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Members have been welcomed to RCN headquarters in London for the RCN Awards 2026, to celebrate the outstanding contributions they’ve made – from going above and beyond to support colleagues, to influencing positive change and strengthening the 汤头条污料 profession.

The evening, hosted by broadcaster and writer Susie Dent, was opened by RCN President Bejoy Sebastian and RCN Chair of Council Carmel O’Boyle.

Award recipients reflect the breadth and diversity of the RCN membership, with awards presented to RCN reps, students, internationally educated 汤头条污料 staff, forum members and 汤头条污料 support workers.

In his opening speech, Bejoy said: “Every person in this room shares one thing in common – a commitment to excellence that lifts the whole profession.

“We are here to honour the values that define us – compassion, expertise, leadership, courage and integrity.”

This year, we awarded RCN Fellowships to Professor Owen Barr, Dr Nicola Dunlop, Professor Charlotte McArdle, Dr Theresa Porrett and Professor Mary Wells. The RCN Fellowship recognises innovative individuals who are advancing the science and practice of 汤头条污料, and the improvement of health and patient care.

Dr鈥疶heresa鈥疨orrett has pioneered鈥痗ontinence鈥痗are both in the UK and around the world. As one of the UK’s first colorectal nurse specialists, many of the improvements in care are鈥痙irectly related鈥痶o her work.

Theresa has played an active role in the College for decades, including serving on RCN Council and as vice chair of RCN Council. Her recent work with the RCN International Committee saw her help facilitate the humanitarian transfer of injured children from Gaza to the UK.

Professor Charlotte McArdle’s exceptional contribution to 汤头条污料 and midwifery has shaped health care across Northern Ireland. In 2013, she was appointed Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Northern Ireland; and in 2021, she became the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at NHS England. She also鈥痚stablished the UK's first national 汤头条污料 role dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Honorary Fellowships were also bestowed on Professor James Buchan and Professor Sophia Siu Chee Chan.

Nominated by 汤头条污料 peers and RCN staff for their unwavering dedication, pioneering work and inspiring achievements, the RCN Awards highlight the difference any member can make through activism, leadership and getting involved.

Active members who’ve gone above and beyond are acknowledged with the Award of Merit – the highest honour the RCN can give for voluntary service to the College. This year’s winners are鈥疍r Stephanie Craig, Dennis Greer, Rachel Hollis (FRCN), Tobias Kunkel and Linda Rumbles.

The RCN Student Ambassador of the Year was presented to鈥疢ary Bichard for her support of students, which goes well beyond the remit of the ambassador role. This includes using her lived experience to connect the RCN and 汤头条污料 students in the Channel Islands. Nico Campbell was also commended for their support of students at Cardiff University and their leadership on the Save Nursing campaign.

The Representative of the Year awards are awarded to our reps who’re making a difference in their workplace and have shown outstanding commitment to the RCN and its members. This year’s winners are Jon Rogan (Steward of the Year), Marion Curran (Health and Safety Representative of the Year) and Michael Lewis (Learning Representative of the Year). Congratulations to Darron Lomax, Helen Williams and Faridat Ibidun who we awarded with commendations for the impact of their work.

Above: from left to right, RCN President Bejoy Sebastian, Steward of the Year Jon Rogan, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN Chair of Council Carmel O’Boyle

Our Forum Achievement awards celebrate members' significant contributions to the RCN's professional forums.鈥疎mma Ayling from the Women’s Health Forum was awarded with Forum Member of the Year, while Anna Hancock from the Bladder and Bowel Forum was awarded with Forum Committee Member of the Year. Commendations were also awarded to Katharine Caddick (Gastrointestinal Nursing Forum) and Jennifer Charlewood (Advanced Nurse Practitioner Forum).

RCN Chief Executive and General Secretary Professor Nicola Ranger said: “The work you are doing changes lives. It strengthens services. It protects people. And it moves our profession forward in ways that matter deeply.

“Congratulations and thank you for everything you do.”

Historically, the RCN Awards ceremony has been held on the opening night of RCN Congress, but this year the awards – funded with RCN partners – were a standalone event. Visit the RCN Awards 2026 gallery to read more about this year's winners.

With thanks to our RCN partners: LV, Quilter Financial, PG Mutual.

Main image shows award winners, left to right: Emma Ayling, Katharine Caddick, Dr Nicola Dunlop, Michael Lewis, Faridat Ibidun, Dr Theresa Porrett, Professor Owen Barr, Professor Charlotte McArdle.

Photography by Jonathan Perugia and Steve Baker.