Introducing the 2024 Special Recognition Award, a prestigious accolade that shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions made by NHS Trusts across the nation. This new category is designed to honour the trust that has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and commitment to recognising the unsung heroes within their organisation.

The Special Recognition Award goes beyond mere numbers; it celebrates the outstanding achievements of NHS Trusts in delivering the greatest number of nominations across multiple award categories. It acknowledges the tireless efforts of non-medical and non-clinical individuals and teams who consistently go above and beyond to make a difference.

In healthcare organisations, there are countless individuals and teams that work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth functioning of facilities and providing essential support to patients and medical staff. These Unsung Heroes often do not receive the recognition they deserve, despite their vital contributions to the healthcare system.

The introduction of the 2024 Special Recognition Award marks an important milestone in recognising and celebrating the unsung heroes within the NHS community. It is a category that acknowledges the exceptional work happening behind the scenes, often overlooked but crucial to the success of healthcare organisations.

The Special Recognition Award serves as a testament to the exceptional quality of staff within the Trust and the high standards they have achieved. It is a measure of appreciation from their colleagues and peers, reflecting the trust-wide culture of excellence and the relentless pursuit of the highest standards.

By highlighting the extraordinary contributions made by non-medical and non-clinical staff, the Special Recognition Award brings attention to their invaluable role in healthcare delivery. These individuals and teams play a vital part in ensuring the efficient operation of healthcare facilities, managing administrative tasks, supporting patients and their families, and providing crucial services that contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Below we have outlined four key ways to support and celebrate non-medical and non-clinical NHS staff:

1. Acknowledge Their Contributions: Take the time to recognise and appreciate the efforts of non-medical and non-clinical staff. Whether it’s through public recognition, team acknowledgments, or personal expressions of gratitude, acknowledging their contributions helps boost morale and motivation. Celebrate their achievements and highlight the impact they have on the organisation and the patients they serve.
2. Promote Professional Development: Encourage professional development opportunities for non-medical and non-clinical staff members. Supporting their growth and providing resources for training and advancement not only enhances their skills but also shows that their career progression is valued and supported. Invest in their learning and provide mentorship programmes or access to conferences and workshops that can help them expand their knowledge and expertise.
3. Foster a Culture of Appreciation: Create a workplace culture that values and appreciates the contributions of non-medical and non-clinical staff. This can be done through regular communication, team-building activities, and creating channels for feedback and suggestions. Providing a supportive and inclusive environment where their voices are heard fosters a sense of belonging and pride in their work. Encourage peer recognition programmes and create opportunities for staff to share success stories and recognise each other’s achievements.
4. Attend the Unsung Hero Awards 2024: Join us in applauding the extraordinary contributions of non-medical and non-clinical NHS staff and be part of the Unsung Hero Awards ceremony on the 15th March. By attending the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of these unsung heroes and show your support for their invaluable work. Secure your ticket here.

Join us in applauding the extraordinary contributions of non-medical and non-clinical NHS staff and be part of the Unsung Hero Awards 2024 ceremony on the 15th March. Together, let’s make this our best and biggest ceremony to date by securing your ticket here. By attending the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of these unsung heroes and show your support for their invaluable work.

Let us come together to celebrate the unsung heroes, applaud their extraordinary contributions, and inspire others to strive for excellence. The introduction of the 2024 Special Recognition Award sets a new standard for recognising the exceptional work happening within the NHS community. It is a category that not only acknowledges the outstanding efforts of non-medical and non-clinical staff but also encourages organisations to prioritise and appreciate the vital role they play in delivering quality healthcare.