Caring for All Awards 2026 nominations now open
The annual staff awards recognise the hard work and dedication of clinical and non-clinical colleagues across Walsall Healthcare and RWT.
If there is a person or team who you feel deserves to be acknowledged for their outstanding work, then get nominating!
For each category there will be a winner from Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Staff can nominate in the following categories:
Caring for All
An individual or team that consistently demonstrates the behaviours outlined in ‘Caring for All’ – our joint standards of behaviour.
They listen, they show kindness, act inclusively and behave professionally. They embody these behaviours in everything they do and encourage others to do the same.
This could also be a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (e.g. through education and awareness-raising).
Nominees will have taken meaningful action to improve staff and/or patient experiences in relation to the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010 – creating environments where people feel valued, respected, and understood.
Research, Innovation and Improvement
This award recognises a team or individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to either research, innovation, improvement or sustainability – enhancing care delivery and /or improving the wellbeing of staff, patients, or local communities
They may have:
- made positive changes in their area, and have a clear enthusiasm for what they do
- taken part in research and/or raised the profile of research
- made a demonstrable difference to experiences and/or outcomes
- made the service more efficient with technology or through engagement with Quality Improvement (QI) workstreams
- supported the sustainability agenda – whether that’s the environment, people/workforce sustainability, or financial sustainability.
Inspiring Clinical Colleague
A clinical colleague who regularly goes the extra mile to deliver outstanding care
They regularly exceed expectations and clearly demonstrate the Trust values. An individual who makes a lasting impact – motivating and empowering those around them.
They may have:
- improved patient safety and clinical quality
- challenged the status quo
- demonstrated outstanding leadership
- created environments where people can grow and thrive
- encouraged innovation
Nominees will have shown sustained commitment to delivering high-quality care – ensuring positive patient experiences and outcomes.
Inspiring Clinical Team
A clinical team that consistently delivers high-quality care.
This could be through:
- achieving financial and operational targets
- consistently demonstrates best practice
- implementing new ways of working with clear patient benefits
- strong collaboration and teamwork
- supporting the personal and professional development of team members
A team with shared goals and values – where all members have a voice and can contribute. They actively support, celebrate and encourage one another.
Inspiring Non-Clinical Colleague
A non-clinical colleague who may not always recognise the value they bring but makes a significant contribution to the organisation. They may work in patient-facing roles or ‘behind the scenes’.
They may have:
- developed or improved a service
- contributed to the delivery of safe and effective care
- gone the extra mile for a patient and/or colleague
- supported those around them
- demonstrated the Trust Values in their daily work
Nominees will be enthusiastic, dedicated, hard-working and a positive role model to others.
Inspiring Non-Clinical Team
A non-clinical team that delivers an outstanding service
This could be through:
- achieving financial and operational targets
- demonstrating best practice
- implementing efficient and innovative ways of working
- strong teamwork and collaboration
- working together to support the personal and professional development of team members
A team with shared goals and values – where all members have a voice and can contribute. They promote a supportive environment where all individuals are encouraged, and success is celebrated
Rising Star
This award recognises an individual who is new to the Trust (less than three years) and has already made a significant impact. consistently delivering a high standard of work.
They demonstrate ambition, enthusiasm and has a strong commitment to learning.
The award celebrates outstanding performance and recognises future potential.
Nominees with have shown clear growth in their role with strong evidence that they will continue to add value as they progress in their career.
They may have exceeded expectations in a particular area or project.
We’re also pleased to announce our Chair and Chief Executive will jointly present a ‘Transforming Care Together’ award to one individual or team on the night.
Nominations will be reviewed by a diverse judging panel, with a variety of skills and experiences. There will be an equal split of representatives from both Walsall and Wolverhampton.
How to make a nomination – read the Caring for All Awards 2026 nomination guidance.
The nominator must provide a minimum of 200 words, including examples.
Please note nominations will be reviewed by a diverse judging panel, with a variety of skills and experiences. There will be an equal split of representatives from both Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Nominations will close on Friday 5 July at 10pm – the NHS’ 78th birthday.
This form is to be completed by staff-only.
All shortlisted nominees will be invited to the awards ceremony later this year. More information to follow soon.
For more information, or to send paper nominations, email wht.org.develop@nhs.net
Patient nomination form
Members of the public will soon be invited to vote in the ‘Sister Dora Award’ category (Walsall Healthcare) and/or the ‘Royal Award’ category (RWT).
Should a patient ask for an Walsall copy, please download here and print locally: Sister Dora patient nomination form.
Patients can then drop his off to the Patient Information Centre at New Cross Hospital or hand it back to a healthcare professional who should scan it across to the email above.
There will also be posters with QR codes dotted across the sites to encourage patients to nominate via an online form. The form will also be shared on our social media channels.