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 winners will be announced during a series of daily online events during Clinical Audit Awareness Week, 22-26 June 2026.
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.
Winner announcement: This award will be announced at an online event on Monday 22 June, 12.45-1.30pm. Find out more and register here.
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.
Winner announcement: This award will be announced at an online event on Tuesday 23 June, 12.15-1pm. Find out more and register here.
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.
Winner announcement: This award will be announced at an online event on Wednesday 24 June, 12.45-1.30pm. Find out more and register here.
Patient Safety Award 2026
This award recognises clinical audits and evidence-informed improvement projects that have a primary focus on improving patient safety.
Winner announcement: This award will be announced at an online event on Thursday 25 June, 12.45-1.30pm. Find out more and register here.
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.
Winner announcement: This award will be announced at a webinar on Friday 26 June, 1-3pm. Find out more and register here.
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. This award will be announced during Clinical Audit Awareness Week, 22-26 June; sign up to our events below to find out more.
Communicating for Impact Commendation
An additional award will be given to project(s) demonstrating excellence in effective communication of impact. This award will be announced during Clinical Audit Awareness Week, 22-26 June; sign up to our events below to find out more.
More events
Across five themed days, 2026’s campaign will explore how insight becomes action, showcasing practical examples, innovation, and collaboration to support improvement across healthcare, in a series of themed webinars, which are being run in addition to the above award announcement events:
- Monday 22 June, 10.30am-12pm: Turning Strategy into Reality REGISTER HERE
- Tuesday 23 June, 10.30-11.30am: Patient Involvement and Care Equity (morning webinar) REGISTER HERE
- Tuesday 23 June, 2-3pm: Patient Involvement and Care Equity (afternoon webinar) REGISTER HERE
- Wednesday 24 June, 10am-12pm: Shaping the Future Together – featuring Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England REGISTER HERE
- Thursday 25 June, 10.30am-12pm: Patient Safety REGISTER HERE
- Friday 26 June, 10am-12pm: Data-Informed Improvement (morning webinar) REGISTER HERE
- Friday 26 June, 10am-12pm: Data-Informed Improvement (morning webinar) – featuring the announcement of the Evidence into Practice award REGISTER HERE
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.
