The awards recognise outstanding contributions from individuals, teams and organisations across health and care, showcasing ideas and improvements that are making a real difference to patients and communities. 

There are 10 award categories for 2027, reflecting the breadth of excellence across the NHS. These include productivity and efficiency, digital innovation, prevention and tackling health inequalities, integrated neighbourhood care, leadership, patient and public involvement, quality improvement, sustainability, and creating inclusive workplaces where staff can thrive.

Many of these categories are highly relevant to general practice. GP practices, primary care networks (PCNs) and GP federations are leading work to deliver more proactive, personalised care closer to home, improve population health, reduce inequalities and make better use of digital technology. Whether your team has introduced a new way of supporting patients with long-term conditions, improved access through digital tools, strengthened collaboration across local services or created a more inclusive workplace culture, there may be a category that fits your achievements.

The awards are also an opportunity to recognise exceptional individuals. Practice managers, administrators, reception teams, care coordinators, social prescribing staff, nurses and GPs all play vital roles in delivering high-quality care and improving patient experience. Nominating colleagues helps ensure their hard work, leadership and innovation receive the recognition they deserve on a national stage.

How to nominate

Entries for the NHS Excellence Awards 2027 are free and are now open.

Click here to access the awards website.

Before submitting a nomination, entrants should review the category criteria carefully and ensure their submission is entered into the most appropriate category, as entries may be deemed invalid if submitted under the wrong category. NHS England also provides examples of previous winning submissions to help applicants understand the level of evidence and detail judges are looking for.

Key dates

The 2027 awards programme is currently accepting entries, with the submission deadline set for 12 noon on Thursday 17 December 2026. Teams and individuals are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early to allow time to gather evidence, demonstrate impact and secure any necessary supporting information. 

For GP practice managers, this is a chance not only to celebrate local success but also to share learning across the wider NHS. If your practice, PCN or federation has delivered measurable improvements for patients, staff or communities, now is the time to put that achievement forward and help showcase the best of primary care.