FAQs

Please refer to our frequently asked questions about the Patient Safety Awards 2026 below. If your query is not answered, then please CONTACT US.

Entering the Awards

Why should we enter the HSJ Patient Safety Awards?

Entering the HSJ Patient Safety Awards gives you:

Shine a light on how you continue to drive patient safety and quality improvements in challenging circumstances  
New for 2026 – compete for the chance to share your project nationally at the Patient Safety Congress
Contribute to the national effort to improve patient safety across the NHS  
Gain national recognition for your hard work and success stories  
Proactively shape and strengthen your organisation’s standing within the health and care sector.
Celebrate your team’s achievements in delivering better outcomes  
Benchmark your efforts in quality and service improvement with peers from across the NHS and health sector  
Obtain valuable feedback on your projects from a diverse and representative judging panel of subject matter experts, patient representatives and practitioners  
Leverage your entry to gain stakeholder buy-in and investment for upscaling of these projects 

What are the HSJ Patient Safety Awards for?

Now in their 16th year, the HSJ Patient Safety Awards continue to shine a light on outstanding individuals and teams who are improving patient safety across health and care. They recognise the critical work being done to address the complexities of delivering safe care amidst times of significant change and long-standing pressures.

Who should enter the HSJ Patient Safety Awards?

Clinicians, patient safety teams, operational staff, analysts, and all NHS teams dedicated to ensuring patient safety and delivering improvements in care quality.
Entries can be individual nominations, organisation-wide projects or collaborations at a system level.  
This awards programme is open to public and third sector healthcare organisations in the United Kingdom 

Which category should we enter?

Each category has its own criteria and eligibility requirements, which you can review on the categories page.  
Choose the category that best reflects the focus and outcomes of your project.  
If you are unsure which category is the best fit, please contact our team at entries@hsj.co.uk and we will be happy to advise.

Can we enter more than one category?

You can submit the same project into two categories.  
Each entry should be tailored to the specific criteria of the category it is entered into.  

Can I enter a project that has been submitted before?

Yes.  
Entries previously submitted in the HSJ Patient Safety Awards should have a significant update, change of circumstance or result. 

What is the eligibility period for an entry?

Evidence must relate to a project, ongoing or completed, within the past 2 years up until the award entry deadline.  
For specific eligibility per category, please see the categories page. 

How much does it cost to enter?

The awards are free to enter.  
If you are shortlisted you will be invited to the awards ceremony, which is an invitation only, paid event.    

What are the entry deadlines and key dates?

For the HSJ Patient Safety Awards:

• Launch, Wednesday 7 January
• Entry deadline, Friday 10 April
• Stage 1 Judging:, starts  22 April
• Shortlist announcement, Monday 8 June
• Stage 2 Judging:, Monday 13 July – Monday 21 July
• Patient Safety Awards Ceremony, Monday 28 September, Telford International Centre

Full details are available on the key dates page. 

Where can I see the previous winners?

All previous winners are listed on the website.  
You can view the most recent winners on the Winners 2025 page, and winners from earlier years, dating back to 2019, in the Alumni section. 

Writing Your Entry

How long does it take to complete an entry? 

This varies by project, but the entry form is designed to be straightforward to complete.  
There are 5 main criteria sections, each with a maximum of 400 words, plus some basic single line questions.  
You can save your entry and return to it at any time before the deadline. 

What does the entry form look like? 

There are 5 main criteria sections, each carrying a word count of a maximum of 400 words, plus some basic single line questions. There is also an upload opportunity to submit supporting evidence.

What makes a strong award entry?

The strongest entries address the judging criteria directly, with clear, measurable impact and well referenced evidence. Set out the challenge and context, how your goals align with national priorities, how patients, staff and partners worked together to deliver the outcomes, the measurable benefits to patients, staff and the wider system, how the work has been shared or replicated, and how it will be sustained. Be specific, use data where you can, and make sure every claim is supported by your evidence. 

What are the judges looking for in a HSJ Patient Safety Awards entry?

Entries will be reviewed against the following criteria:
Ambition - The challenge and context within which your project, person or organisation is set alongside your goals and targets whether quantitative or qualitative. 
Outcome - The benefits realised from the point of view of patients, organisation, leadership, value creation, efficiencies, and cost.  
Spread - The dissemination of your success in terms of how your work has been picked up and replicated elsewhere.  
Value - The creation of value from the point of view of patient satisfaction and experience, reduction in bureaucracy, time saved for staff at any level. 
Involvement - The stakeholders buy-in and contribution toward the project initiatives and outcomes. How have the relevant staff, patients and partnerships worked together to realise the success? 

Can we use AI tools such as ChatGPT to help write our entry? 

You’re welcome to use AI tools to help develop and refine your work, but your entry must be original, fact-checked, and written in your own words. 

What supporting evidence should we include? 

Evidence must be clearly referenced from your entry form and should be compiled into a single PDF containing any relevant documentation or imagery.  
Strong evidence includes data demonstrating outcomes, testimonials, and material that directly supports the claims made in your entry. 

What file formats are accepted for supporting documents?

Supporting evidence should be compiled into a single PDF, Word doc or PowerPoint presentation up to a maximum of 10MB. All your images, data and testimonials should be included in this one file, the file can contain multiple pages.

Can we include video content? 

Links to video content can be included within your supporting evidence document. Please ensure any links are accessible to the judges without a login.

Can I save my entry and return to it later?

Yes. The entry platform allows you to save your entry as a draft and return to it at any time before the entry deadline.

Can I edit my entry after submitting it?

You can edit any saved entry up until the entry deadline.

Can I withdraw my entry?

Yes, at any time. Just get in touch with our team at entries@hsj.co.uk.

How can I get help with my entry? 

For any questions about your entry, including category selection and eligibility, please contact our team at entries@hsj.co.uk.

Submission & Technical Support

What is Awards Force? 

Awards Force is a third-party supplier to HSJ providing the web-based entry and judging system used to manage the programme. Communications to entrants and judges are sent using this system.
For more information, please view https://www.awardforce.com/privacy-policy 

I submitted an entry but did not receive a confirmation email – what should I do? 

First, check your junk or spam folder, as communications are sent via the Awards Force platform. Then log back into the platform to check your entry shows as submitted rather than in draft. If you still have not received confirmation, please contact our team at entries@hsj.co.uk.

I am having technical issues with Awards Force – who should I contact?

Please contact our team at awardssupport@hsj.co.uk and we will help resolve the issue.

How can I get in touch?

• For awards entry enquiries, contact entries@hsj.co.uk.  
• For judging and event management, contact awardssupport@hsj.co.uk.  
• For partnership opportunities, contact hsjsolutions@hsj.co.uk.

Confidentiality & Data

Who will read my entry and is it confidential?

All entries submitted to the HSJ Patient Safety Awards will be read by our appointed judges, editorial staff and internal awards administrative teams. If you have specific requirements with regards to confidentiality please contact our team to discuss if it is possible that arrangements can be made for you. 

Can commercially sensitive or confidential information be included?

Entries are read by our appointed judges, editorial staff and internal awards administrative teams. If you have specific requirements with regards to confidentiality, please contact our team at entries@hsj.co.uk to discuss whether arrangements can be made for you.

How will HSJ use my data?

In order to enter an award, you need to have an account with us. We require your name, job title, business or work email address, phone number and entrant address.  
Your personal data will be stored in our systems for communication about the HSJ Awards. You may also receive communications from HSJ about relevant products and services. We also encourage you to read our Privacy and Cookies Policy, and every communication has a link to manage your preferences or unsubscribe. 

Judging & Shortlisting

Who judges the HSJ Patient Safety Awards?

The Awards are judged by senior health and care figures, including many trust chief executives.  
Judges are selected from across the NHS and wider healthcare sector and contribute valuable time and effort to review entries against strict criteria using a transparent scoring system.  
The full judging panel is listed on the Judges page.

How does the judging process work?

Our judging takes place over two stages, each designed to provide a fair and transparent process.  

• Stage 1: Remote Judging – Once the entry phase closes all the submissions will be sent to our judges for online review.
• Stage 2: Presentations – Once the shortlist has been announced, all finalists will be invited to give a virtual presentation to our judging panels. 

What happens if there is a conflict of interest?

Judges are required to declare any conflicts of interest and will not review or score entries where a conflict exists.

When will the shortlist be announced?

The shortlist for the awards will be announced on Monday 8 June 2026.
The awards team will not be able to update you on the progress of your entry before this date.

Will we receive feedback on our entry?

We cannot release any feedback before the awards ceremony has passed, to ensure we have 100% of our results without prejudicing the result or informing the winners before this date. Post event, we will provide feedback on submissions on a request only basis. Please contact awardssupport@hsj.co.uk for more information.

How can I become a judge?

Judges are selected from across the NHS and wider healthcare sector.

Ceremony & Attendance

What happens if we are shortlisted?

Shortlisted organisations will be invited to give a virtual 10-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with our judging panel as part of stage 2 judging. Our team will also contact you to discuss attendance at the awards ceremony, where the winners are announced. Finalists receive coverage on HSJ’s online platforms and social channels.

Where and when is the awards ceremony?

The awards ceremony takes place on 28 September 2026 at Telford International Centre.

Can we attend the awards ceremony if we are not shortlisted?

Attendance at the awards ceremony is reserved for shortlisted organisations, partners and judges.

When can I book tickets?

Shortlisted organisations will be contacted by our team following the shortlist announcement to discuss next steps for attendance.

How much does attendance cost?

Please contact our team at awardssupport@hsj.co.uk for more information.

How many people can we bring?

Our team will confirm availability and options when you book.

What are the event timings?

18.30 Networking reception  
19.15 Welcome by Alastair McLellan, Editor, HSJ  
Followed by Dinner  
21.15 Awards ceremony  
22.45 Entertainment  
01.00 Carriages  
The dress code for the evening is Black Tie. Please note there is nowhere at the venue to get changed or wait earlier than 18.30  

What is the dress code?

Black tie for men and formal evening wear for women

What do winners receive?

Winners receive a trophy presented on the night, winner marketing assets including your winner interview to promote their success, and coverage on HSJ’s online platforms and social channels.

Will there be photography and filming at the event?

Yes. Official photography and filming take place throughout the evening, and images are shared with attendees and used across HSJ’s channels after the event.

Accessibility & Inclusion

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the venue is fully accessible.  
If you have any specific requirements then please contact awardssupport@hsj.co.uk

What accessibility facilities are available at the event?

The venue has accessible parking available both on site and in the multi-storey car park, with automatic doors and ramp access at all entrances. The main stage is also equipped with a ramp. Accessible toilets with hooks and shelves are available on the ground floor, where the event will be held. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to assist.

Can dietary requirements and allergies be accommodated?

Yes. Dietary requirements and allergies are collected as part of the booking process and shared with the venue’s catering team. If you have any concerns, please contact our team at awardssupport@hsj.co.uk.

Is there a prayer room or quiet space available?

There is no dedicated prayer room on site. However, if you require a prayer room or quiet space, please contact awardssupport@hsj.co.uk in advance and we will ensure a suitable space is made available.

Who can I contact to discuss specific accessibility needs?

Please contact our team at awardssupport@hsj.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Publicity

How can shortlisted organisations promote their achievement?

Being shortlisted is an achievement worth celebrating. Shortlisted organisations are encouraged to share the news across their own channels and will receive coverage on HSJ’s online platforms and social channels. Finalist marketing assets will be provided to support your announcements.

How can winners promote their success?

Winners receive winner marketing assets and coverage on HSJ’s online platforms and social channels. Winners may also be invited to take part in winner interviews and project showcases published on the awards website.

Will HSJ provide finalist and winner marketing assets?

Yes. Finalist and winner assets, including logos, are provided to shortlisted and winning organisations to support their announcements.

Can we use the HSJ Patient Safety Awards logo?

Shortlisted and winning organisations may use the official finalist or winner logos provided by HSJ. The HSJ Patient Safety Awards logo and HSJ brand may not otherwise be used without permission. If you have any questions about logo usage, please contact our team at awardssupport@hsj.co.uk.

 

I have another question

If the FAQs have not answered your questions, please contact kelly.powell@hsj.co.uk who will be happy to help.