction, and a relentless drive to make inclusion a reality. These trailblazers challenge the status quo from within, sparking change through grassroots initiatives, bold ideas, and everyday actions that ripple across their organisations. Their work redefines what it means to be an agent of change—proving that you don’t need a title to inspire others, break down barriers, and create workplaces where equity isn’t just an aspiration but a lived experience.
Criteria:
All three bullet points must be answered to the minimum stated word count.
Nominations must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of advocating for actions that improved access, communication, or support.
- Proven ability to sustain improvements across services or organisations.
- Examples of addressing structural barriers affecting B.A.M.E patients or staff.