Entries closed 19 April 2026.
The Excellence in Clinical Audit Awards celebrate the individuals and teams who are transforming healthcare through rigorous clinical audit and evidence-informed improvement projects. Formerly the Clinical Audit Heroes Awards, the awards, which form part of Clinical Audit Awareness Week, have been renamed to reflect the professionalism and high standards demonstrated by recipients.
Winner announcements
The Excellence in Clinical Audit Awards winners will be announced during a series of daily webinars during Clinical Audit Awareness Week.
2026 categories
Strategic Impact Award 2026
This award recognises clinical audits and evidence-informed improvement projects that use healthcare data to support the delivery of national or strategic priorities, including the NHS 10 Year Plan, leading to a sustainable healthcare service that ensures resources are used where they benefit patients most.
Equity and Patient Involvement Award 2026
This award recognises clinical audits and evidence-informed improvement projects that put patients at the centre of care, by effectively engaging them, carers and communities, and/or helping to address healthcare inequalities.
Innovation Award 2026
This award recognises clinical audits and evidence-informed improvement projects that use healthcare data in new or creative ways to improve care. This may include novel uses of data, digital tools, technology, analytics, or artificial intelligence.
Patient Safety Award 2026
This award recognises clinical audits and evidence-informed improvement projects that have a primary focus on improving patient safety.
Evidence into Practice Award 2026
This award recognises clinical audits and evidence-informed improvement projects that have resulted in clear and impactful change to the delivery of services. We are looking for evidence-based projects that have resulted in practical action on the ground, helping teams and systems to deliver meaningful change and improve care for patients.
Optional Commendations
In addition to the five main award categories, we will also be awarding two Commendations:
National Clinical Audit Patient Outcomes Programme (NCAPOP) Commendation
An additional award will be given to project(s) demonstrating excellence in the use of data from the NCAPOP to deliver improvements in healthcare.
Communicating for Impact Commendation
An additional award will be given to project(s) demonstrating excellence in effective communication of impact.
Getting involved in Clinical Audit Awareness Week 2026
Clinical Audit Awareness Week #CAAW26 is an opportunity for us all to shine a light on clinical audit, outcome review programmes, registries, and other data-driven healthcare improvement. Join events, share your learning, and be part of the conversation about how data can improve healthcare for all. It’s your engagement that makes this national campaign so successful!
Promote Clinical Audit Awareness Week within your organisation
Ensure all relevant teams within your organisation hear about Clinical Audit Awareness Week! The 2026 promotional resources will help you raise awareness; from email signatures and screensavers to social media posts and editable posters, there’s a wide range of useful and impactful materials.
Stay updated
Newsletter updates: Make sure you are subscribed to HQIP’s monthly eBulletins, where you’ll hear first what’s new.
Social media: Follow HQIP on LinkedIn, BlueSky and X for regular campaign updates. Please tag HQIP and #CAAW26 to share your activities with us too!
HQIP website: Keep checking back for the latest updates, activities, and ways to get involved.
