Royal College of Podiatry Awards

Introduction

The Royal College of Podiatry Awards celebrate and recognise excellence across the podiatry profession. They shine a light on the individuals, teams and communities who make a difference - through care, leadership, innovation, education, volunteering and service. These awards are peer-led and community-focused, recognising contributions at every stage of a podiatry career. Whether someone is quietly supporting patients, leading change, teaching the next generation or advancing the profession, the Royal College of Podiatry Awards exist to recognise their impact.

Why the awards matter

Podiatry is built on expertise, compassion and commitment. The Royal College of Podiatry Awards provide an opportunity for members to:

• recognise colleagues, teams and mentors who inspire them
• celebrate excellence and innovation in practice, education and research
• highlight the breadth and impact of podiatry across communities
• share pride in the profession and those who shape it

These awards are about recognising each other, strengthening our professional community and celebrating the values that define podiatry.

Award categories

• Student of the Year Award (pre-registration)
• Rising Star Award
• Clinical/Academic Educator of the Year Award
• Research and Innovation Award
• Podiatry Careers Champion Award
• Podiatry Team of the Year Award
• Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award
• Alf Morris Community Award
• Unsung Hero or Members' Choice Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Honorary Fellowship

How nominations work

Nominations are submitted online through our secure nominations platform.

The process is designed to be clear, fair and accessible:

1. Choose the award category that best fits the contribution you wish to recognise.

2. Complete the online nomination form.

3. Nominations are reviewed and scored by our awards panels.

4. All scores are confidential and collated to determine the award finalists.

You do not need to write a 'perfect' nomination. What matters most is clearly explaining why the person, team or contribution deserves recognition.

Who can nominate?

Most awards are nominated by members of the Royal College of Podiatry.

Depending on the category, nominations may also be made by:

• employers or colleagues

• students or education providers

• patients

• committees or panels

• individuals themselves (self-nomination is welcomed for some awards)

Eligibility and nomination requirements vary by award – please check individual category pages for full details.

Key dates

• Nominations open: January 2026

• Nominations close: 9 March 2026

• Awards ceremony: 12 June 2026
  Royal Institution, London

Judging

All nominations are reviewed by panels made up of experienced professionals from across the podiatry community.

Each panel assesses nominations against published criteria relevant to the award. The process is confidential and designed to ensure consistency, fairness and integrity across all categories.

Need help or not sure where to start?

If you’re unsure which category is right, whether someone is eligible, or how to submit a nomination, we’re here to help:

• explore individual award category pages

• contact the Awards team if you have further questions

Recognising excellence doesn’t need to be complicated – if someone has made a positive impact, we encourage you to put them forward.

Contact us for support at membership@rcpod.org.uk